Sentricon · Exterra · Trelona · No Drilling to Concrete

Termite Baiting Systems Brisbane

In-ground bait stations installed around the perimeter. Termites carry bait back to the colony, eliminating the entire nest over 3-12 weeks. No drilling to existing concrete or established paving. Annual monitoring maintains ongoing protection. From $2,800.

At a Glance
Installation$2,800-$4,500
Annual monitoring$480-$680/yr
Colony elimination3-12 weeks after bait uptake
Concrete drilling?No
SystemsSentricon, Exterra, Trelona
How Baiting Works

How Termite Baiting Systems Work

Baiting works by exploiting termite behaviour. Termites are social insects that share food. The bait contains a slow-acting insect growth regulator that workers carry back and distribute to the colony before symptoms appear. This is what makes colony elimination possible.

Stage 1

Stations installed

In-ground stations are installed at 2-3 metre intervals around the full building perimeter, pressed into the soil. No concrete drilling required. Each station contains cellulose monitoring material (or active bait in Sentricon AlwaysActive).

Stage 2

Termites detected

During monitoring visits, stations are checked for termite activity in the cellulose material. Detection typically occurs within 2-8 weeks on a property with active termites. Sentricon AlwaysActive skips this phase as bait is active from day one.

Stage 3

Bait inserted and consumed

Where termites are detected, monitoring material is replaced with active bait (Recruit HD, Requiem, or Trelona). Termites continue feeding and carry the bait back to the colony, sharing it with nestmates including the queen via trophallaxis.

Stage 4

Colony eliminated

The IGR active ingredient prevents termite nymphs from moulting into functional adults, disrupting the colony's ability to sustain itself. Colony elimination occurs 3-12 weeks after active bait uptake. Stations are monitored quarterly and remain in place for ongoing protection.

Systems We Install

Baiting Systems Available in Brisbane

We install three registered baiting systems in Brisbane. All are APVMA registered and effective under Southeast Queensland conditions. The choice depends on the property layout, client preference, and whether active termites are present at the time of installation.

Sentricon AlwaysActive

Corteva Agriscience

The only baiting system that contains active noviflumuron bait from the moment of installation. No monitoring phase required before bait is available to termites. Stations are installed flush with ground level and are low-profile. Preferred for properties where immediate bait availability is wanted without waiting for a detection phase.

Active:Noviflumuron (IGR)
Bait phase:Active from day 1, no monitoring delay
Station:In-ground, flush lid

Exterra

BASF

Two-phase system. Stations initially contain Eucalyptus timber stakes (Focusser) that attract termite activity. Once termites are detected in a station, the Focusser is replaced with Requiem termite bait. The attraction phase typically takes 2-8 weeks. A well-established system with a long track record in Australian conditions.

Active:Diflubenzuron (IGR in Requiem bait)
Bait phase:After termite detection in station
Station:In-ground, green lid

Trelona

BASF

Uses the same novaluron active as Requiem but is pre-loaded into the station and available from installation, similar to Sentricon. A newer system gaining acceptance across Brisbane. Effective for both active infestation treatment and ongoing protection. Compact station design suits properties with limited perimeter access.

Active:Novaluron (IGR)
Bait phase:Pre-loaded, active from installation
Station:In-ground, compact design
System Comparison

Sentricon vs Exterra vs Trelona Comparison

All three systems are registered and effective under Brisbane conditions. The practical differences are in the bait availability timeline and station design.

FactorSentricon AlwaysActiveExterraTrelona
Active ingredientNoviflumuronDiflubenzuron (Requiem)Novaluron
Bait available from installYesNo: monitoring phase firstYes
Monitoring phase requiredNoYes (2-8 weeks)No
Active termites presentWell suitedSuitableWell suited
Station profileFlush, low-profileGreen lid, higher profileCompact
Track record in BrisbaneExtensiveExtensiveGrowing
Annual monitoring requiredYesYesYes
Installation Process

Baiting System Installation

Installation takes 2-4 hours for a standard Brisbane house. No concrete drilling and no soil trenching are required. The property can be occupied during and immediately after installation.

1

Perimeter inspection

Full perimeter walk to identify the optimal station placement positions. Stations are spaced at 2-3 metre intervals around the full building perimeter, prioritising high-risk zones (garden beds adjacent to walls, timber sections of the structure, areas with moisture).

2

Holes augured and stations installed

A small hole (65-70mm diameter) is augured into the soil at each station position. The station is pressed into the hole flush with ground level. No excavation, no trenching, and no drilling through concrete or paving.

3

Station map and service record issued

A scaled diagram of the property showing all station positions is issued with the installation documentation. Station numbers are recorded for monitoring reference. An initial inspection report is included.

