Chemblend White Ant Termite Bait (Chlorfluazuron)

Tips For Use

FAQ’S:

How Does Chemblend White Ant Termite Bait Work?

Chemblend White Ant Termite Bait is an attractive bait for termites. The active ingredient affects the termite’s ability to grow, develop and reproduce. The offending termite colony actually eats itself to destruction.

What Sort of Harm can Termites Cause?

This can vary greatly depending on the species of termites, the size of the colony, it’s age and vigour as well as other factors, such as the availability of food sources. There are many other factors that can play a role in the speed of attack and the extent of the damage.

In many cases where the attack is detected early, the cost of repairs can still be significant, the longer the infestation lasts the greater the cost of rectifying the problem.

Termites can also damage books, clothing and a wide range of cellulose-based items other than structural timbers.

How Often Should My Property Be Inspected?

Australian Standard AS3660.2-2017 advises that properties should be inspected at intervals not exceeding 12 months. The Standard further advises that properties at greater risk should be inspected every 3 to 6 months, depending on the degree of risk. This should be assessed during the initial inspection.

What is the Average Risk Factor of Termite Attack and/or Damage?

The most common measure of risk is that 1 in 3 houses will be attacked and/or damaged by termites during the economic life of the structure; thus the risk increases with the age of the property.

What Do I Do if I Find Termites?

Do Not Panic. Do Not Disturb Them Or Attempt To Treat Them Yourself With Sprays Or Aerosols. Call a Professional Pest Manager; disturbing termites or killing termites that you can see, will only cause the colony to move to another entry point in your property to continue their destruction.

Are all Termite Species Harmful to Houses?

No, there are 348 Australia species. A large number of these feed on grasses, standing trees or decayed timbers. In nature their role is to recycle important nutrients. Only about a dozen species cause significant damage to structures. It is important that you engage a Professional Pest Manager to ascertain whether your property is at risk. 

If I Have Disturbed Active Termites In My Property What Should I Do?

Try not to disturb them further. Try to collect 10-20 specimens, preferably termites with darker heads (these are soldier termites). Place these termites in a mixture of 70% methylated spirits and 30% water to preserve them for identification. 

How Long Does it Take for the Chemblend White Ant Termite Bait to Kill the Termite Colony

In many cases it will take 6-12 weeks, however several months may elapse before total colony elimination is affected. There are numerous factors controlling this, such as the time of year, size of the colony and species of termite involved. However, due to the effect of the Chemblend White Ant Termite Bait, termite feeding will decline to a level that will minimize further damage. 

Where it can be used?

White ant Termite Bait is recommended for use with the in ground  and above ground baiting stations. It may also be placed directly into termite workings or other areas where termite presence is detected e.g. fences, poles, trees, bridges.

What Type Of Timber Should Be Used In The Bait Stations?

The preferred timber to attract and check for termite activity are from sapwood of softwoods, for example hoop, slash and radiata pines.

Termite Information:

Termites are small soft bodied insects, which many people call “white ants”, however, though they look similar, they are not related. There are hundreds of termite species in Australia, some are important recyclers of dead and decaying timber, others feed on grasses, only a few cause economic damage.

These species are subterranean, they constantly forage and evaluate the size and quality of food resources as they seek out cellulose, the primary component of wood.

Termites live and work together in large groups known as colonies. They are divided into various groups known as castes; the Queen, king,  soldiers, workers and alates.

The Queen is the reproductive source of the colony; she ensures replenishment and further growth of the colony.

The workers, which are the predominant caste, are the providers to the colony, they constantly forage for food and moisture, they are responsible for the damage caused to timber and cellulose based materials.

The soldiers defend the colony and are usually the source of identification for professional pest managers, when trying to determine the specific species and assess the risk factor when termites are encountered.

The alates are the winged termites (future kings and queens), which are released at appropriate times to establish new colonies.

The Termite Colony

King & Queen

At least one King and Queen are at the centre of every termite colony. The Queen’s sole purpose is to reproduce. Some live for as long as 30 years. The queen may lay as many as 3,000 eggs per day.

Nymphs

While in the nymph state, termites diverge into different castes: workers, soldiers, reproductives and supplementary reproductives. 

Workers

Workers are blind, wingless termites that maintain the colony, build and repair the nest and earthen shelter tubes, forage for food, and care for the other termites. They are the most numerous caste and the most likely to be found in infested wood.

Soldiers

Soldiers are sterile, wingless and blind. Their sole function is to defend the colony. Some do this with fierce and sabre like mandibles. Others have specially modified syringe type heads and they rely upon chemical warfare, shooting out sticky “ropes”.

Winged Reproductives

These termites will eventually leave the colony as adult “Swarmers”. After swarming, they shed their wings and pair up. Each male-female pair attempts to start a new colony.

Supplementary Reproductives

These termites help increase the number of termites in the colony if the Queen declines in health or dies. They are replacement Queens but they are not as productive as the original Queen.