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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.
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.
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.
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.
You’ll most often see these stations in two scenarios:
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.
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.
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.
One of the reasons Sentricon and similar systems have become so widely adopted is their reputation for well-being and minimal environmental impact.
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:
Traditional termite treatments use liquid chemicals to create a barrier. Sentricon takes a different approach, prioritizing environmentally sound practices and long-term colony control.
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.
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.
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.
With termites being active 365 days a year, termite prevention is a year-round venture. Termite activity is typically more predictable in the winter months, so setting up termite treatments, especially bait stations, is ideal.
Termites in the south are more likely to discover strategically placed bait stations, like Sentricon® Always Active, year-round, but can also discover the bait stations in the winter. This is because in warmer months, termites are more likely to travel further away from their nests to find food. Termites tend to stay closer to home in the cooler months, making it more likely for them to find termite bait instead of food.
The first step to getting your bait stations in place is to have a property inspection. A technician will do an assessment of your property to determine the best placement locations for your bait stations. They will be able to evaluate the size of your property, age of the structure, and if any termites are currently active. The stations are then implanted into the ground with the top placed flush with the soil’s surface. The stations don’t need to be messed with and your technicians know when to check on them, making it something you don’t need to worry about.
If you are interested in getting year-round termite protection, be sure to reach out to your local pest control company to get started today!