Termite Baiting Fundamentals
Professional Colony Elimination for Long-Term Termite Control
Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage worldwide every year. Traditional termite treatments focus on creating chemical barriers around buildings, but barriers alone do not eliminate the source of the problem. The Exterminex Termite Baiting System was developed to do exactly that: eliminate the termite colony itself.
Exterminex is a professional termite bait system used by licensed pest control operators across Australia and internationally. It is designed to work with termite biology, behaviour, and feeding preferences to deliver reliable colony elimination with minimal disruption to the property.
Why Termite Baiting Works Better Than Traditional Methods
Traditional liquid treatments create a treated zone in the soil. While effective at blocking termite entry, they do not eliminate the colony. In many cases, termites simply divert their activity or reinfest once the treatment degrades.
Termite baiting works differently.
Baiting targets termites where they live and feed. By exploiting their natural foraging behaviour and food-sharing process, baiting allows the active ingredient to spread throughout the entire colony, including the Queen and King.
The result is colony collapse, not just temporary protection.
How the Exterminex Termite Baiting System Works
The Exterminex system uses two complementary components:
In-Ground Termite Baiting System
In-ground stations are installed around a structure, typically every three metres. These stations act as both:
- Monitoring points to detect termite activity early
- Delivery points for bait once termites are intercepted
When termites are detected feeding on the timber interceptors, Exterminex termite bait is added to the station containing the active ingredient. Foraging termites consume the bait and transport it back to the colony.
Above-Ground Termite Baiting System
Above-ground stations with termite bait or RTI (Ready To Install) bait packs are used when termites are visible inside a structure, such as:
- Mud trails on walls or ceilings
- Timber frames or furniture
- Trees or landscaping near the building
The bait is placed directly onto active termite workings, allowing immediate feeding. Once the colony is eliminated, above-ground stations are removed and the in-ground system remains in place as an early-warning and long-term protection system.
How Termite Colonies Are Eliminated
Termites share food through a natural process called trophallaxis. This allows nutrients, pheromones, and in this case bait, to be distributed throughout the colony.
After interception:
- Worker termites feed on the bait
- The bait is shared with nestmates, soldiers, and reproductives
- The active ingredient reaches the Queen and King
Colony elimination typically occurs within 2 to 12 weeks, depending on colony size and environmental conditions. In most cases, elimination occurs within 6 to 8 weeks.
What Makes Exterminex Different
Exceptional Palatability
Exterminex is the result of years of research into termite feeding preferences. The bait matrix is:
- Highly refined cellulose-based
- Non-repellent
- Enhanced with specific feeding stimulants and alluring compounds
Comparative studies show that termites prefer Exterminex over many other baits, often consuming it in preference to natural timber.
Simply put, to termites, Exterminex is “too attractive to be a poison”.
Freshness and Consistency
Exterminex bait is sealed packed to preserve freshness and maintain maximum attractiveness from installation through consumption. This consistency is critical for successful colony elimination.
The Science Behind Exterminex: Chlorfluazuron
Exterminex uses chlorfluazuron, a proven insect growth regulator (IGR) that inhibits chitin synthesis.
Chitin is an essential component of the insect exoskeleton. When termites ingest chlorfluazuron:
- They are unable to repair or replace their exoskeleton during molting
- Worker termites gradually die over time
- The colony suffers a progressive loss of workers
As worker numbers decline:
- Food collection slows
- Nest maintenance fails
- The colony weakens and collapses
Because chlorfluazuron is slow acting and non-repellent, termites continue feeding and sharing the bait before any effects are noticed. This ensures full distribution throughout the colony.
Chlorfluazuron is also highly stable, allowing it to remain active as it is passed from termite to termite, ensuring effective trophallaxis and colony elimination.
Termite Species Controlled
Exterminex is effective against a wide range of economically important termite species, including:
- Coptotermes acinaciformis
- Coptotermes gestroi
- Coptotermes formosanus
- Coptotermes curvignathus
- Coptotermes frenchi
- Heterotermes species
- Reticulitermes species
- Schedorhinotermes species
- Macrotermes and Microtermes species
This makes Exterminex suitable for use across Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other termite-prone regions worldwide.
Designed for Professionals, Trusted by Homeowners
Exterminex is a professional termite baiting system, supplied to licensed pest control operators. For homeowners, this means:
- Reduced chemical use around the home
- Minimal disruption during treatment
- Long-term protection through monitoring
For technicians, Exterminex delivers:
- Reliable colony elimination
- Strong bait acceptance
- Consistent performance across environments
Long-Term Termite Protection
Exterminex does not just treat termites that are present today. Once the colony is eliminated, the in-ground system remains in place to detect future termite activity early, before damage occurs.
That is the difference between temporary protection and long-term termite management.