Termite University
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Termite University group picture from, November 2023.
Photo by J. Santos Portugal III, PhD, BCE -
Dr. Blake Layton presenting at Termite University
Photo by J. Santos Portugal III, PhD, BCE -
Presentation slide from Dr. Portugal’s presentation on Drywood and Formosan termites.
Photo by J. Santos Portugal III, PhD, BCE -
Live Reticulitermes sp. subterranean termite workers displayed at Termite University.
Photo by J. Santos Portugal III, PhD, BCE
Register Now
Termite University is a recurring 2-day event held on campus at Mississippi State University to provide training and recertification for termite technicians, pest control company owners and managers and other members of Mississippi’s structural pest control industry. (10 training hours)
Credit for Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana applied for and pending
This training is co-sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Structural Insect Management Program and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry in cooperation with the Mississippi Pest Control Association.
July 24-25, 2024 (Registration closes July 22, 2024)
Begins 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Ends 4:00 PM, Thursday, July 25, 2024
Location: Bost Extension Conference Center, Mississippi State University and Redd Termite Technician Training Facility, Mississippi Horse Park
Enrollment limited to 40 attendees
Registration Fee: $175, payable online by credit card or electronic check
(Includes on-site lunch, snacks, and morning coffee on both days)
If you are attending for recertification, be sure to provide your license/card number
If you have problems registering, please call 662-325-3226
Termite University agenda (TBD)
Participants completing the webinar will receive a Termite University Training Certificate, a Termite University cap and shirt patch, and a USB drive containing relevant publications and information.
This training is also approved for Mississippi recertification credit in the following categories: Category WDI, (Wood-destroying Insects), Category VII-A (industrial, institutional, structural and health-related pest control), or Registered Technician Card renewal. License or card must be expiring within one year to receive recertification credit.
Hotel Rooms: Starkville has numerous hotels located near the MSU campus. Be sure to book rooms early as sporting events and other MSU events can result in limited room availability, even on weekdays. For more information on hotels and amenities in Starkville, please visit https://www.msstate.edu/about/starkville
Cancellation Policy:
Cancel 7 or more days before Day 1 of workshop to receive full refund.
May transfer registration to someone else up to Day 1 of the workshop (please email)
Email Dr. Santos Portugal: sportugal@entomology.msstate.edu
Locations
Classroom Training: Bost Extension Conference Center, Mississippi State University
Day 1 classes begin at 10:00 AM in Theater of Bost Conference Center
Field Training: Redd Pest Training Facility at Mississippi Horse Park
Training facility is approximately 5 miles from Bost Extension Center
Benefits of participation in Termite University:
- Recertification for wood-destroying insect category (if card expires within 1 year)
- Training for new technicians
- Training enhancement for experienced technicians, managers, and owners
- Training for persons preparing to take structural insect pests licensing or permit exams
Topics Covered
- Lab ID specimens
- Termite identification and biology
- Termiticide testing methods
- Termite treatment regulations
- WDIR Inspections and Reporting
- Pesticide safety
- Tools and methods for control
- Termiticide efficacy review
- Field Training at Redd Pest Training Facility
- Types of construction and how to treat
- Volume calculations and graphs
- Formosan termites and drywood termites
- Wood-destroying Fungi
- Wood-destroying Beetles
Questions about Termite University: Contact Dr. Santos Portugal
E-mail: sportugal@entomology.msstate.edu
Phone: 662-325-0972
Questions about Registration/Payment: Contact MSU-ES Center for Technology Outreach
Phone: 662-325-3226
Future Termite University Dates:
To be arranged
Resources and Literature:
- Mississippi State University Termite Website
- Biology of Subterranean Termites.pdf
- Home Builders and Termites, MSU.pdf
- MS Official Wood Destroying Insect Report_Nov 2018 (003).pdf
- Protect Your House from Termites, MSU.pdf
- Regulations for Comm. Pests, 11-9-2020.pdf
- Termite Math - presentation from class.pdf
- Termite Math Practice Sheets.pdf
- Termiticide Efficacy Data Tables from USDA-FS, 2016.pdf
- Termiticide Technician worksheet revised 05-02-2012 (003).pdf
- Manual for Respiratory Protection for Occupational Users of Pesticides.ppt
- Common Pest Control Products and PPE Material Options for Protective Gloves.docx
- USDA, Subterranean Termites-Their Prevention and Control in Buildings, 2006
Publications
News
Invasive Formosan subterranean termites were first found in the state 40 years ago, and soon, these dangerous pests will swarm and threaten unprotected structures in about one-third of Mississippi’s counties.
Santos Portugal, Mississippi State University Extension Service urban entomologist, said Formosan termites typically swarm in the millions from early May to early June. They have the ability to infest and significantly damage structures much more quickly than native subterranean termites.
House and building owners must be on high alert each spring as structures face dangerous attacks by swarms of both native and introduced termite species.
Native, subterranean termite species have started swarming in late February in South Mississippi to early March in more northern areas. The non-native, invasive and very damaging Formosan subterranean termite begins swarming in some parts of Mississippi in May.
The word “termite” strikes fear in the hearts of homeowners because this insect is the most economically damaging pest in Mississippi, is very common and requires constant vigilance. Blake Layton, entomologist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said the cost of termites is so large that it is hard to pin down.
Success Stories
A dream of the Mississippi Pest Control Association and the Mississippi State University Extension Service is coming true after more than 20 years, thanks to a generous donation by one of Mississippi’s oldest pest-control companies.
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