Liquid vs. Bait Termite Treatment

When Is Termite Treatment Necessary in Baton Rouge LA - Dugas Pest Control Homeowners in Baton Rouge fear termites because they have the ability to cause structural damage to the home. In many cases, the damage has already been started by the time that termites are discovered.

Since these pests are highly destructive, it’s important that the pest control methods used are both fast and effective.

There are two types of termite protection systems that we recommend: traditional liquid barriers and baiting systems. At Dugas Pest Control, we offer both types of protection options, better known as Termidor (liquid) and Sentricon (bait). Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each and which type of termite control will be best for your home if you are faced with a Baton Rouge termite infestation.

What is Liquid Barrier Protection Systems?

Termidor is a non-repellent liquid that cannot be detected by termites. The liquid is injected into the soil around the home so that it creates a barrier that keeps termites out. When the termites crawl through the soil, they come into contact with the liquid bait and then unknowingly bring it back to their colony. Through activities like grooming and eating, the insecticide is shared with the colony and begins building up in the gut of the termites, causing them to perish in little time.

Termidor is very effective, and because the insecticide is spread throughout the entire colony, it kills off the termites in six to eight weeks. This unique ‘Transfer Effect’ is what Termidor prides itself on, as other forms of termite control are more easily noticed by these pests and won’t be transferred to the colony. Other benefits to this type of barrier system are that it lasts up to 10 years and has cost-effective warranty renewals.

What are Bait Systems?

The second option that Baton Rouge homeowners have is Sentricon, which consists of termite bait stations. These stations are placed in the soil several feet apart from each other. They surround the home, and when termites crawl through the system, they come into contact with the slow-acting bait. Sentricon is not as effective as Termidor, but it will decrease termite numbers and possibly even eradicate the colony as a whole.

There are other advantages you will want to consider with this baiting system. Sentricon does not involve drilling around the home, and the bait systems are the most environmentally friendly option. For those concerned about the chemicals used in liquid bait, baiting systems may be the best option. However, there are drawbacks to consider with this type of system.

First, bait systems are much slower to act and can take six to eight months to take control of the problem. In the meantime, termites can be feasting on your home and causing a great deal of headache. Also, it’s easy for the bait stations to be disrupted due to weather changes, lawn maintenance and other outdoor activity. And, whenever these systems are moved, termites often detect this and will avoid the tunnel. They end up dodging the bait and building new tunnels, something that a liquid treatment would prevent.

Homeowners must also keep in mind that bait systems do cost a bit more in the long-run. They are less expensive initially, but there is more maintenance needed to keep the bait systems working properly.

Which Termite Defense Product is Most Recommended?

Since there are benefits to both liquid barrier and bait systems, Dugas Pest Control is pleased to offer both forms of termite treatment because each treatment system may be the best solution for any particular termite situation.  Our job as termite control specialists is to inspect your property, understand your concerns, and make a recommendation for eliminating the termite problem in a manner which makes each home or business owner comfortable with the solution.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Spring season is coming, and the termites will be soon be out in force here in Baton Rouge.  Subterranean termites become active as the weather gets warmer in March, April and May.  Then the Formosan termites will begin to swarm as we get into May, June and July.

Don’t wait until you start to see signs of damage to your home, contact us today for a free termite inspection and protect your home before the damage occurs.

Is the Sentricon Termite Elimination System Right for You?

termite exterminator If you’ve been faced with a termite infestation, you probably heard about two options that are available to you: Sentricon. At Dugas Pest Control, we are certified to offer both of these termite control solutions. For the purpose of this discussion, we’d like to discuss the advantages to choosing the Sentricon System and whether this may be the best choice for your particular situation.

What is the Sentricon System?

The Sentricon System is a series of bait stations that are positioned around the perimeter of the home. It was developed in 1995 and was the first termite baiting system, a major step up from the traditional liquid barriers.

The way in which the system works is unique. Worker termites work day and night to find food, and once they do, they leave a scent for others to follow. They also chew and digest the food, then throw it up to share with other termites in their colony. The food is poisonous, slowly killing off colonies.

How Sentricon Works

This system was developed after careful observation of termite behavior. The pest control company that implements the system will monitor the bait stations for termite activity. If activity is detected, there will be a bait tube added that contains the poisonous food and wipes out the colony. The process is slow, and the worker termites do not notice what is happening.

Sentricon’s Advantages

What makes the Sentricon System a great option is that it’s one of the most environmentally friendly options out there. It’s also less expensive than other methods, and families with children and pets enjoy the fact that there are no chemicals around the home that could affect their lifestyle. In fact, it is so safe, it can be used indoors under certain circumstances.

Termite damage in southern Louisiana

Dugas Pest Control provides termite treatment and extermination service in New Orleans and Baton Rouge LouisianaTermites are perhaps the most expensive pests we face in the pest control industry and are responsible for billions of dollars in damage each year here in the United States. And unfortunately, here in Louisiana we have our fair share of termites. In fact, according to the LSU Ag Center Formosan subterranean termites cause $500 million in damage annually in Louisiana alone.

Louisiana’s warm and humid climate is favorable for termites. Add to that the abundance of water sources, forests and older homes and you have everything termites need to survive.

Where are termites found?

Termite infestations can be found almost anywhere in our area including homes as well as commercial or industrial sites. These tough pests can also be found in dead trees, shrubs and even agricultural crops. They can be found infesting a structure where a food source is present, or as a swarm during the morning hours or at night.

These factors make termite control a critical service when it comes to protecting our local homes and businesses.

What termites live in Louisiana?

There are three major types of termites in Louisiana:

  • Native subterranean termite
  • Formosan termite
  • Dry wood termite

However, Louisiana homes and buildings sustain more damage from Formosan termites than in any other state in America. In states like Louisiana where termites are very active and widespread, it is essential to maintain an effective termite prevention and control program . If you own a home in Louisiana, talk to a Dugas Pest Control expert about methods to help protect your home from termite infestations and damage.
Why do termites flourish in Louisiana?

Due to the tropical climates of Louisiana, the warmth and humidity attract many species of insects. Termites especially like to swarm to Louisiana during most of the year; with different species arriving at different times of the year in Louisiana there is almost never a time when termites are not entering the State.

According to Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones), Louisiana is located in TIP Zone #1 (very heavy), which means the potential for termite damage is considered significant. Areas with higher probabilities for termite activity require more termite control measures to meet International Residential Code building standards for new homes than areas with less frequent activity.
Dugas Pest Control Services in Louisiana

If you are concerned you have termites in your Louisiana home, or do not have a preventative service, it is urgent that you call Dugas Pest Control as soon as possible. In order to minimize damage, it is recommended that you contact someone within the first 24 hours of identifying a possible termite infestation due to their rapid reproduction cycle. By calling immediately you can help prevent further contamination across Baton Rouge and Louisiana and also potentially save thousands of dollars of damage to your home.