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:

1. Termite Control Overview
2. Are these Termites or Ants?
3. Insect Identification Service
4. Signs of Termite Infestation
5. Species of Termites in Mississippi
6. Termite Biology
7. Termite Facts
8. Conducive Conditions (Common Termite Risk Factors)
9. Methods of Termite Control
10. Common Questions about Termites and Termite Control
11. 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 Home Builders Need to Know About Termites
This publication addresses pre-construction treatment of new buildings. It also includes a table showing common termiticides and information on the duration of control they can provide.  

Dr. Blake Layton, Extension Entomology Specialist
Department of Entomology, Mississippi State University             
Phone: 662-325-2960
Email: blake.layton@msstate.edu