A bait station is a purpose-built device designed to attract, monitor, and control target pest populations. In termite management, bait stations are installed in the ground around a building's perimeter and contain either monitoring timber or an active bait matrix laced with a slow-acting insect growth regulator or toxicant. For rodent control, tamper-resistant bait stations house rodenticide blocks in a secure enclosure that prevents access by children, pets, and non-target wildlife.
Termite Bait Stations
Termite bait stations are a key component of modern termite management programs and are an alternative or complement to chemical soil barriers. In-ground stations are installed at regular intervals around the building perimeter, typically every two to three metres. Above-ground stations may be placed directly over active termite leads on the structure. The stations are checked on a regular schedule; when termite activity is detected in a monitoring station, the timber insert is replaced with an active bait that the termites carry back to the colony, eventually eliminating it.
Rodent Bait Stations
In commercial pest control and residential settings, rodent bait stations are placed along known rodent pathways, near entry points, and in areas where activity has been observed. The tamper-resistant design ensures that only the target rodent species can access the bait. Regular monitoring and replenishment of bait stations is essential for effective control, and documentation of station checks is often required for regulatory compliance in food-handling environments.
Monitoring and Record-Keeping
Effective bait station programs depend on disciplined monitoring schedules and accurate record-keeping. Each station visit must be documented, recording activity levels, bait consumption, and any maintenance performed. This documentation supports compliance, demonstrates due diligence, and informs adjustments to the pest management plan.
Scheduling and Client Management
Managing dozens or hundreds of bait stations across multiple client properties requires reliable scheduling and record-keeping systems.