Termite bait station calculator: how many stations does a house need?

How the calculator works

Purdue Extension says bait stations go into the ground around the house every 10 to 20 feet and about 2 feet out from the foundation. NC State Extension gives 2 to 4 feet from the foundation and no more than 20 feet between stations.

• Foundation perimeter = 2 x (length + width) for a rectangle, or the total you measured.
• Station ring length = perimeter + 8 x distance out. Moving a ring out from a rectangle adds that distance twice on each of the four sides.
• Stations = ring length ÷ spacing, rounded up.

Worked example

A 60 by 40 ft house has a 200 ft perimeter. With stations 2 ft out, the ring is 200 + 16 = 216 ft. At 20 ft spacing, 216 ÷ 20 = 10.8, so about 11 stations. At 10 ft spacing it is about 22.

Using the number

• If a bid lists far fewer stations than the 20 ft count, ask how the company will cover the gaps.
• Baits are slow. Purdue says control with baits may take from several months to a year, and the stations need regular checks.
• Ask how often the stations will be checked and what the contract covers. NC State says bait programs continue year-round as long as you keep the contract.

For what to expect after the stations go in, read how long termite treatment takes to work.

Limits

This is a rough count for a single building. L-shaped houses, attached garages, decks, slabs and patios change where stations can go. Station placement and the bait product are decisions for a licensed pest professional, and UC IPM says do-it-yourself termite pesticides are generally not effective.