Discovering a termite infestation in your home can be a total nightmare. Out of all the household pests a Maryland homeowner may encounter, termites are by far some of the most destructive and are among the most common. Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage across the United States, quietly chewing through wood, flooring, and even structural supports before many homeowners even realize there’s a problem.
Unfortunately, getting rid of termites isn’t always easy, and DIY methods rarely offer a lasting solution. In most cases, it takes the expertise of a professional pest control service to eliminate an infestation and prevent future damage.
Today, we’re breaking down the Sentricon® System and other proven termite control and prevention methods to help you choose the best option for your unique situation.
Introduction to Termite Control Systems
If you’re dealing with a termite infestation, there are several effective control systems available to protect your home.
One of the most trusted and widely used options is the Sentricon® System, a termite baiting solution designed to eliminate entire colonies at the source. Unlike traditional liquid barrier treatments, Sentricon targets termites from within the colony and eliminates the queen, ensuring long-term protection.
But what exactly are termite bait stations, and why are they such a powerful defense?
Termite bait stations are strategically placed units installed around the perimeter of your home. Each station contains a cellulose-based bait that termites find more appealing than wood. Once termites begin feeding on the bait, they carry the active ingredient back to the colony, where it is spread among other termites—including the queen—leading to a complete colony collapse over time.
Bait stations like Sentricon are an effective solution because they combine continuous monitoring, targeted elimination, and environmental safety. They don’t rely on widespread chemical applications, making them safer for families, pets, and the environment.
Bait systems also offer long-term prevention by creating an active defense line around your property, stopping termites before they ever reach your home.
What Is the Sentricon System?
The Sentricon® System is a termite control method that uses bait stations to eliminate entire colonies, including the queen. These stations are placed in the ground around the home and contain a highly attractive bait treated with noviflumuron, an active ingredient that disrupts termite growth. Termites prefer the bait over wood, making it especially effective.
What sets Sentricon apart from other termite treatments is that it targets the source of the infestation without the need for trenching, drilling, or liquid chemical barriers, making it less invasive, environmentally friendly, and safer for people and pets.
Installation Process of Bait Stations
When a pest control professional visits your home to install termite bait stations, you can expect them to dig holes in the ground where the bait stations will go. These holes will typically be dug around the perimeter of your home, often every 10-15 feet or so, and about 2-3 feet from your home’s foundation.
Once the bait stations are placed in the ground, your exterminator may perfect the site by clearing any debris and vegetation in the surrounding area and firmly pressing soil against the bait stations to eliminate any air gaps.
Monitoring and Maintenance of Bait Stations
Once the bait stations are placed in the ground around your home, your exterminator will likely visit your home regularly, typically every 90 days or the frequency recommended by the manufacturer. During these visits, your exterminator will monitor the bait stations to see how well they work and replenish the bait if needed.
Sentricon vs. Other Termite Treatment Methods
There are many different methods of termite control on the market, all with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Sentricon System remains one of the most popular and effective methods for getting rid of termites, and is one of the more environmentally safe options.
Liquid termiticides are also popular with homeowners, as these chemicals are often considered to be faster-acting when killing termites. A trusted pest control professional will be able to recommend the best termite removal method for your unique situation and level of infestation.
Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety
The Sentricon System is considered one of the most effective methods of termite control on the market and one of the most environmentally friendly options. This is because the Sentricon System offers homeowners minimal exposure to harsh chemicals compared to other termite removal methods, such as liquid termiticides.
Pest Czar proudly offers the Sentricon System and monitoring services to all Maryland property owners who sign up for ongoing termite control services. Contact us for more information about how it works and how much it costs.
FAQs
What is the Sentricon System made of?
The Sentricon System’s active ingredient is noviflumuron, an insect growth regulator that prevents termites from molting. The Sentricon System is designed to be more appealing to termites than wood, which is what they usually feast on.
How do termite bait stations kill the colony?
Termite bait stations work to kill an entire colony of termites by spreading a slow-acting poison to all of the termites, including the queens. When one termite consumes the bait, they will then spread it to the rest of their colony, eventually killing them.
Are Sentricon stations safe for pets and children?
Yes, Sentricon stations are not typically harmful to pets and children. The active ingredient in the Sentricon System, noviflumuron, has a low toxicity to mammals, and the bait stations are placed in the ground out of reach of a child or pet.