FAQ
Xterm® is a termite baiting system that consists of both “Above Ground” (“AG”) and “In Ground” (“IG”) components that contain a termite attractant / food material, which also contains a trace amount of a slow-acting chemical which the termites carry back to their nest, resulting in colony elimination.
Xterm® contains a specific insect growth regulating chemical, which has no adverse affect on adults, their children or their pets. In addition the bait is held in a secure cartridge, and itself held within a tamper proof bait station. The product has passed local registration requirements and is fully approved for use in and around the home.
Xterm<sup>®</sup> is essentially termite food that contains a slow acting active ingredient that when consumed and carried back to the nest is shared with the rest of the colony in a process called trophallaxis. The colony slowly weakens and eventually collapses. This targeted process ensures the greatest effect is attained from the minimum amount of chemical ensuring minimum cost with maximum impact with an environmentally sound technique.
Insect growth regulators (IGRs) act by inhibiting chitin synthesis in the body of an insect. Chitin is the main component in an insect’s exoskeleton, without which the insect is not able to moult properly during metamorphosis leading to their death.
Other than the physical barriers that are used in some countries, other chemical termite control methods include the treatment of soil under and around buildings to form protective barriers. This often involves the need to drill numerous holes in flooring and the application of large volumes of chemical. Another option, in countries which still allow it, is a “spot treatment” using arsenic trioxide dusts.
The “spot treatment” of termites using normal insecticide liquid sprays is not recommended as this does not control the colony and can lead to greater and longer term damage to the property.
Arsenic compounds were used as insecticides, herbicides and rodenticides from the 18th century to the late 20th. Arsenic compounds are remarkably stable and once treated, objects containing arsenic can probably never be fully decontaminated. Colony elimination is seldom achieved with such applications.
Xterm® is one of the very few proven means of destroying the termite colony, which is usually situated deep in the ground away from the building which it is attacking. Xterm® contains a low hazard active ingredient that is target-specific, held inside a biodegradable bait matrix. This matrix is highly palatable to termites and once termites locate it, they will not stop feeding until the colony dies*.
*This statement applies to sites with no known chemical treatments prior to baiting.
There is no need to drill holes to place Xterm®. The Above Ground bait stations can be mounted using adhesive tape** and the In Ground bait stations are inserted into pre-dug cavities surrounding a landed property.
**In certain situations, screws may be needed to provide extra hold for the bait station.
Xterm® is the fastest colony eradication baiting system on the market. Colony eradication is expected to be between 2 – 6 weeks from the time the termites start to feed on the bait. Control of extremely large colonies may take a few weeks longer. The good news is that as soon as the termites start feeding on Xterm® the damage to your property is reduced.
We advise against spraying of any insecticides when termites are seen as this may disturb termites’ natural behaviour and may deter them from feeding on the bait. Bait stations should only be inspected by your professional pest management staff. Additional disturbance may cause a feeding site to be abandoned and add to the time required to control the infestation.