Sentricon (Dow AgroSciences) is the most widely used termite bait system in the United States and a proven alternative to liquid termiticide barriers for subterranean termite control in Arizona. Unlike Termidor, which creates a chemical barrier in the soil, Sentricon works by intercepting foraging termite workers and delivering a slow-acting insect growth regulator (noviflumuron or chlorantraniliprole) that they carry back to the colony. The toxicant spreads through the colony via food sharing and grooming, eventually reaching and killing the queen. Without a reproductive queen, the colony cannot sustain itself and collapses. Sentricon has been used to protect more than 4 million structures worldwide, including the White House and the Statue of Liberty.

Sentricon vs. Termidor: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Sentricon installation involves placing plastic bait stations in the soil around the perimeter of your home at intervals of 10–20 feet, with additional stations placed near any areas of known termite activity. Each station contains a cellulose matrix treated with the active ingredient. Foraging termites find the stations while tunneling through the soil, begin feeding, and recruit additional workers to the food source. A licensed Sentricon Certified Specialist monitors the stations during annual service visits, replacing consumed bait and checking for termite activity. The Sentricon Always Active system uses a bait matrix that is active from day one — no waiting for termites to find and consume an untreated monitoring matrix before bait is introduced. This is a significant improvement over older bait systems that required termites to be detected in monitoring stations before bait was added.

Prevention & Professional Treatment

Sentricon is an excellent choice for Arizona homeowners who prefer a lower-chemical approach, have conditions that make liquid treatment difficult (extensive concrete flatwork, proximity to water features or wells), or want ongoing colony monitoring as a complement to a liquid barrier treatment. The main consideration is timeline — Sentricon works more slowly than Termidor, with colony elimination typically taking 3–12 months depending on colony size and activity. For homes with an active, aggressive infestation causing visible damage, a liquid Termidor barrier is usually the faster choice. Sentricon installation in Arizona typically costs $1,200–$3,000 depending on the number of stations required, plus $300–$500 per year for annual monitoring. Pest Control Bros LLC is a Sentricon Certified Specialist. Call (520) 424-5244 for a free inspection.