Termites
Buildings that are not properly protected from termites will eventually be damaged by termites. The best way to protect your home or building from termites is to be sure it has been preventively treated for termites and that the termite treatment is current and nothing has happened to compromise its effectiveness. Termite control is not a do-it-yourself job! If you want the job done right, it is important to contract with a licensed pest control company to apply termite treatments.
This web site is divided into sub-sections that focus on different aspects of termites and termite control. It begins with a brief overview of termite control recommendations. If you just want to know the best way to control an active termite infestation or how to preventively protect a building from termites, this is the place to start. Other topics include how to identify termites; how to recognize signs of termite infestation; how to avoid conditions that make a building more susceptible to termites; information on termite biology; and a more extensive review of the various tools and methods of controlling termites.
Termite Topics:
- Termite Control Overview
- Are these Termites or Ants?
- Insect Identification Service
- Signs of Termite Infestation
- Species of Termites in Mississippi
- Termite Biology
- Termite Facts
- Conducive Conditions (Common Termite Risk Factors)
- Methods of Termite Control
- Common Questions about Termites and Termite Control
- References
Termites:
Reticulitermes flavipes (eastern subterranean termites)
Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan termites)
Incisitermes snyderi (southeastern drywood termites)
Publications:
Protect Your House from Termites
This publication addresses post-construction treatment of existing buildings.
What Homebuilders Need to Know About Termites
This publication addresses termite protection for new buildings
Dr. Blake Layton, Extension Entomology Specialist
Department of Entomology, Mississippi State University
Phone: 662-325-2960
Email: blake.layton@msstate.edu
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.
