The bait material is replenished as long as termites continue feeding. For the bait system to be effective, the proper number of stations must be installed and the stations must be inspected or monitored regularly as indicated on the product label. When termites stop feeding, the bait is replaced with untreated wood or other cellulose material. As a variation of this strategy, devices may be pre-baited and placed in the soil in areas where termites are present. The second bait strategy currently in use involves the attachment of bait devices directly to the surface of construction elements where termites are actively feeding.
Termites then feed on the bait material.
There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of termiticide baits. Baits may be used to treat structures that cannot be treated with liquid termiticides due to the presence of a well, inaccessibility of infested areas or concerns about the use of pesticides. However, in most cases, termiticide baits do not provide quick control of the termite infestation. In addition, the maintenance of bait system service agreements is normally more expensive than maintenance of conventional treatment warranties. Whenever possible, it is best to treat a structure completely in accordance with the Structural Pest Control Rules.