Roll Out The Unwelcome Mat To Formosan Termites

March 24, 2015


Rep. Doug Broxson (R-Gulf Breeze) is hosting several free public workshops for area residents to learn necessary steps to protect their greatest investment from costly Formosan termite damage.

Annually, Formosan termites cause $1 billion in damage in the United States, and our surrounding areas of Escambia, of Santa Rosa and Okaloosa countis are known hot spots for these aggressive pests. Florida’s temperate climate provides a perfect environment for termites, and immediate signs of structural damage to a home may go undetected for long periods of time. Springtime serves as the breeding season for most species of termites, and Formosan termites will be swarming in May, so it is important for residents to understand what they can do in advance to protect their homes.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is collaborating with the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s Extension Offices in the Panhandle to educate homeowners about Formosan termites. Homeowners can learn methods for controlling this structural pest and protecting their homes by attending one of four educational meetings being held in the month of April. Homeowners are also encouraged to bring their pest control contract to one of these workshops for review.

Specific topics include:

  • Formosan termite biology including simple ways to identify them
  • Available Formosan termite pest control protection for your home
  • Florida law and building code pertaining to termites
  • What you can do to recognize and fix the weaknesses in and around your home
  • Bring your pest control contract for review by FDACS experts

Registration is encourage, but not required, for meetings that will be held as follows:

Escambia County Meeting

Tuesday, April 7,  6 – 8 p.m. at Escambia County Extension, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment. Contact Beth Bolles to register: bbolles@ufl.edu or (850) 475-5230.

South Santa Rosa County Meeting

Thursday, April 9, 6- 8 p.m. at Tiger Point Community Center, 1370 Tiger Park Lane, Gulf Breeze, Contact Johanna Welch to register: Johanna.Welch@FreshFromFlorida.com or (850) 363-5845.

North Santa Rosa County Meeting

Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 6- 8 p.m. at Santa Rosa County Extension, 6263 Dogwood Drive, Milton. Contact Johanna Welch to register: Johanna.Welch@FreshFromFlorida.com or (850) 363-5845.

Photo courtesy UF/IFAS  for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Roll Out The Unwelcome Mat To Formosan Termites”

  1. Rufus Lowgun on March 24th, 2015 1:26 pm

    Bad timing on those workshops for those of us who work second shift.

  2. Honest John on March 24th, 2015 6:17 am

    It would be well worth your time to attend one of those meetings. I know from experience they’ll eat all the 2 X 4’s you give them.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News