Liquid Baits

You may know about gel baits which are great for indoor pests like ants and cockroaches, or solid baits which can come in granules or bait blocks (particularly for rodents), but there are also liquid baits that are wonderfully effective in eliminate problematic insects and animals which one may encounter. 

At Solutions Pest & Lawn we carry a number of different professional grade liquid baits. On this page, we will briefly teach you about liquid baits, how they work and their  numerous benefits.

What is a Liquid Bait?

Liquid baits are pesticides formulated in liquid fashion. Most baits, no matter which way they are formulated start with an active ingredient which is then mixed with food the target insect enjoys or an attractant carrier. When the insects consume the bait they also eat the active ingredient which often works in a slow killing method to allow for the target insect to have time to take the bait back to their nest or harborage area and share the bait with the rest of the infestation.

Most liquid insecticide baits are concentrated sugar solutions. They are packaged in ready-to-use bait stations to kill ants and cockroaches. Liquid insecticide baits are used primarily for controlling ants and cockroaches, particularly ones that like to feed on sugar. Liquid rodenticides are to be mixed with water and made available for rodents to drink.

Conditions for Using Liquid Baits

As a safety measure, liquid rodenticide baits are usually mixed with water and placed in specially created bait stations. Liquid baits can be used in sites where sanitation is lacking, unlike traditional food-based baits which often have to “compete” with other food sources.

As is the case with solid baits, liquid baits must be placed in bait stations and set in safe, strategic location while following label directions and taking care to protect kids, pets and other creatures that the liquid bait is not intended for.

Benefits of Using Liquid Baits

Some benefits of an insecticide liquid bait is that they are often packaged as ready-to-use so you don’t have to do any mixing and can get right to applying the bait.

Liquid ant baits are very useful in controlling ants which like to feed on sugar. Ants that feed on liquid baits often carry this material back to the colony which ideally leads to the achievement of a domino effect kill of the entire infestation.

Liquid baits that target rodents will often control rats and mice where there are plenty of other food options but where rodents are unable to find water.

Liquid Bait Drawbacks

Some disadvantages of liquid baits are that some types of insects that you hope to target with the bait will not feed on liquid bait. In that case you may need to use another form of bait instead (solid, granule or gel-based).

Also because these baits are liquid, you must refill or replace liquid containing bait stations quite frequently which may be cumbersome for applicators.

Our Recommendations

Terro PCO Liquid Ant Bait - Terro-PCO is a liquid ant bait with a unique super-sweet attractant. It instantly attracts ants, which flock to it in minutes. Terro-PCO is a green pesticide that can be used by your Pest Management Professional in a Green Pest Management program designed specifically to protect your home.

Tools Needed

Liquid bait may come in pre-filled bait stations or you may have to fill bait-stations manually yourself. Check the product directions for specifics. Wear chemical resistant gloves and long sleeves anytime you are applying liquid baits or insecticides.

User Guide

Step 1: Check the Label

Liquid baits are quite simple to use though it is best to check the label for the proper application.

Step 2: Bait Placement

If the bait you have is pre-filled, break the pre-filled baits apart from the plastic frame. Place baits, label side up, near insect trails or close to where the target insects are most active. Place additional baits anywhere the insect may enter the home. For best results, use seven multiple baits stations to ensure sufficient supply for the target insect.

Step 3: Monitor Infestation

Monitor regularly for activity, but DO NOT interfere with the insect activity or baits. Replace with additional baits when first set is depleted.Once the target infestation is controlled, replace baits every three months to keep the insect from returning.

Key Takeaways

• Liquid baits are pesticides formulated in liquid for consumption by insects or rodents. Most are concentrated sugar solutions.
• Liquid baits have an advantage over food-based baits in that they do not have to compete with other food sources.
• Terro PCO Ant Bait is our top recommendation for liquid baiting because of it's ease of use, affordable cost and effectiveness.