I’ve been reading a little bit about IPM control methods for pests. I’m interested because integrated pest management seems to use less pesticide. Is there an IPM way to control termites?

G. B., Henniker, NH

As a matter of fact there is a very good IPM approach for termites and it happens to be the primary termite control method that we offer here at Colonial Pest. I’m talking about termite bait stations that have proven to be a very effective way to intercept and kill termites before they can reach your home.

For much of the 20^th century, the standard termite treatment involved hundreds of gallons of liquid pesticide injected into a trench around a home’s foundation, and sometimes through drill holes inside as well. With raised environmental concerns, termite baits were a welcome new technology. The earliest bait, Sentricon, was introduced in 1994 and has been in use ever since by IPM-oriented pest management professionals like Colonial Pest.

Termite Baiting is a “Green” Approach to Termite Control

Termite baiting is first a type of pest monitoring that is a basic tenet of IPM (see What Does IPM Mean?). Pesticides are applied only when and where they are needed (rather than generally applied), based on an evaluation of the pest levels at the site. Stations are checked and baits replaced when they are consumed (see Why Choose Termite Baits? – Advice From the Pros).

The use of termite baits is a more “green” approach that is part of an IPM treatment program (see What is “Green” Pest Control?). Rather than treating a large area with pesticide, baits allow us to selectively target individual foraging termites. Bait stations containing cellulose that is impregnated with small amounts of pesticide are installed in the ground around a home’s foundation. The pesticide is protected inside stations, and is targeted specifically to termites. As foraging termites find and feed on the baits, they also carry bait back to the colony. Eventually, either the entire colony is destroyed, or it is reduced to such an extent that it no longer poses a threat to your house (see How Do Termite Bait Stations Work?).

Let Colonial Customize Your Termite Control Program

In a true IPM approach, more extensive pesticide treatments may be employed if the situation warrants, and non-pesticide controls are also employed whenever possible. Every termite situation is different. Our technicians will inspect your home to evaluate your problem and will set up an IPM baiting and management program specifically for your home. Give Colonial a call today and ask about our Sentricon Colony Elimination System.