This rate of monitoring the bait stations is in contrast to the traditional yearly inspection of the structure. Baiting offers the advantage of decreasing the amount of chemical needed to protect a structure. Often, hundreds of gallons of traditional termiticide are necessary to obtain control of subterranean termite infestations. With a bait, termites can be controlled with milligram quantities of active ingredient. Termiticides can kill a broad variety of plant and animal life if applied incorrectly.
Baits specifically target termites.
While baits have been successful in eliminating termites from existing structures, it is still being researched if termites can be prevented from entering a structure that did not have an infestation. A physical barrier used is particle-sized rocks such as basaltic rock or granite. The rocks are ground into a specific size that is large enough so that termite mandibles cannot grasp it, yet small enough so that the termite body cannot maneuver between the spaces. These particle-sized barriers are used under slabs, around foundations, and around plumbing to create a physical barrier against termites. It is being used in Hawaii during construction.