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22 SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE | Summer 2020 I am not an entomologist but have good information that should be shared. This information was gleaned from a particular lec- ture given by Dr. Eddie Smith from the Mississippi State Uni- versity Extension Service. Dr. Smith is invited quite often to the Senior Center of South Pearl River County to lecture on various topics regarding plants, insects, gardening, and remedies for any problems in your yard, garden, and orchard. The advice is ex- cellent and that’s why I take notes as well as bringing home the handouts he offers. Do you have termites or flying ants? Termites: straight antennae broad waist both pair of wings are equal in size Flying Ants: elbowed antennae narrow waist second pair of wings are smaller There are three major species of termites in Mississippi and we may think, “I don’t care what species it is, just exterminate them.” It’s important to know the species in order to use the best treatment of controlling them. If you see or suspect termites, call an expert ASAP to remedy the problem quickly. If not, you may end up paying thousands of dollars to have the house tented and fumigated instead of removing or treating a few boards. Can you save money be treating your home yourself? No. There are products available to homeowners. However, the longer-last- ing, more effective products are only available to professionals who have the training and specialized equipment needed to properly apply the treatments. Common sense says that having a professional treat the problem is cost effective than having to repair major damage because of an ineffective do-it-yourself treat- ment. Doing it yourself is probably okay for treating a dog house, shed or other stand-alone structure. Your house is probably your largest single investment, so hire a professional to protect it. If you’re going to treat a stand-alone structure, the liquid is pre- ferred because it lasts longer and requires less maintenance than bait. If you plan to build a wooden stand-alone structure then you need to know that termites love pine wood. Oak is too hard to eat, but they will live in oak trees to eat the center of a rotting and hollow oak tree. If wood is treated correctly, it repels them. However, Formosa termites will eat through creosote treated wood. Cypress wood and mulch repels termites. Other things you need to know are that fire-ants eat termites. Termites are attracted to light when they are swarming, so I keep my outdoor lights off during the swarming season. Eastern subterranean and Formosan termites swarm at differ- ent times of year. Depending on location in the state and other factors, most eastern subterranean termites swarm from mid-Feb- ruary to mid-May, normally during the morning hours. For- mosan termites usually swarm from early May to early June. They swarm at night and are strongly attracted to light. Dr. Smith’s lectures and handouts cover more information and details to inform you about risk factors and answers questions, including when purchasing a new or older home how to in- sure the home is protected. By Joyce Boyd Author/Speaker Protect Your Home From Termites 1320-AM Monday-Friday 9:30am & 5:30pm Call 601-799-1900 Super Saturday Swap Shop • 8:00-9:00 BUY~SELL~TRADE S