EXTERRA

Termite Interception and Baiting System

THE FUTURE OF TERMITE CONTROL

For use by Exterra authorized operators only

EXTERRA is superior to other termite baiting systems and methods because it represents a simplified approach to termite baiting. EXTERRA recognises the fact that to be effective a baiting system does not have to be complicated. The key difference between EXTERRA and other termite baiting systems is the simplified interception and baiting method which allows for minimal disturbance of the feeding termites.

ADVANTAGES

• BAIT used is of low toxicity to humans and their pets. Click HERE for more information.
• BAIT applied in tamper-resistant bait stations.
• BAIT only present in station when termites actively feeding in station.
• Exposure to occupants of building is either non-existent or negligible.
• Not disruptive to occupants as in other termite control treatments.
• No need to apply large amounts of toxicants around areas of human habitation as in chemical barrier treatments now in common use.
• Less environmental impact from termite control.
• The best approach for protecting buildings and structures because it eliminates the colony.

Advantages of EXTERRA round 80 cubic inch bait station are:

LESS frequent inspections - 90 day intervals.

LESS termite disturbance

MORE bait - can mean more termites feed at the same time

HOW IT WORKS:

1. Because termites cannot be attracted, they must instead be intercepted as they randomly forage in the ground around their nest.
2. Once intercepted termites can normally be induced to consume the bait. The design of the bait station facilitates this.
3. The intercepted termites then guide other colony members back to the bait station where they also consume the bait.
4. Subterranean termites normally forage close to the earth's surface and for this reason can be intercepted in this shallow zone.
5. Termite colonies are intercepted and baited inside stations or bags that are buried in the ground or placed in contact with an above ground part of the structure to be protected.
6. Baiting is an ongoing exercise to protect the building or structure. Termites are always foraging for food and stations must always be in place to intercept them.
7. Every termite colony that inhabits the ground under or around the building or structure must be intercepted and baited.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

If the cycle of interception and baiting around and in a building or structure is interrupted or discontinued, new colonies occupying the territory of eliminated colonies or existing colonies never intercepted, may forage at points of possible entry into and infest the building or structure. For this reason, the cycle of interception and baiting should continue for as long as it is desirable to exclude subterranean termites from the building or structure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT BAIT

Primary effects of bait on termites

The active ingredient in the bait is an Insect Growth Regulator, Diflubenzuron. It acts as a Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor, (CSI's). Chitin is an important component of the exoskeletons (exterior skeletons) that are possessed by certain animals, including insects such as termites. Because exoskeletons cannot expand as termites grow, they must periodically shed their exoskeletons as they grow in order to form a new larger replacement exoskeleton. This exoskeleton shedding and replacement process is called moulting. CSI's disrupt the formation of chitin at the time of moulting resulting in failure of the insect to complete the moulting process. This results in the death of the termite.

Secondary effects of CSI's on termites

Shortly after termites begin to consume a CSI, they begin to act and behave abnormally. The most important change is a decrease in the level of nestbuilding activities by workers. They also appear to become more sluggish. A telltale visible sign that termites are being effected is that the workers may take on a chalky white appearance.

These changes most likely mean that in the field the termite colony infrastructure is not fully maintained after the colony begins to consume a CSI. One of the principal reponsibilities of worker termites is to maintain the colony infrastructure. This includes building tubes and managing harmful fungi and other pathogens that invade the termite colony. Failure of the workers to diligently maintain the nest allows harmful fungi and other pathogens to multiply in the colony and they may destroy the colony even before the CSI has its final effect on the colony.

All these changes may mean that once termites begin consuming a CSI their potential to cause additional damage begins to decrease even before the colony is eliminated.

The bait must compete with other food sources. It is impossible to remove alternate competing food sources that termites can feed upon instead of the bait. Therefore at a minimum, a bait must be fed on by termites at least as readily as they feed on natural food sources. Ideally the bait would be formulated such that termites preferred to feed on the bait when given a choice between their natural food sources and the bait.
EXTERRA MEETS THIS REQUIREMENT.

The EXTERRA in ground station represents a simplified approach to termite baiting designed to enhance termite transition to and consumption of bait. It is a hollow body with perforations in its sides and bottom allowing for termite entry, an opening opposite the bottom and a removable tamper-resistant cover that is affixed over the opening.

Termites are intercepted with wooden interceptors placed inside the station and accessible to termite attack through the perforations in its side. Interceptors provide a pre-baiting food source for termites that, upon being eaten by termites, establishes termite activity within the station.

Bait is then made continuously available for colony consumption by placing bait in the vacant centre cavity between the wooden interceptors.

Termites will normally voluntarily transition from consuming interceptors to consuming bait. Baiting is continued until there is no more activity in the bait station.

Above ground stations

Are a valuable tool when termites are infesting a building or structure and a point of active infestation can be located in the building or structure. Wooden interceptors are not used, the bait is used in the station as the interceptor.

Bait Bags

Where station use would be difficult or impossible, bait bags can be used either above or below ground.

Installation of bait stations

Full inspection of the property.

Draw up a SITE PLAN

Mark station locations on the SITE PLAN from positions ascertained during inspection.

EXAMPLES OF STATION LOCATIONS

• Close to the structure, about 600mm from structure.
• Areas of known or suspected termite entry points to structure.
• Areas of known or suspected termite foraging.
• Areas mulched with woodchip or similar materials.
• Areas containing plant root systems Wet areas and Shaded areas.
• Areas where firewood stored Wooden parts of structure in contact with ground.

Maximum interval between stations is 6 metres