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FAQ

Subterranean Termites

How do termites find the Sentricon stations?

Worker termites are constantly foraging for new food sources, even if there is an ample supply present. In fact, termites can forage distances greater than 100 yards as they search for new food sources. Sentricon® is designed so the bait stations intercept the random foraging patterns of the workers.

What should I do if I think I have had a termite swarm in my home?

Swarming is a natural process that usually occurs in warm weather after a rain shower, as termite reproductives seek to start new colonies. If you see termites swarming, or merely find a collection of their discarded wings, call a Certified Sentricon Specialist. It could be ants. It could be termites. It’s important to get an expert inspection.

How many eggs can a queen termite lay?

A queen termite can produce a million or more offspring in her lifetime. Termite colonies usually range from the tens of thousands of individuals to multiple millions. And it is not uncommon for multiple colonies to attack a home at the same time or to have multiple colonies on your property.

The Sentricon® System

Is it okay to plant a vegetable and herb garden near the bait stations?

Yes. The active ingredient in Sentricon® is not systemic and will not be taken up by the plants, and the potential for leaching is extremely low.

What will happen to my pets if they come in contact with the bait stations?

The quantity of active ingredient in each bait station is so small that a dog would need to ingest approximately 200 of the bait station inserts — which is simply impossible — before becoming sick.

Is it okay for my kids and pets to play near the bait stations?

Yes. The stations are placed in the ground with only a service cover visible, and require a special key to open. In addition, the active ingredient used in Sentricon, noviflumuron, is designed specifically to disrupt the molting process that occurs only in insects and closely related organisms, not people or pets.

Can bait stations be installed indoors?

Sentricon is traditionally installed around a property’s perimeter to create a protective barrier around the structure. If active termite feeding is found indoors, Recruit® AG bait stations can be installed by a Certified Sentricon Specialist. These stations bring the power of the Sentricon System above ground.

What makes Sentricon my best option?

Liquid treatments are antiquated efforts to keep termites away and can be very disruptive to your property and lifestyle. But Sentricon® is an entire system based on the science of natural termite behavior. The award-winning, patented technology in Sentricon uses the termites themselves to destroy their entire colony and kill the queen.

Does Sentricon require any other products to be totally effective?

No. Sentricon is a stand-alone technology that is fully effective.

How often are the bait stations on my property checked and managed?

Label directions for Always Active™ technology allow your Certified Sentricon Specialist to perform service once per year, though some will come more often. This flexibility allows a service schedule that meets the needs of your property and provides you with maximum convenience. You do not even need to be home when the stations are serviced.

How long does Sentricon take to start working?

Sentricon starts protecting a home as soon as it is installed. The Sentricon System begins working once termites feed on the bait found within the station. How quickly termites find an in-ground Sentricon station depends on the termite pressure in your area — but if termites are present, they will find the stations. Unlike liquid termiticide treatments, Sentricon® eliminates the entire colony. Colony elimination is the most effective way to protect your property. If active termite feeding is visible, your Certified Sentricon Specialist™ can install specialized above-ground stations to initiate immediate feeding. The faster worker termites get to the bait used by the Sentricon System, the faster their colony will be eliminated.

Does Sentricon® attract termites?

No. Termites find Sentricon stations through their relentless search and continuous foraging for additional food sources. Once they discover the stations, inside they’ll find the patented and highly desirable lethal food source the termite workers readily feed on and take back to the colony to share with their nestmates. Termites die off but are not able to identify the cause. This leads ultimately to the death of the colony and the queen.

Service with Sentricon®

What should I do if I notice a bait station cap is broken or missing?

Call your Certified Sentricon Specialist to have it replaced.

Can I service Sentricon stations myself?

No. Sentricon is registered for professional use only according to federal and state regulations and may only be sold and serviced by a Certified Sentricon Specialist™ according to manufacturer requirements. Termites are serious pests and the extreme damage they can do to a home requires specialized training and materials. If you have a concern or question, the best thing you can do is to call your Certified Sentricon Specialist and ask him or her to come out and assess the situation.

I purchased a home with existing Sentricon® bait stations. What should I do?

To ensure your home continues to be maintained by the No. 1 brand in termite protection, you must reactivate the service agreement. It is best to find the pest management company that had previously serviced your home as they will know the property’s history. If that is not possible, use our Find a Termite Professional page to find a Certified Sentricon Specialist in your area.

How much does Sentricon cost?

There is a basic cost to have Sentricon installed and then an ongoing service fee to maintain the protection. The cost may vary depending upon the service program you and your Certified Sentricon Specialist agree to. Once installed, it costs about a dollar a day to keep Sentricon protection in place.