All pests are a problem for many reasons. They can impact health, spread disease and multiply quickly. After spending years in the pest control industry, we’ve heard countless real-life stories from homeowners about the damage pests cause. Some of the worst cases come from pests like termites that move in and begin destroying homes from the inside out. In In Florida, termites are among the most destructive pests – they cause severe structural damage year after year. Given the severity of termite damage, protection is a necessity not something homeowners can afford to delay. That’s why a proven solution like the Sentricon baiting system, designed to keep your family and pets safe, is essential. The thing about the Sentricon system is that it not only stops termite activity but also completely eradicates termite colonies while remaining environmentally responsible. But how does it do that? Let’s take a closer look.
Termites in Florida
Florida has a long and unfortunate history with termites – a relationship built almost entirely on destruction. The state’s warm climate creates the perfect environment for termites and hence, infestations are a constant concern for homeowners and businesses. Every year, termites cause millions of dollars in property damage across Florida, accounting for nearly 30% of the $5.5 billion in termite damage reported nationwide. An estimated 1.3 million Florida homes are affected by termites annually, with nearly 300,000 suffering structural damage.
What makes termites especially dangerous is how quietly they work. They cause damage that homeowners don’t notice for long periods and by the time homeowners discover it, repair costs can range from $3,000 to $8,000 or even more. That’s why early prevention and professional termite protection are so important in Florida.
How Termites Enter Your Home
Termites enter homes through small openings such as foundation cracks, gaps in mortar and wood-to-ground contact areas like decks or stacked firewood. Once inside, they immediately begin feeding on the wood. Subterranean termites are a destructive type and very common in Florida – they take advantage of these weak spots by building mud tubes that allow them to travel safely between the soil and your home. Another common threat is drywood termites. Their swarmers can fly directly into homes through attic vents, window frames, or other small openings in the structure, where they start new colonies inside sound wood. Termites seek out wood for food, moisture from leaks and warm conditions, all of which are common around Florida homes. – all of which are common around Florida homes.
Because termites work quietly and out of sight and with no clear signs, they can cause serious damage long before homeowners notice the problem. And subsequently results in extensive & costly structural damage.
Understanding the Sentricon Bait Station
As termite damage continued to rise, Florida needed a faster and safer method to control the infestations. That need led to the development of Sentricon – Dr. Nan-Yao Su and Dow AgroSciences officially introduced sentricon system in 1995. The system is based entirely on termites’ natural behavior and it uses the way they feed and share food within their colonies against them. In simple terms, Sentricon turns termites’ own habits into the solution.
Smart in design and advanced in execution, Sentricon system keeps family & pets safe. The system has largely replaced traditional liquid barrier treatments and Florida homeowners widely use it because of its environmentally friendly approach and powerful, long-term termite protection.
How Sentricon Is Installed
If you’ve ever noticed small circles around someone’s home, that’s probably Sentricon at work.
A professional exterminator installs Sentricon on a scheduled visit and places the stations around areas where termites are likely to travel. Each station contains cellulose bait which termites find irresistible. As termites feed on the bait and carry it back to their colony, As termites feed on the bait and carry it back to their colony, the active ingredient kills the termites, including the queen and destroys the entire colony. After installation, the exterminator regularly monitors the stations and refills them as needed to fully eliminate the colony. The system is safe for your family and pets because the bait is contained in locked, tamper-resistant stations. By targeting the colony at its source, Sentricon provides long-term termite protection and peace of mind for your home. Also, the system doesn’t require constant maintenance – you simply have the stations checked quarterly, so it’s low effort and as we have said above, ‘Sentricon keeps your family & pets safe!’
Benefits of the Sentricon System
There are multiple advantages of a Sentricon baiting system. Let’s begin with some of them:
- Sentricon systems protect Florida homes without releasing harmful chemicals into the soil. It is a ‘bait’ system, meaning it avoids spraying or introducing toxic liquids into your home foundation. It keeps the family safe by not leaving any residue behind.
- It’s installed underground, deep down, away from living spaces where kids and pets spend time, so families can relax with peace of mind. The system works in the background, doing its job on its own.
- The bait uses a small, targeted amount of active ingredient just enough to affect termites, not people or animals, allowing kids and pets to safely play in the yard.
- There’s no drilling, no trenching, and no indoor treatment, which means less exposure overall.
- Because it works by eliminating the termite colony at the source, there’s no need for repeated chemical applications. You just have to apply for it once and have it checked quarterly.
- It’s designed to be eco-friendly, so it protects the environment while eliminating termites.
- Having Sentricon bait stations installed can boost your property’s value and save you money down the road. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing your home or business is protected long-term.
Sentricon vs. Liquid Soil Treatment: Which Is Right for Your Home?
| Liquid Soil Treatment | Sentricon System |
|---|---|
| Involves chemicals sprayed into the soil around the home | Uses bait stations with a very small, targeted amount of active ingredient |
| Does not eliminate the colony | Targets the colony at its source, eliminates termites completely |
| High maintenance: requires repeated treatments over time to maintain protection | Low maintenance: quarterly check-ups are enough |
| Can expose soil, pets and family to chemicals | Safe for family and pets because bait is contained in tamper-resistant stations |
| Can disrupt landscaping and hardscape areas during application | Discreet and minimal impact on lawn, garden, and walkways |
| May only protect treated areas; termites can bypass untreated spots | Comprehensive protection since termites carry bait back to the colony |
| Works chemically to kill termites | Works biologically and smartly to kill termites |
Protecting Florida Homes with Sentricon
There are many ways the Sentricon system keeps your family and pets safe. It was designed with safety and the environment in mind, so you can count on it to protect both. First, it uses a very small, targeted amount of active ingredient that affects termites but is safe for people, pets & the soil. The bait itself keeps the environment safe by remaining almost entirely chemical-free. Second, it doesn’t rely on harsh barriers that make the yard hard to use – the stations are discreetly installed in the soil and don’t interfere with daily life. Third, and most importantly, it prevents termites from reaching your home. It works quietly in the background, mirroring termite behavior but acting in favor of your family and pets.
Let’s compare liquid soil treatment with the Sentricon System and see which we should opt for:
Is Sentricon System Right for Your Home?
Definitely!
If you’re a Florida homeowner especially with a wooden structure, choose Sentricon for smart termite protection. Termites are common here and waiting until you see visible damage can cost you a hefty amount in repairs. Even if your home isn’t currently infested, installing the Sentricon system protects your structure before termites cause problems. Plus, Sentricon keeps your family and pets safe, so there’s no added worry. More than anything, Sentricon acts as a long-term investment in your home, protecting your property’s value and paying off down the road when it comes time to sell.
And yes, Sentricon will keep your family and pets safe!
Dave’s Pest Control - Your Local Exterminators
At Dave’s Pest Control, our licensed professionals visit your property to thoroughly inspect the area and strategically place Sentricon stations where termites are most active. With years of experience in Florida’s environment and termite behavior, our team installs the system at the right time and in the right places to achieve the best results. Our installed Sentricon system keeps your family and pets safe!
Our job doesn’t stop after installation. We return quarterly to check the bait stations, measure their effectiveness and refill them as needed. You can count on us for the safe, professional installation and long-term protection of your home with Sentricon!
