Why Green Circles Are Appearing Around Your Home and What to Do About Them

Green circles or disk-like plastic stations in your yard can raise questions, especially for homeowners new to pest protection and construction. Are they waste? Signs of a plant disease? Or could they be serving a more important purpose? Many residents, especially those in new constructions, notice these green zones and are unsure if they’re harmless or a sign of concern. This guide will explain exactly what those green circles are, why they’ve appeared in your yard, and what actions (if any) you should take. If you’re interested in protecting your home and understanding modern termite protection options for new builds, read on for clear answers.

New Construction: Termite Protection Options

Decoding the Green Circles in Your Yard

You may spot small, green, plastic objects scattered in the mulch or lawn, often flush with the ground. While it’s natural to wonder if they’re part of garden irrigation or remnants from building projects, these are most likely termite bait stations, specifically from systems such as Sentricon.

What Are Sentricon Stations?

Sentricon stations are round, green, low-profile devices installed flush with the soil around the perimeter of homes. These units form part of a targeted system designed to protect homes from subterranean termites, a threat that causes billions of dollars in damage in the US annually.

How Do Sentricon Stations Work For Termite Protection?

Bait not Barrier: Unlike chemical barrier treatments, Sentricon uses a strategic approach. Each green station contains termite bait that attracts termites searching for food.

Silent solution: Foraging termites take the bait back to the colony and share it, ultimately wiping out the population and its queen.

Continuous termite protection: The stations are always active, working round the clock to intercept termites before they can harm your home.

Why Are These Stations in My Yard?

You’ll most often see these stations in two scenarios:

1. Recent Termite Prevention Service

If you’ve recently purchased, built, or moved into a home, especially in areas susceptible to termite issues, it’s likely that a pest control company has installed these as part of a comprehensive prevention plan.

2. New Construction Focus

Many new homes come pre-equipped with termite protection due to stronger building codes and widespread awareness of risk from termites. If you’re moving into a new development or have undertaken a remodel, you might find these green circles have been placed for your protection.

3. Ongoing Protection

A proactive homeowner, or one with a history of termite concerns, may have had these stations installed as a year-round protection plan. Unlike one-time treatments, bait stations provide consistent monitoring without the need for repeated chemical reapplications.

Are These Green Circles Okay?

EPA Approved and Eco-Friendly

One of the reasons Sentricon and similar systems have become so widely adopted is their reputation for well-being and minimal environmental impact.

• Non-toxic to Children and Pets: The stations are sealed and contain bait only harmful to termites. They won’t poison your pets, children, or pollinators like bees.
• Environmentally Responsible: Unlike widespread chemical sprays, these stations target only termites, reducing unnecessary pesticide use and protecting beneficial insects.
• Public Health Approved: Sentricon is EPA registered, confirming its commitment to health standards and reduced risk.

What Should You Do If You See a Green Station?

Simple Steps for Homeowners

• Leave it Alone: These stations are working 24/7 to protect your home. Avoid tampering, moving, or opening them.
• Check Visibility: Keep stations clear of mulch, soil, debris, or thick grass. This ensures termites can easily find the bait, and your pest technician can inspect and replenish bait when necessary.
• Inspect for Damage: If you notice a station is missing, broken, or has been run over by lawn equipment, contact your pest control provider for a replacement.
• Do Not Cover: Placing heavy objects or landscape fabric over stations can block termites’ access or prevent timely servicing.

How Often Should the Stations Be Checked?

For maximum effectiveness, a pest control professional should inspect the stations regularly (typically every quarter or as defined in your agreement). During checks, technicians will:

• Examine stations for termite activity
• Replace used bait
• Identify and address any damage

The Science and Strategy Behind Sentricon

Why Choose Bait Over Liquid Barriers?

Traditional termite treatments use liquid chemicals to create a barrier. Sentricon takes a different approach, prioritizing environmentally sound practices and long-term colony control.

• Targeted Impact: Bait is shared throughout the termite colony, eliminating both workers and the queen, not just those that encounter a sprayed area.
• Reduced Pesticide Load: No widespread soil saturation, so there’s decreased risk of environmental contamination.
• Discreet and Effective: Green stations blend into your landscape, don’t produce odor, and pose no risk during heavy rains or flooding.

What If You Don’t Have Green Stations?

If you’re not seeing green circles in your yard and haven’t recently discussed termite prevention with a pest control professional, now is the time to consider proactive termite protection. Subterranean termites can invade any home with wood, regardless of age or construction quality. Early detection and prevention are much less costly than repairing damage when an infestation is discovered.

• Contact a professional: Schedule a termite inspection to assess risks and discuss preventative installation.
• Ask about alternatives: Professionals can recommend a range of solutions based on your needs and local termite activity.

Year-Round Termite Protection for Peace of Mind

Unexplained green circles in your yard are not a sign of trouble, but of prevention. Termite bait stations, especially Sentricon, represent current best practices for termite protection, featuring protecting, scientific backing, and eco-friendly design.

By understanding what these devices are, why they appear, and how to maintain them, you’re taking a key step in protecting your investment and maintaining your home’s value.

Take Action to Protect Your Home and Landscape With Termite Protection

If you spot green stations in your yard, know they are working to keep your home protected and healthy. Keep them visible, in good condition, and notify your service provider of any issues. If you’d like to ensure your new construction is protected, or if you’re unsure if your current home has proper termite defense, contact a licensed pest control professional for advice or an on-site evaluation.

A small green circle today can mean the preservation of your home for decades to come.