Homeowners Info - Termite Management Made Simple

Prevention, Early Detection and Long Term Protection

Termites cause damage silently and often go unnoticed until significant structural harm has already occurred. Effective termite management is not about a single treatment. It is about ongoing prevention, early detection, and long-term control.

In Australia, termite protection during construction typically involves installing chemical or physical barriers beneath slabs or around foundations. These systems are designed to help expose termite activity and reduce the risk of concealed entry.

However, the Australian Standard recognises that:

  • No barrier system is termite-proof

  • Termites can bridge or bypass any barrier over time

  • Regular inspections are essential and must be maintained annually

For this reason, the Australian Standard promotes integrated termite management systems to further reduce the risk of termite attack.

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A Safer Approach Compared to Traditional Chemical Treatments

Termite baiting is widely regarded as a lower-impact alternative to broad chemical soil treatments.

Unlike traditional chemical barriers that involve applying large volumes of termiticide into the soil around a building, baiting systems:

  • Use very small, targeted amounts of active ingredient

  • Keep the bait contained within secure, closed stations

  • Avoid widespread chemical application around living areas

Because the bait is enclosed and only accessed by termites, there is minimal exposure risk to people, pets, and the surrounding environment when installed and maintained by a licensed professional.

This makes termite baiting particularly suitable for:

  • Homes with children or pets

  • Occupied buildings and sensitive environments

  • Properties where extensive chemical treatments are undesirable or impractical

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How Termite Baiting and Monitoring Works

The Exterminex Termite Baiting and Monitoring System is designed to complement existing barriers and inspections by providing continuous monitoring around your property.

Monitoring stations are installed discreetly in the ground around the perimeter of the building. These stations contain specially selected untreated timber that attracts foraging subterranean termites.

If termites are detected:

  • The monitoring timber is replaced with a termite bait

  • Termites feed on the bait and share it throughout their colony

  • This process targets the colony itself, not just the termites you can see

This approach allows for the elimination of termite colonies that may be hidden underground or impossible to locate directly.

Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance

Termite monitoring is an ongoing program, typically managed by your local licensed pest control professional.

This usually includes:

  • Regular inspection of monitoring stations, often annually

  • Early detection of termite activity before damage occurs

  • Application of bait only when termites are present

Because bait is only used when needed, this method results in reduced chemical use around the home while maintaining effective control.

Reducing the Risk of Termite Damage

Installing a termite baiting and monitoring system is an important step, but it should always be combined with annual termite inspections.

Annual inspections:

  • Are required under Australian Standards

  • Must be carried out by a licensed and insured professional

  • Help identify high-risk areas such as moisture zones, landscaping issues, and structural vulnerabilities

Your pest control professional can also provide practical advice on how to reduce termite risk around your property, including drainage improvements, timber management, and maintenance tips.

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Why Choose a Monitoring-Based System

Unlike traditional treatments that focus only on creating barriers, termite baiting systems are designed to:

  • Detect termite activity early

  • Eliminate the termite colony, not just repel termites

  • Provide long-term protection through ongoing monitoring

This makes baiting and monitoring systems particularly valuable where liquid treatments are limited, impractical, or where long-term risk reduction is the priority.

Find an Accredited Installer

To ensure correct installation and ongoing protection, Exterminex systems are supplied and maintained exclusively by licensed and insured professional pest control operators.

To find a local accredited installer, click here.