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Manufactured by US-based ENSYSTEX, a leader in the provision of products to pest control professionals, Exterra has revolutionised the pest control industry by delivering superior results in eliminating termites in trials conducted in many countries including Sri Lanka. This innovative termite baiting system is envisaged to provide a superior solution to the increasing threat of termite infestation in urban areas in the island, according to experts.
However, despite delivering strong results, Exterra, which employs a unique concept of using a termite interception method to protect a building from termite attack, has been endorsed for using substantially less toxic termite bait than used at present by other products.
The system involves the placement of low-toxic bait around the building, which draws termites to these stations instead of the building in question. Exterra stations, which are discreetly placed around a building, are made out of special timber, which is favoured by termites unlike many other cheaper baiting stations which employ soft wood or cardboard which does not sufficiently attract termites.
Furthermore, systems which use a drilling technique or employ stations which are smaller in dimension do not enable inspection of the station at a later date. However in the case of Exterra, the patented open-cavity design allows it to be easily monitored without disturbing the termites, while simultaneously eliminating the need to drill holes in constructions, which could have negative outcomes later on.
The low- toxic food-based additive that is put into stations placed around the building attracts termites and therefore the pests make a bee-line to all the stations (away from the building) that are placed below the ground. In the same manner above ground, Exterra bait stations could also be used within the building to attract the termites to these stations.
Once it is evident that termites have come into these Exterra stations, Exterra “Requiem” bait is added without disturbing the termites. Exterra Requiem is a pulpy cellulose-based termite bait that termites find irresistible. It is actually a chitin-synthesis inhibitor and affects a termite’s ability to moult, (shed skin, wings and so on) and leads to their complete elimination. Termites have been found to take this Requiem bait to their colony where other termites also consume it, resulting in the elimination of the entire colony. This negates the need for a large amount of chemicals.
Therefore Exterra, the only baiting system that creates a complete termite interception zone around the site in question, in addition to its more environment-friendly properties, provides a superior solution for the elimination of termites in terms of ease and convenience in installing bait stations. The process used by the product also enables users to witness for themselves the progress in the elimination of termites.
Exterra thus sets a new benchmark with regard to safety, convenience and minimisation of harmful impacts on the environment in process of termite elimination.
The endorsements and certifications obtained by Exterra bear witness to its effectiveness with the product endorsed by the Australian Building Council.
The entire gamut of services with regard to the use of Exterra will be provided in Sri Lanka by Hayleys Pest Management Services. Exterra is also an important addition to the portfolio of pest control products offered by Hayleys Pest Management Services as it responds to a timely need of protecting constructions against termite infestations, which has become all the more important with the increase in construction activity in the country.
Subterranean termite attacks on homes and buildings have been a common feature in Sri Lanka, particularly in urban areas, during the last two to three decades. Even as marsh lands and low land areas have been filled and new housing schemes and apartment complexes have come up in Sri Lanka’s urban centres, the termite menace has also grown simultaneously.
The possibility of termites attacking homes in the future is much more than one envisages. If proper remedial action is not taken, the consequences can be very detrimental. Proactive precaution is the best form of defence. It is very much more expensive to repair any damages caused by termites rather than to take preventive action.
There are various options available after a building is constructed. The baiting system is the most popular termite elimination system as it does not involve spraying of chemicals. However the effectiveness of the baiting system depends on the size of the stations, the material used and the process of termite eradication.
The popular baiting systems now used in the industry are small in size and often do not prevent the termites from attacking homes. However industry experts, architects and engineers claim that Exterra has dramatically changed this situation. In fact, it is claimed that Exterra is the only baiting system that effectively creates a complete barrier and interception zone around a building. It is a straightforward, simple and a multi-step process to eliminate termites for good.
Prior to the launch of Exterra, last year Hayleys introduced ‘Novithor’, a termite-proof cementitious
parge to the Sri Lankan Market. Novithor is used before constructing a new building to prevent entry of termites.
Exterra is a product of ENSYSTEX USA, which was founded in 1994 by pest control operators intent on changing the landscape of the professional pest control industry. In addition to termite control, ENSYSTEX USA also manufactures and markets a wide range of general pest control products for flies and pests that attack turf (ants, ticks, fleas and so on) as well.
Hayteys Agriculture Holdings Ltd. has a rich heritage of over 50 years as a leader in the agri inputs market. Furthermore, the company has introduced a host of general pest control products as well as specialised products and innovative eco-friendly techniques to combat pests. The company’s overall experience in catering to the industrial and domestic market brought about the launch of Hayleys Pest Management Division. With the assistance of an experienced and well-trained team, the company envisages to improve the quality of life of customers in a professional manner.
