What are Termite Stakes?

Termite stakes are an inexpensive way to determine if there is a termite colony around your home. Stakes are placed in the ground around the perimeter of your home approximately 10 feet apart and approximately 2 to 3 feet away from the foundation. This will help determine where the termites are most active and additional treatment, if needed, can be done. Stakes are placed in the ground deep enough to be reached because termites forage for food at a certain level in the ground. This will also keep other animals or children from accidentally consuming the bait.

What Are Termite Stakes Made of?

Termite stakes contain a small roll of treated wood housed within a plastic tube or “stake.”  Stakes are 4 inches long by 1 inch in diameter, with holes placed in the sides for termites to enter and exit.

How Termite Stakes Work

Once termites eat the bait, they take it back to their colony in the soil. The bait material is then exposed to the colony in the soil, thereby eliminating them. However, the bait takes a long period of time, around 3 to 14 days; it may take a while before the entire colony is killed. You should monitor the stakes every 2 to 3 months to determine if the bait has been eaten and also whether a termite colony exists. Replace eaten stakes immediately to keep the termites under control. They will look for sources of food elsewhere if no bait is available.

Termite stakes are a great low cost way to protect your home against termites by reducing the termite population around it. Keeping your home protect will save you money in high repair cost down the road.