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.
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.
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.
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.
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.