When I had my regular pest control company come by to spray, they noticed a sign of possible termite infestation. On the outside of my building structure there were some tiny wood pellets on the ground. This can sometimes indicate termites because they like to dig tunnels in the wood. I purchased the Spectracide Terminate Termite detection and killing stakes at Home Depot. They sell for 69.99 and are complete kit. The Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection and Killing Stakes come with 20 stakes, digging tool, instructional booklet and interactive CD-ROM.
Here are the condensed instructions for the termite stakes:
Determine the number of Spectracide Terminate Termite stakes you will need.
1) You will need 10 stakes for one-story home up to 1200 sq. ft. or two-story homes up to 1,500 sq. ft.
2) 20 stakes for a one-story home 1,500-2,500 sq. ft. or more, or two-story homes 1,500-3,000 sq. ft. or more.
3) Prepare a drawing of the outside of house, look for high moisture areas that are likely to support termite activity (downspouts, spigots, air conditioner lines, low areas with poor drainage) and direct wood-to-ground contact.
4) Install the stakes with the digging tool in the ground 2-3 feet away from foundation, no more than 10 feet apart. Place stakes closer together in “termite critical” areas.
5) Inspect the Spectracide Terminate Termite stakes about every 3 months to determine level of termite activity. In high risk areas, monitor once a month. If evidence of termite activity is found: Replace active stake with a new stake if more than 50% of the bait has been eaten; otherwise place the original stake back in the hole. Place additional stakes (3 or more) within one foot of the infested stake.
In my opinion, this Spectracide Terminate Termite stakes is somewhat difficult to use for the average person. The biggest obstacle I had was trying to get the stakes in the ground. The stakes are very wide and long. This means that you need to be able to dig 20 holes a perfect width and length. When I was reading the instructions at Home Depot it sounded easy. When I actually tried to do it, I had a very hard time. One option they give you is just to use the digging tool by itself to dig the holes. This would be impossible unless you are super human with incredible strength, I cannot even imagine being able to do this. The other option they gave would be to attach the digging tool to a drill. I had to run to the store to buy an extension cord to enable me to use a drill outside. I attached the digging tool to my drill and proceeded to attempt to dig these perfect holes. My ground must be extremely dense because even with the drill it was difficult. Halfway into the first hole my drill started smoking and burnt itself up. I was so frustrated at that point I went inside for a break. The unused Spectracide Terminate Termite stakes are now stored away in a closet. I ended up going back to the store and purchasing a cheap spray for termites. I sprayed around all the bottom foundation of my house and haven’t seen any sign of termites returning. I personally would never buy this product again. But if you are strong and have great power tools, Spectracide Terminate Termite stakes may be a good option for you.
