Question: How do I check the stakes for activity?

Answer: Stakes should be inspected every 3 months to check for termite activity. (If you live in an area suspected to contain Formosan Subterranean termites, the frequency of stake monitoring should be increased to once a month.)

To inspect a stake, pull it from the ground and look for signs that the bait has been eaten or that termites are present in the stake. Clean dirt off of the stake and hold it up to the light to see inside. If any material inside is missing (even a small part) or appears to be tattered, termite activity may be present. You may also notice that mud has been brought into the stake by the termites (the stake will likely feel heavier). If evidence of termite activity is found in any stake, take the following steps:

1.        Replace the active stake with a new stake if more than 50% has been eaten, otherwise place the original stake back in its hole.

2.        Place additional stakes (2 or more) within one foot of the active stake.

3.        Note the date, the location, and the additional stakes placed on the drawing you made of your house prior to installation.

If termite activity is found in any of the stakes, inspect all stakes once per month following the directions above. Continue monthly monitoring until no termite activity is observed for three months. All stakes must be replaced or removed every 9 months.