4

First monitoring visit

The first monitoring visit is scheduled 6-8 weeks after installation. All stations are inspected, activity recorded, and bait replaced where consumed. Ongoing quarterly monitoring continues throughout the system's operational life.

Why Baiting Suits Some Brisbane Properties Better Than Barriers
For established Brisbane properties with tiled alfresco areas, established garden paving, and landscaping where drilling through concrete for a Termidor barrier is undesirable, baiting provides effective ongoing protection without surface disturbance.
No drilling through existing concrete paths, driveways, or alfresco tiles
No trenching alongside established garden beds or root zones
Minimal soil chemical load: active ingredient is contained within the station
Annual monitoring provides documented inspection history alongside ongoing protection
Lower upfront cost than Termidor barrier on large perimeters
Ongoing Monitoring

What Happens at Each Monitoring Visit

Annual monitoring is not optional. It is the maintenance that keeps the system working and the warranty current. Monitoring visits are scheduled quarterly or at agreed intervals depending on the system and the level of activity detected.

Station inspection

Every station is opened and inspected for termite presence, bait consumption, and any signs of disturbance. Activity level in each station is recorded. Stations showing high activity are prioritised for bait replacement.

Bait replenishment

Where bait has been consumed or partially consumed, fresh bait is inserted. Active stations are prioritised. Stations with no activity are checked and reset. Bait consumption data tracks the elimination progress of a colony over successive visits.

Service report issued

A written service report is issued after each monitoring visit recording all station activity, bait replacement, any new termite activity at the property, and the next scheduled visit date. Reports form the documented inspection history.

Pricing

Termite Baiting System Cost Brisbane

All installation prices include site inspection, station installation, initial service report, and first-year monitoring. Annual monitoring fee applies from year two. See our termite pricing page.

Standard House
$2,800-$3,800
Up to 30 stations. Includes installation, site map, and first monitoring visit. Annual fee from $480/yr.
Large Property
$3,800-$4,500
Extended perimeter, 30+ stations. Includes installation, site documentation. Annual monitoring from $680/yr.
Annual Monitoring
$480-$680/yr
All station inspections, bait replacement where consumed, written service report. Required to maintain warranty.

Long-term cost comparison: Baiting systems cost more than Termidor barriers over an 8-10 year period due to ongoing monitoring fees. The practical advantage is no concrete drilling at installation or re-treatment. See our barriers page for a full cost comparison.

FAQ

Termite Baiting System FAQ

How long does a baiting system take to eliminate termites?
Colony elimination after bait uptake typically takes 3-12 weeks depending on colony size and feeding rate. For systems with a monitoring phase (Exterra), termite detection in stations takes 2-8 weeks first. Total time from installation to confirmed colony elimination is typically 2-4 months. Sentricon AlwaysActive and Trelona skip the monitoring phase as bait is available from day one.
How much does a termite baiting system cost in Brisbane?
Installation costs $2,800-$4,500 depending on property perimeter and number of stations required. Annual monitoring costs $480-$680 per year from year two onwards. The ongoing monitoring fee is required to maintain the system and its warranty. See our termite pricing page for a full breakdown including the long-term cost comparison with Termidor barriers.
What is the difference between Sentricon and Exterra?
Sentricon AlwaysActive contains active noviflumuron bait from day one, with no monitoring phase before bait is available. Exterra uses a two-phase approach: Eucalyptus timber monitoring stakes attract termites first, then Requiem bait is inserted once activity is detected. Sentricon removes the detection-to-bait delay but has a higher station cost. Both are effective and well-established in Brisbane conditions.
Are monitoring fees required every year?
Yes. Annual monitoring visits are required to maintain the system and its warranty. Monitoring visits inspect all stations, replenish consumed bait, and produce a written service report. Discontinuing monitoring allows stations to run out of bait and eliminates ongoing protection. The monitoring fee ($480-$680/yr) is the system's ongoing operational cost.
Is a baiting system better than a Termidor barrier?
Neither is universally better. Termidor barriers cost less over 8-10 years (no annual fees), act faster when active termites are present, and require no ongoing maintenance visits. Baiting systems require no concrete drilling, suit properties with established paving where drilling is undesirable, and provide continuous year-round monitoring as an added benefit. See our barriers page for a full comparison.
Can a baiting system be used when termites are already active inside the home?
Yes, but when active termites are present inside the structure causing ongoing damage, bait stations alone may be too slow to address the colony before further damage occurs. We typically recommend treating the active colony with foam injection or direct Termidor application first to stop active damage, then installing a baiting system for ongoing protection. The inspection determines which approach is appropriate.

Termite Baiting System. No Drilling. Ongoing Protection.

Sentricon · Exterra · Trelona · Annual Monitoring · from $2,800