Hexaflumuron is the active ingredient in the Sentricon termite bait system - the most widely installed termite baiting system in the world, protecting the White House, Statue of Liberty, and over 4 million other structures. It works by preventing termites from forming new exoskeletons during molting.
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Classification
Benzoylphenyl Urea (Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor)
Signal Word
Caution
Mode of Action
Chitin synthesis inhibitor: prevents formation of new exoskeleton during molt, causing death
Subterranean termites (all species including Formosan termites). Hexaflumuron is exclusively used in termite bait stations. Worker termites feed on bait, share it through trophallaxis (mouth-to-mouth feeding), and the colony gradually collapses as members cannot successfully molt.
Products and Brand Names
Sentricon Always Active (Dow/Corteva - the dominant brand, professional installation only), Shatter (older formulation). Sentricon is installed and monitored exclusively by Certified Sentricon Specialists - it is not available for DIY purchase. The system uses in-ground bait stations placed every 10-20 feet around the structure perimeter.
Safety and Precautions
Extremely low mammalian toxicity. Chitin synthesis inhibitors are among the safest pesticides because mammals do not produce chitin - the compound simply has no target in mammalian biology. Safe around children, pets, and wildlife. Minimal environmental impact compared to liquid termiticides.
Safety advantage: Sentricon stations contain tiny amounts of hexaflumuron in tamper-resistant stations buried in the ground. The total amount of active ingredient used is a fraction of what liquid termite treatments require - often less than 1/100th the volume of a Termidor soil treatment.
Pro Tips
How colony elimination works: Termite workers find the bait station, begin feeding on hexaflumuron-laced cellulose, and carry it back to the colony. Through trophallaxis (food sharing), the toxicant spreads throughout the colony including to the queen. As workers attempt to molt, they die. Without workers to feed her, the queen starves. Colony elimination typically takes 2-6 months.
Sentricon vs liquid treatment: Sentricon eliminates the colony. Liquid treatments (Termidor) create a chemical barrier. Both are effective, but the approaches are fundamentally different. Many pest control companies offer both and recommend based on the specific situation.
Annual monitoring: Sentricon requires ongoing professional monitoring (typically quarterly). This is both its strength (continuous protection) and its cost consideration (annual service fees of $250-400 typically). The stations remain in the ground permanently.
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Follow the product label. Keep pets out of treated areas until completely dried (2โ4 hours for sprays). Once dry, treated surfaces pose minimal risk to dogs and cats.
Q: Can I use hexaflumuron indoors?
Check the specific product label โ formulations vary. Baits and dusts often have indoor labeling; concentrates and granulars are typically outdoor.
Q: How long does hexaflumuron last after application?
Residual varies by formulation, surface type, weather, and UV exposure. Indoor applications last longer than outdoor. Check the product label for re-application intervals.
Q: What should I do if exposed?
Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water. For eye contact, rinse 15โ20 minutes. For ingestion or severe symptoms, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Have the product label available.
๐ Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
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Hexaflumuron Termite Bait โ Safety Data Sheet
View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.
Did you know? The Sentricon system protects the White House, the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, and the Alamo. It was the first termite bait system registered by the EPA (1995) and has been installed around over 4 million structures worldwide.
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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional. Last reviewed: April 2026.