The Sentricon System, the first and most successful termite baiting system, has been proven to eliminate termite colonies by independent research at 30 universities, reported in 45 published scientific articles, and by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It uses only a few grams of active ingredient in a cellulose matrix that termites love to eat. This Recruit™ termite bait is placed strategically in in-ground Sentricon stations in areas where termites are or may be active. Termites feed on the Recruit termite bait and share it with nestmates until the colony dies. The Sentricon System requires no drilling in floors or foundations, no digging or trenching and no gallons of chemical solution injected in the soil.

There are other options being marketed to homeowners. Here’s how each one compares to the Sentricon System:

Other Baits

Other baits also use in-ground stations filled with a mix of cellulose and an ingredient toxic to termites. With some, the ingredient makes termites get sick or die near the bait station, so other termites avoid the bait and the colony dodges destruction. Many baits are not effective enough to do the job on their own and require a companion liquid chemical treatment.

Liquid Chemical Treatments

Liquid chemical treatments saturate the soil to try to create a treated zone around the house. In a conventional treatment, even with the newest nonrepellent termiticides, a trench is dug around the foundation of the home and holes are drilled every 12 inches through the floor or foundation. Then, hundreds of gallons of diluted chemical solution are injected into the soil around and under the structure. Unfortunately, liquid chemical treatments tend to break down over time, and termites often find untreated gaps to tunnel through. Special precautions must be taken when using a liquid chemical treatment on properties with wells or cisterns, subslab heating ducts or other vulnerable features.

Treated Wood

Borates and pressure treatments penetrate the surface of bare wood to protect it against termites. However, over time, even treated wood is subject to termite attack. Plus, termites can build mud tubes over treated wood. A wood treatment is usually done during construction when wood is exposed, but it is sometimes used to treat infested wood.

Biological Control Agents

Researchers are exploring the possibility of using parasitic worms and termiticidal fungus to infect and kill termites and other soil insects. So far, success has been limited in the real world. The colony can stop the spread of the parasites or disease by recognizing and quarantining infected termites.

Do-It-Yourself Tools

There are a few termite treatments available in do-it-yourself stores, including foams, liquids, powders and baits. However, most homeowners don’t have the knowledge, time, training or tools to outsmart termites on a mission. Plus, they have too much at stake. Many universities strongly encourage you to consult a professional for termite treatment. Even the labels on the do-it-yourself products caution that they’re not recommended for sole protection from termites.

Now that you know your options, consider them carefully. We think you’ll find there’s good reason why the Sentricon System is the No. 1 brand in termite protection.¹