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Using Insect Baits

- Low toxicity alternative to insecticides -

Summary: Baiting is a control technique that uses food to lure insect pests to a toxin that has been mixed with the bait. Insects that live in colonies like ants, cockroaches and termites are more effectively managed with baits than are solitary insects.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

Baits for insects that live in colonies

Insect baits are made of some type food product that has been combined with either an insecticide or insect growth regulator. Baits are generally used in pest control situations where one is trying to control social insects, those that live in a colony or nest.

In social insect colonies worker insects collect food or bait and bring it back to the colony. Household ants, cockroaches and termites are examples of social insects that are commonly managed with a combination of habitat modification, conventional insecticides and baits.
household nuisance ants
household nuisance ants feeding at liquid bait station

Baiting is often seen as a low toxicity alternative to conventional, synthetic insecticides and is better accepted by many homeowners. Baiting often takes longer to get control but the control is usually more complete when compared to conventional insecticides. Another advantage to baiting is that it can be used in chemically sensitive areas where conventional insecticides can not, or should not, be used.

Use the links below for additional, pest specific, information. Many bait products that were only available to pest control professionals are now available to homeowners for do-it-yourself projects.

Insect bait effectiveness by pest

Household ants -- Baits for a variety of household nuisance ants are very effective; baits contain boric acid, sodium borate, conventional insecticides or growth regulators.

Carpenter ants -- Carpenter ant bait technology is just now being developed; baiting should be combined with conventional methods.

Cockroaches -- Baiting for cockroaches is very effective when combined with sanitation and "crack & crevice" treatments.

Termites -- Termite baits are effective for subterranean termites (not drywood termites) but may require professional set-up and monitoring.

Using baits (pdf) -- General information about using baits for a variety of pest contol situations.

The Pest Management Store

Identification guides, reference and gardening books, etc.

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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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