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BAITS OR BARRIERS...WHICH IS BETTER?

This is the most common question from homeowners trying to decide which form of treatment to purchase. Liquid barrier treatments have been the standard method for controlling subterranean termites for decades. Not to say that there haven't been performance failures and other problems; but for the most part, barrier treatments have afforded adequate termite protection. Although baiting clearly has potential advantages (see below), the approach does not yet have a long-term track record on which to base its performance. Other factors to consider in the purchasing decision include:

1.Has the structure already been treated (unsuccessfully) using conventional methods?

Some structures have construction features that interfere with conventional soil treatment methods, e.g., fire places, subslab heating ducts, drainage systems, inaccessible crawl spaces, stone foundations, etc. Buildings with hard-to-treat construction or chronic retreatment histories are logical candidates for termite baits. With baits, gaining access for treatment is seldom a problem since foraging termites are as likely to encounter below-ground bait stations around the foundation exterior as beneath the structure. In respect to contamination of drainage systems, etc., baits are of negligible risk and can be used in the most sensitive treatment situations.

2. Are you opposed to having your floors drilled, and furniture/stored items/carpeting moved?

Baiting requires fewer disruptions than does conventional barrier treatment. Installation and subsequent monitoring of bait stations generally does not even require the technician to come indoors. Noise, drill dust, and similar disruptions associated with conventional treatment are avoided.

3 .Are you strongly opposed to the use of pesticides around your home?

Based on the current body of scientific research, conventional liquid termiticides pose no significant hazard to humans, pets or the environment when applied according to label directions. In spite of the negligible health risk from such treatments, some individuals are still apprehensive. Chemically-concerned homeowners may find the concept of baiting more attractive. With baits, the total amount of pesticide applied is minute in comparison to the high amount needed to achieve a thorough and effective soil barrier treatment.

4.How much are you willing to spend for termite protection?

Termite treatments are rather expensive, ranging in price from about $1500-$6000. Depending upon the circumstances, a baiting program may end up costing more than a conventional treatment -- the reason being that baiting programs require multiple visits to the property for ongoing monitoring of bait stations. Whereas conventional treatments typically entail a single annual followup inspection, baiting may require three or more visits per year. Homeowners should consider both the initial treatment price and renewal fee in making their purchasing decision.

5.Assuming my home will be baited, should I also request a supplemental barrier treatment?

The need for supplemental soil treatment depends on the circumstances. Property owners with a serious termite problem, or those involved in a real estate transaction, may not want to wait 2 to 6 months (sometimes longer) for baits to suppress or eliminate the infestation. With comprehensive baiting programs, liquid applications (when deemed necessary) are usually made as partial treatments to infested areas, rather than to the entire structure.