FirstLine® termite defenses system; a comprehensive approach to protecting structures from subterranean termite damage by utilizing multiple solutions to stop live termites currently infesting the structure, as well as provide control and long term prevention against Coptotermes, Heterotermes and Reticulitermes activity.  These use directions are designed to help the pest management professional create a consistent process to follow at each structure. Consult state regulatory agencies for termite monitoring and baiting regulations specific to your state.

The FirstLine termite defense system should be used around structures currently infested with subterranean termites or for the prevention of attack by subterranean termites.  For best results, FMC recommends using the components (listed above) in combination, however FirstLine^TM GT Plus termite bait station may be used alone for the control of subterranean termites.  Following a process at each structure, similar to that outlined below, will create good installation and monitoring habits, ensuring consistent treatments.

Begin by performing a thorough interior and exterior inspection of the structure. Look for the presence of live termites or evidence of termite damage. Draw a detailed diagram of the structure and surrounding property up to approximately 25 feet away from the structure. Document the location(s) of live termites, termite damage and/or conducive conditions that need to be addressed or monitored.

Use SMARTDISC Locators and Monitoring Stations and/or FirstLine GT Plus termite bait stations around the structure to detect and control termite populations. Use of Summon^TM  preferred food source inside or below monitoring stations enhances the efficacy of the FirstLine termite defense system.

• Install approximately every 10 feet around the perimeter of the structure.
• Adjust the spacing where soil access is restricted.
• The maximum allowable distance between Monitoring Stations is 20 feet, unless prohibited by structural components (i.e. concrete driveways, etc.).
• Install approximately 18-24 inches away from the foundation of the structure or 1-2 inches from the roof drip line.
• Increasing Monitoring Station placements improve the probability of achieving termite hits.
• Use a SMARTDISC Locator with the Monitoring Station, except when installing Monitoring Stations into hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. The Defender® unit is not recommended for this type of application.
• Do not install Monitoring Stations in soil that has been treated with liquid termiticides or other pesticides.
• Do not install a Monitoring Station in areas prone to soil erosion, or where water can accumulate, such as under downspouts, or in excessively wet areas.

Installation of SMARTDISC Locators and Monitoring Stations

• Contact your local distributor for proper installation tools to ensure system effectiveness.
• Using a 2-inch diameter drill bit, drill a 10-inch deep hole.
• Insert a Monitoring Station through the SMARTDISC Locator and push the SMARTDISC Locator into the soil so that the outside toplip makes full contact with the soil. Adjust the depth of the hole if necessary.
• When installing in grassy areas, use a cup cutter (or similar tool) to remove the grass and insure good contact between the bottom of the SMARTDISC Locator and the soil.
• Each SMARTDISC Locator should be identified for tracking purposes. If live termites are found in the immediate perimeter of the structure a FirstLine® GT Plus termite bait station may be placed directly into the infested area following procedures listed below. Use of Summon preferred food source around inside or below FirstLine® GT Plus termite bait station enhances the efficacy of the FirstLine termite defense system.

For optimum control of live termites in or on the structure, use a localized treatment with a liquid termiticide, such as TalstarOne^TM Multi-insecticide, or FirstLine termite bait stations (Above Ground). In cases where termites have been found in the soil during installation of the system, a FirstLine GT Plus bait station may be installed, following guidelines below.

Talstar® Professional insecticide

The infested area should be treated approximately 8 feet surrounding the infestation using a localized treatment with a liquid termiticide, such as Talstar Professional. Exceptions for treating all areas of an infestation would be inaccessible areas, such as bath traps, etc. Live termites found in wall voids should be treated with termiticide foam, using a termiticide such as Talstar Professional. Follow all label directions.

FirstLine Termite Bait Stations (Above Ground)

If active mud tubes are discovered inside or outside the structure, attach a FirstLine termite bait station (Above Ground) directly to the broken end of a mud tube to control the termites. Inspect the Bait Stations according to the label directions. An unlimited number of FirstLine termite bait stations (Above Ground) may be used on commercial properties, and up to four may be used at one time on residential structures. Follow all label directions.

