Complete termite prevention in Middletown, NJ

Challenge

Recently, I completed a Sentricon installation for a homeowner in Middletown, NJ. This homeowner did not have an active termite infestation. However, after doing his own research on termites and talking with neighbors who had termite troubles, he decided to take matters into his own hands and protect his home from these destructive insects. Subterranean termites stay hidden, and they can silently cause property damage over many years if not detected and treated. He was concerned, and rightfully so, that his home could potentially face extensive termite damage before the damage was discovered. Visible termite damage is a late sign of a termite infestation, and, unfortunately, for too many homeowners, is the first indication of a termite problem. This homeowner didn’t want to wait for termites to come to him. He decided to be proactive and contact the termite specialists at Cowleys.

Solution

For termite prevention, Cowleys recommends the Sentricon® baiting system. Sentricon is a subterranean termite colony elimination system that exploits termite biology and behavior against them. The bait stations contain cellulose (the termite’s food source) treated with an insect growth regulator (IGR) that prevents molting. The worker termites bring the bait back to share with the colony. Unable to molt, the termites soon die and the underground colony is quickly destroyed. 

Sentricon is an amazingly effective system that’s been field-proven for decades. However, Sentricon’s effectiveness depends on the quality of the pest control service. First, the system must be properly installed. Most Sentricon installation jobs have issues that pop up, none of which are insurmountable as long as you have an experienced installer. There must be full coverage around the home so there are no weak links. Second, the effectiveness of the baiting system depends on the pest control company properly monitoring the bait stations and re-baiting them as necessary.  

With this installation job, I laid out the units around the home’s perimeter using the recommended ten foot intervals of separation of bait stations ,and augered the bait stations into the ground. However, one side of the house had an asphalt driveway where bait stations could not be installed. To protect the home from possible termite infestation from this area, I carefully drilled through the blacktop and injected Termidor®, a long-lasting liquid application directly into the soil. Every few years, this homeowner will need to have a new application for this part of the home’s perimeter in order to keep termites at bay.