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. (11 training hours)
Also approved for credit in AL, AR, and LA:
AL: Meeting ID 000B4V 10 credits (WDC, WDB)
AR: Approved for all structural pest cat. (1, 2, 3, 7, & 8)
LA: Recertification for structural licensees and technicians in Termite Control and WDIR. Also approved as a CACTP
TN: TBD
This training is co-sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Urban Entomology Program, The Mississippi State University Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection, and the Mississippi Pest Control Association.
April 16-17, 2025 (Registration closes April 14, 2025)
Begins 9:30 AM, Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Ends 4:00 PM, Thursday, April 17, 2025
Location: Clay Lyle Entomology Building, Mississippi State University and Redd Termite Technician Training Facility, Mississippi Horse Park
Enrollment limited to 40 attendees
Registration Fee: $200, payable online by credit card or electronic check
(Includes on-site lunch, snacks, and morning coffee on both days)
Current MPCA members can obtain a $20 discount code by request from: mspestassoc@gmail.com
If you are attending for recertification, be sure to provide your license/card number
If you have problems registering, please call 662-325-3226
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), or Registered Technician Card renewal. License or card must be expiring within one year to receive recertification credit.
Hotel Rooms: We have a limited number of rooms available in a block at Russell Inn & Suites in Starkville. They are just for April 16th with a checkout in the morning on the 17th (you will have to contact them directly for additional days). They are a standard double Queen with sofa sleeper room at $125. The block closes on March 17th, so reserve your room ASAP if you want one!
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: Clay Lyle Entomology Building, Mississippi State University
Day 1 classes begin at 9:30 AM in Room 120 in the Clay Lyle Entomology Building
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
Mississippi’s native subterranean termites have started swarming, and these structure-destroying insects will continue to swarm across the state over the next few months.
John Riggins, professor of forest entomology in the Mississippi State University Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection, said termites swarm to produce new colonies when the weather warms up, often after a rain.
Termites exist all over Mississippi and will eventually infest and damage any structure that contains wood or other cellulose components unless you properly protect those structures.
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.
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.
