Termites are every homeowner’s nightmare and fear. They cause major structural damage to the home and costly repairs if caught in time. Yet there are methods to use to avoid possible termite damage.

There is a new method used that is effective called termite baiting. It has become a very popular method for termite control. It is especially popular with people that are sensitive to chemical insecticides. They do not have the allergic reaction to the new method.

The system involves burying a plastic node into the ground. The nodes attract the foraging worker termites in the areas around the home where the worker termites feed. The nodes contain edible wood for the termites.

The nodes are inspected monthly. If the nodes have termite infestation, a termiticide poison is injected into the node. Since the node is a regular source of food for the termites, the poison is spread throughout the termite colony. This method works on the outside termites yet using the same type of node inside the home provides the same results for killing the termites. The nodes used in the home are small-boxed shaped objects pretreated with the termiticide.

With the outside nodes, it is very important to check them regularly so you can monitor when the termites are eating the bait and when to inject the poison to kill them. If you wait too long between checking the nodes, the termites will eat all the bait and you will miss the chance to inject the poison.

This type of termite control is environmentally safe versus the older method of leaving the chemical insecticide down where it causes health related issues for people and animals as well as pollution. Many restaurants use the new method since it is an extremely easy method to use to address their termite issues. Their customers will not realize they have termites with the new nodes placed in their locations instead of the older manner of the famous termite pest control visiting the locations with all of their gear.

For people living near water or with water features near their home, the nodes are especially nice since they are the only option for situations that have water in close proximity. Moist wood attracts termites faster than the dry wood yet it is not a good idea to use other methods of termite control in damp areas due to the chemicals contaminating the water as well as becoming diluted. After a period of time, reapplying the old fashion insecticide becomes ineffective. The termites will eventually look for a new feeding ground with the older method where as the new method will kill off the termites with little effort.

Jonathan Pitts

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