Frequently asked questions
DIY TERMALERT® is easy to use but from time to time users ask questions.
If you have a question then fire away and I can answer it here for others to see.

What is the difference between white ants and termites ?
Is it true that 1 in 4 homes will be attacked by termites ?
Why can't termite baits be installed 6 metres apart ?
How often should the timber baits be replaced ?
The baits you sent are greenish looking. Will they kill termites ?
Why are your baits are so small ?
Are there any cheap ( and effective ) treatment chemicals ?
How do you kill the Queen termite ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None. They are the same home destroying creature.
Someone in the past observed they were light in colour and 'thought' they were ants.
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Unfortunately, yes although this figure is based on 'reported' attacks. When you consider
the number of attacks that are hidden ( that is, not reported ) the real figure could be 1 in 3.
Who would willingly report termite damage knowing the devaluation it would cause.
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While it's true that some makers suggest a 6 metre spacing this is purely to reduce the overall
cost of a set of expensive baits. The suggestion that they can attract termites over
distances great than 3mm has never been scientifically proven.
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It really depends on the average moisture content of your subsoil. There is no way to be sure
apart from pulling them up every 12 months and having a look.
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The green, red or blue tinge is a food colouring used during the impregnation process.
It is simply to easily differeniate between treated and untreated baits.
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They were never designed for in situ treatment of active termites. The object is to establish
'contact' with their underground world and populate an above ground aggregation device.
Once enough termites have occupied the device, they are 'directly' treated.
My recommendation is to use TERMIDOR® DUST as opposed to treatments that involve
the use of CSI's ( Chitin Synthesis Inhibitors ).
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If you can't afford a pest man for the treatment phase you could consider using
a mild Boric Acid* solution to impregnate the bait mass of our Termite Collector at the outset.
You simply install the Termite Collector over the top or alongside an 'active' inground monitor.
You can also use it to impregnate your own home made termite baits.
I can supply the 'exact' amount required to make up 4 litres of solution.
All recipes on the internet actually create a 'repellent' ( which is not a good thing if your
intention is to eliminate your termite threat ). The amount I supply is 'padded out' with an
inert feeding stimulant so that the exact amount of Boric Acid remains a trade secret.
* I know some of you reading this will turn your nose up but Boric Acid if used correctly can have
a devastating effect on termite populations. Termites have never built up a resistance to it. During laboratory
tests to evaluate treatments to protect timber from termite attack it was discovered that Boric Acid at
a certain concentration was not detectable yet resulted in a very high mortality rate. Too weak and termites
were not affected. Too strong and termites were repelled after a tiny nibble.
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That's easy. You find the nest and keep digging until you find the biggest termite you
have ever seen and kill it. There is no other sure fire way but what most people don't know
( because no one mentions it ) is that the Queen is not the only egg layer in a colony. When
eggs hatch they go through many instar ( moulting ) stages until they become one of many
termite types. Just how they become a particular type ( caste ) of termite is unknown but
one of these castes is a supplementary reproductive. Termites haven't survived for millions
of years by having colonies of millions depending on just one Queen to lay eggs. These
supplementary reproductives also venture forth when required to help populate satellite
nests. Those nests inside the walls of peoples' homes have supplementary reproductives
belting out eggs just like the Queen in the main colony.
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