New in-person IPM Experience House Class: Understanding Termites and Wood Destroying Insects

May 25, 2021 at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Dallas, TX

This class is designed to orient new apprentices, technicians, and certified applicators to a better understanding of termite biology and control, as well as some of the most common wood destroying insects as well. As with all IPM Experience House classes, instruction is a combination of classroom and hands-on demonstrations. Dr. Robert Puckett, Assistant Professor and Urban Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension College Station will be joined by Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, Technical Services Manager with Control Solutions, Inc. (CSI), Mr. Ronnie Holder of BASF Corporation, Mr. Kevin Keim, of Corteva Agriscience, along with Dr. Brittny Jones and Ms. Janet Hurley from AgriLife Extension.

It is expected that course participants have read the Control of Termites and Other Wood Pests study manual and have a basic knowledge of this topic. This course will cover a more in depth look at this species as structural pests and educate the participant about how to better identify, diagnose, and recommend practical and economical treatments. Participants will also learn about how to complete a WDI report, types of treatments available and when/where to use, plus time looking at these structural pests under a microscope.

This is a great opportunity to train new or old employees in the field of wood destroying insect control. Half of this class will be held in the classroom, and half will be in the field, conducting WDI inspection, reviewing types of treatment methods, and microscope work. Students must wear long pants and closed toe shoes to participate in all the exercises.

Cost for the course is $75, includes lunch, snacks, and water. Registration must be completed online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3388

Questions about the class or about registration can be directed to Mary Mays (972-952-9258) or email (mary.mays-delamater@ag.tamu.edu).

Don’t delay! Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions we are having to limit this class to the first 10 people to sign up. However, don’t fret too much if we have adequate demand, we will compile a waiting list to make sure if someone drops out another person can fill their place.

Here is the tentative Agenda (we are working out the hands-on sections) but this should give you an idea of how the day will go.

8:30 – 9:30	Review of termites Biology of termites as social insects; most common termites in TX Speaker: Robert Puckett	Water Education Bldg.
9:45 – 10:45	Review of wood destroying insects Biology of Beetles, Borers, Carpenter ants and bees Speaker: Janis Reed	Water Education Bldg.
11: 00 – noon	Lab exercise: Identifying termites and beetles to family Using microscopes each class participant will view a variety of WDI pests at various stages in life cycle Speakers: Puckett, Reed, Hurley, Jones	Water Education Bldg.
12:45 – 1:45	Control Options for termites and WDI pests Types of treatments and products used – soil applied, repellent vs. non-repellent products, baiting options Speakers: Ronnie Holder and Kevin Keim	Water Education Bldg.
2:00 – 2:30	WDI Inspections What to look for, what to report and how to report Speakers: Reed and Puckett	IPM House
3:00 – 4:15	Hands on Demonstrations Making a diagram of the structure [Reed, Hurley] Calculating termiticide/bait station requirements [Keim, Jones] Application of soil- and void-applied termiticides [Holder, Puckett]	IPM House