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

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

Jun 24, 2025 | Termite Control

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.

 

How to Control Termites at Home

How to Control Termites at Home

May 24, 2024 | DIY Pest Control, Termite Control

As the weather warms up and nature springs back to life, so do the pests that can devastate on your home. Among these pesky intruders, termites stand out as one of the most destructive forces to your property’s integrity. In Georgia, where the warm and humid climate provides the perfect breeding ground for termites, it’s crucial to be proactive in defending your home against these silent destroyers. In this guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about termite control, from identifying signs of infestation to effective prevention strategies.

Understanding Termites

Before we dive into control measures, it’s essential to understand the enemy we’re up against. Termites are small, social insects that live in colonies, feeding primarily on wood and cellulose materials. In Georgia, the most common types of termites include subterranean termites, drywood termites, and Formosan termites. Each type has its unique characteristics and behaviors, but they all share one common trait: the ability to cause extensive damage to your home.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Detecting a termite infestation early can save you from costly repairs down the line. Here are some telltale signs that you may have termites in your home:

  1. Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes along walls, foundations, or other surfaces to provide moisture and protection as they travel between their colony and food source.
  2. Swarmers: During the spring, reproductive termites, known as swarmers, may emerge from existing colonies to mate and establish new colonies. If you spot winged termites swarming around your property or inside your home, it’s a strong indicator of a termite presence.
  3. Damaged Wood: Termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving behind hollowed-out or damaged wood structures. Tap on suspected areas of infestation to listen for a hollow sound, indicating termite activity.
  4. Frass: Drywood termites push out fecal pellets, known as frass, from their galleries. Accumulations of tiny, pellet-like droppings near wooden structures can indicate a drywood termite infestation.

The Damage Termites Can Cause

Termites are not just nuisance pests; they can cause significant structural damage to your home if left unchecked. From weakening load-bearing beams to compromising the integrity of wooden foundations, termite damage can lead to costly repairs and compromise the safety of your home. Ignoring a termite problem can also decrease your property’s value and make it harder to sell in the future.

What to Do If You Have a Termite Infestation

If you suspect that your home is infested with termites, it’s crucial to take swift action to mitigate the damage. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Contact a Professional: The first step is to reach out to a reputable termite control company in your area. Professional exterminators have the expertise, tools, and treatments necessary to eradicate termite infestations effectively.
  2. Schedule a Termite Inspection: A thorough termite inspection is essential to assess the extent of the infestation and identify vulnerable areas of your home. Based on the inspection findings, your pest control technician will recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
  3. Implement Treatment Measures: Depending on the severity of the infestation, treatment options may include liquid termiticides, bait stations, or fumigation. Your exterminator will work with you to determine the most effective course of action for eliminating the termites.
  4. Monitor and Prevent Recurrence: After treatment, it’s essential to monitor your home for any signs of termite activity and implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of future infestations.

Preventing Termites From Getting Into Your Home

While professional termite control is essential for dealing with active infestations, there are several steps you can take to make your home less inviting to termites:

  1. Eliminate Moisture: Termites thrive in moist environments, so it’s essential to address any moisture issues in and around your home. Fix leaky pipes, ensure proper drainage away from your foundation, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
  2. Inspect and Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, gaps, or openings that termites could use to gain access. Seal any potential entry points with caulk or other appropriate sealants to prevent infestations.
  3. Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact: Termites can easily access your home through direct contact between wood and soil. Keep firewood, lumber, and other wooden materials stored away from your home’s foundation, and use pressure-treated wood for outdoor structures.
  4. Install Termite Barriers: Physical barriers, such as metal mesh screens or termite-resistant materials, can help deter termites from reaching your home’s structure. Additionally, installing termite bait stations around the perimeter of your property can intercept termites before they reach your home.

Termites pose a significant threat to homeowners in Georgia, but with the right knowledge and preventative measures, you can protect your home from these destructive pests. By familiarizing yourself with the signs of termite infestation, acting quickly to address any issues, and implementing effective prevention strategies, you can safeguard your home and preserve its value for years to come. If you suspect that you have a termite problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional termite control company near you to schedule an inspection and termite control plan. Your home’s defense against termites starts with proactive action today.

Do I Need Termite Treatments in the Winter?

Do I Need Termite Treatments in the Winter?

Nov 9, 2022 | Termite Control

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.

How Does Sentricon® Work?

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!

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