• If there is no evidence of termite activity, begin inspecting the Monitoring Stations quarterly.  (The wooden monitor may be removed from the Monitoring Station and inspected every three months to confirm or refute termite, fungal or other activity.)
• If mud tubes or live termites are found, carefully remove the cap and extract the wooden monitor, trying to minimize termite disturbance. If there are live termites present;
  • Remove the Monitoring Station, add a Summon^TM disc to the bottom of the hole and install a FirstLine GT Plus termite bait station.
  • Use the same SMARTDISC Locator, and discard the infested Monitoring Station.
  • Use a Summon^TM disc with each Bait Station installed.
• Once a FirstLine GT Plus termite bait station has been introduced, re-inspect every 1 to 3 months.
• Replace wooden monitors and/or Summon^TM discs when fungus or moisture levels would deter termites from feeding.

• The Monitoring Stations should be checked for the presence of termites within three months of installation.
• If there is no evidence of termite activity, continue to inspect the Monitoring Stations quarterly.
• If mud tubes or live termites are found, follow instructions in Structures With Active Infestations above.

• Look through the clear cap of the Bait Station for the presence of termites or termite mud. Termites usually fill in the cardboard corrugations with mud when they infest a Bait Station.
• If there is no indication of termite activity, do not disturb the bait stations; continue to re-inspect every 1 to 3 months.
• If there is evidence of termite activity, carefully remove the Bait Station from the ground to determine the amount of bait that has been consumed.
  • Add a new Summon(tm) disc to the bottom of the hole.
  • Replace the Bait Station when approximately half of the bait has been consumed.
• Continue to monitor the Bait Station every 1 to 3 months while there is active feeding.
• A Bait Station must be replaced at least every 6 month regardless of the level of feeding.
• When termites have stopped feeding and no activity has been observed for three consecutive months, replace the FirstLine GT Plus bait with a new SmartDisc Locator and Monitor and resume ongoing monitoring as described below.

Inspection Interval Adjustment Due to Climatic Conditions

Since subterranean termites are cold-blooded animals, their foraging and feeding activity is significantly reduced during periods of low temperature. When the temperature falls below a certain level, termites may stop feeding. During these periods of low temperature, inspection intervals for FirstLine^TM GT Plus termite bait stations may be altered following the criteria described below.

The temperature at which termite activity substantially declines may vary between different geographic areas and termite species.  In general, when the average daily exterior air temperature is below 50š F, termite activity may be reduced to a point where inspections are not necessary.  If bait stations are inspected and found to be inactive, and the daily average temperatures are below 50š F, inspections of bait stations may be postponed until the average daily temperature exceeds 50š F for 7 consecutive days. Bait stations whose inspections had been postponed because of low temperature must be inspected within 30 days of the resumption of the inspections. Consult a weather database such as the National Weather Service at www.NWS.noaa.gov and use the mean monthly normal minimum daily temperature data for the closest reporting station to construct a written schedule for the inspection of stations during cold weather.

Regardless of temperature, do not allow the FirstLine^TM GT Plus termite bait station inspection interval to exceed 6 months.

Ongoing Monitoring

Following one to three months of inactivity in a previously active Bait Station, replace the Bait Station with a brand new Monitoring Station. Continue to inspect the Monitoring Stations quarterly.

A thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of the structure should be performed at least annually. If live termites are discovered, they can be treated with a liquid termiticide, such as Talstar Professional. If an active mud tube is found, it can be treated with FirstLine® termite bait stations (Above Ground) or Talstar Professional to achieve control.

Always read and follow label directions.

The FMC logo, Defender, Summon, SmartBiz, FirstLine, TalstarOne and SMARTDISC are registered trademarks of FMC Corporation.  (c) 2004 FMC Corporation