Termite Monitors

Termite monitors are usually an add-on to a termite baiting program and are an attempt to address an inherent weakness of all termite colony control treatments- the risk of another colony today or in the future.

Termite monitors can be brand name or home made. The brand names tend to be plastic sleeves that are dug into the garden soil around a building. They contain attractant (wood) and no toxicant. They should be checked about each 2 months, and any monitor found to become infested has a bait toxicant added.

Specialist Termite Control has installed thousands of monitors and has the following opinions which relate to conditions in our field of operations

• monitors do not give reliable enough result to be used to remedy a currently infested building. We would not surround an infested building with monitors, then wait for something to happen. Baits on active termites are required.
• monitors are worthwhile in providing a degree of on-going management, but do not give the same level of protection as a quality chemical treatment. For this reason Specialist Termite Control recommends baiting and monitoring only for buildings where a quality chemical soil treatment is not practical or clients prefer a non-chemical approach.

Monitors must be serviced. Since Specialist Termite Control is unable to regularly check all the thousands installed, it recommends that client's provide their own checks, but that we visit once each year to check and replace timber interceptors.

While baiting should remain strictly in professional hands, termite monitoring with non-brand lures can be highly effective, and is underestimated by our industry. It is Specialist Termite Control's experience that well made monitors can outperform the brand items. The key in the Melbourne suburbs seems to be size. Bigger is better, even if it means fewer in number. This means significant materials cost. Some knowledge is required before undertaking monitoring, but it is within the ability of all most home owners. For advice, contact Specialist Termite Control on 9437 2700.