It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. For outdoor use around the home.
1. GATHER TOGETHER:
- Spectracide Terminate® Termite Detection & Killing Stakes2 and locator shields
- Tape measure
- Enclosed graph paper
- Enclosed auger
- Power drill (optional)
2. DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF STAKES YOU NEED:
The number of stakes needed is determined by the distance around the outside of your house. To estimate, use the square footage of your home excluding your garage, attached decks, patios and porches. Home designs vary, but if you know the approximate square footage of your home, the chart will help you choose the number of stakes you need.
3. PREPARE DRAWING OF YOUR HOUSE:
Using the enclosed graph paper, make a drawing of the outside of your house. Note areas on the drawing such as doors, bushes, chimneys, etc., that will help you locate the stakes during the inspection process. Look for areas that are likely to support termite activity and note them on your drawing. These might include areas that retain moisture around downspouts, spigots, air conditioner lines and low areas with poor drainage.
4. INSTALL THE STAKES AROUND THE HOUSE:
Using the enclosed auger, dig holes 2 to 3 ft away from the foundation and no more than 10 ft apart (DETAIL A on Label). Insert the stakes with locator shield in the holes. Place stakes closer together in "termite critical" areas (DETAIL B on Label). Notice: Do not use auger for any purpose other than installation of the Spectracide Terminate® Termite Detection & Killing Stakes2.
5. INSPECT THE STAKES:
Check the stakes for termite activity when the pop-up indicator is seen by pulling the stakes from the ground. The locator shields will help make removal of the stakes easier. It is important to check the stakes every three months. If you live in an area suspected to contain Formosan subterranean termites, the frequency of stake inspection should be increased to once a month.
Look for signs that the bait has been eaten (DETAIL C on Label) or that termites are present inside the stake (DETAIL D on Label).
If evidence of termite activity is found in any stake, take the following steps:
- Replace the active stake with a new stake;
- Install additional stakes (three or more) within one foot of the infested stake; and
- Note the date, the location and the additional stakes on your drawing.
All stakes must be replaced or removed every 12 months. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after completing the inspection.
Do not reuse the bait cartridges. Subterranean termites secrete colony-specific pheromones that become incorporated into the bait while feeding and foraging. The pheromones left in the bait by one colony will cause feeding deterrence or repellency to other colonies, causing it to be ineffective.
Helpful Tips:
- When mowing, be sure to trim grass away from locator shield to prevent grass overgrowth.
- Take care not to directly hit the stake or locator shield when using a grass trimmer.
- While the stakes are durable, limit the amount of contact if they are in a high-traffic area.
Important Usage Notes
- Since termites eat wood from the inside out, it is difficult to determine the extent of an active termite infestation. If you suspect an active infestation in your home, we recommend a professional inspection and some type of treatment to the area where termites are present. Spectracide Terminate® Termite Detection & Killing Stakes2 are not recommended as sole protection against termites, and for active infestations, get a professional inspection. Stakes do not replace mechanical alteration, soil or foundation treatments.
- The steps you take to reduce the risk of termites are not a one-time or once-a-year event. To reduce the risk of termites, you must incorporate a continuous program year to year.
- The active ingredient in Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes2, is a slow-acting insecticide. Termite baits must use slow-acting active ingredients to encourage more termites to eat the bait and die. Because it is slow acting, you will not see dead termites inside the stakes. Termites that eat the bait die.
- Results depend upon many factors and may take one to four months or longer. The time required for effectiveness depends upon how quickly the termites enter the stake and feed upon the bait. Some other factors include the type of termite involved, weather, moisture and time of year.
- This product is intended for use only against subterranean termites, the most common type of termites found in the United States. If you live near coastal areas in the Southeast, Gulf Coast or Southern California, you may have another type of termite known as the drywood termite. The drywood termite lives in undecayed wood with little moisture and does not maintain constant contact with the ground. Therefore, the stakes located in the ground will not work against these termites. A home could have both subterranean and drywood termites in the vicinity.
- These same coastal areas may also contain Formosan subterranean termites, a very difficult-to-control termite. If you live in these areas of the country, regular termite inspections are recommended to determine if drywood or Formosan termites are in your home.
- If you live in an area suspected to contain Formosan termites, the frequency of stake monitoring should be increased to once a month