| abstract |
A system for termite detection and control is provided by a subterranean bait station having a perforated outer housing permanently implanted in the terrain below ground level, and a perforated cartridge removably received within the housing. The openings in the housing and the cartridge are in alignment with each other when the cartridge is fully received within the housing in its operational position. The cartridge received within the housing will initially contain a non-toxic bait material for diagnosing or assessing the level of a termite infestation; the bait cartridge is periodically removed from the housing to inspect for termite activity. If termite activity is detected, the non-toxic bait cartridge is replaced in the housing with a correspondingly perforated pesticide-containing bait cartridge for extermination of termites. Removal, replacement and substitution of the non-toxic and pesticide containing cartridges does not disturb pre-existing termite foraging galleries as a result of the precise alignment of the openings of the housing and the removable, exchangeable cartridges. The system may also be used for above-ground termite detection and control by externally mounting an appropriately modified housing to an outer surface of any article to be monitored, such as a timber. |