The big termite baiting question; do they really work?
If you live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Norfolk, you know that termites aren’t a matter of “if,” but “when”. As a homeowner in the 757, you’ve likely seen the green caps of Sentricon® stations in your neighbors’ yards and wondered: Do these little tubes actually protect a home from the aggressive subterranean termites we have here?
With over 26 years of experience protecting more than 100,000 local homes, Universal Pest & Termite has seen every system on the market. Here is the truth about why Sentricon is the gold standard for our coastal environment.
The Science: Why Baiting Beats Liquid Barriers
Traditional liquid treatments create a “curtain” around your foundation. However, in the sandy, high-moisture soil of Hampton Roads, those barriers can shift or degrade over time.
Sentricon with Always Active™ technology works differently by leveraging the termite’s own biology:
- The “Trojan Horse” Effect: Termites actually prefer the Recruit HD® bait over the wood in your home.
- Colony Elimination: Worker termites find the bait, share it with the rest of the colony (including the Queen), and the entire mound is eliminated—not just repelled.
By The Numbers: Termite Facts & Stats
- $5 Billion: The amount of property damage termites cause in the U.S. every year—more than fires, earthquakes, and storms combined.
- 24/7 Protection: Sentricon stations are “Always Active,” meaning they are working to protect your home every second of the day, even while you sleep.
- 60+ Scientific Studies: Sentricon is the only termite baiting system with over six decades of proven data showing it can eliminate entire colonies.
- 757 Threat Level: Because of our proximity to the water and high humidity, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are in the “Heavy to Moderate” termite hazard zone.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does it take for Sentricon to start working?
The system begins working the moment a termite discovers a station. Because the bait is always present (Always Active™), there is no delay in protection.
2. Is the bait safe for my pets and grandchildren?
Yes. The active ingredient specifically targets the molting process of insects. It has very low toxicity to humans, pets, and even birds or fish, making it the “greenest” choice for your yard.
3. What happens if a station is damaged or a lawnmower hits it?
Universal Pest & Termite technicians conduct regular inspections of your stations. If a cap is cracked or a station is dislodged, we replace it as part of your ongoing protection plan.
4. Can I just buy the stations and install them myself?
No. Sentricon is a professional-grade system that requires certification to install and monitor. Proper spacing and professional “hot spot” identification are key to ensuring the termites find the bait before they find your rim joists.
5. Does Sentricon protect against Formosan termites?
Yes. While subterranean termites are our most common local threat, Sentricon is highly effective against the more aggressive Formosan “super-termite” colonies found in Southern Virginia.
The Universal Difference
Choosing the right system is only half the battle; choosing the right team to manage it is the other half. At Universal Pest & Termite, we don’t just “set it and forget it.” Our technicians, many of whom have been with us for nearly a decade, understand the specific soil conditions of your neighborhood.