Termite bait stations contain a wood material and toxic bait for termites. This is an effective treatment technology, widely used as an alternative to treating soil with pesticide. Depending on the extent of the problem, these termite stations may be used alone or supplement the use of chemical treatment. A typical in-ground termite station is a perforated plastic tube containing a small wood block or other cellulose material which attract the termites. While some models come with installed toxic bait, others require a technician to remove the wood block and insert bait at the detection of termite activity. Termites which feed on the wood or cellulose return to their colony to attract other members to the bait. These customer-friendly baits prove to be effective in controlling the number of termites. The bait stations are of low toxicity to people and are child-resistant. The termite stations remain in the ground throughout the year and provide solid protection against termites.

There are three kinds of feeding-based systems, namely hexaflumeron (Sentricon), diflubenzuron (Labyrinth), and sulfluramid (First Line). While hexaflumeron and diflubenzuron are growth regulators, sulfluramid is an insecticide. The Hexaflumeron system is effective for monitoring and baiting, with the in-ground stations placed at an interval of about ten feet around the structure. If termites are detected on the wooden strips of the in-ground stations, a technician will place them in a container and a perforated tube will be returned to the in-ground station. When the termites begin to feed on the hexaflumeron, their colony is infected and they are killed. Above ground termite stations, which are attached to the walls, are also used to monitor termite activity. In the Diflubenzuron system, termites are monitored and upon discovery, the paper is placed within the central cavity. The technician is not required to collect and transfer the termites in a separate container. The Sulfluramid is a one step system, comprising of treated cardboard on which the termites begin to feed directly.

If you live in an apartment and detect termite infestation, you should spray liquid termite insecticide outside the building and on the outer walls. You can also consider placing termite bait systems in your apartment and outside the building. For villas, warehouse and other expansive places, you should check with professionals for a fumigation spray. However, the fumigation spray may only work for a selected variety of termites and other treatment alternatives should also be considered.