By: Paul Mitola

When applying termiticide treatments to structures with existing infestations it is IMPERATIVE to properly identify a couple of things:

1. The type of termites (Subterranean, (native or invasive), or Drywood) that you are treating. If you misidentify the termites your treatments may not be effective, and you could be in violation of Chapter 482 or Chapter 5E-14.

2. The type of structure (foundation) crawl space, or slab type; monolithic, floating, or supportive. If you don’t get this correct your treatments may fail, and you could be in violation of the termiticide label requirements, which is State and Federal law.

I have been on numerous cases where the treatments were ineffective because of the misidentification of the structure type. One such case the pest control company identified the structure as a monolithic slab and performed a trench and treat and down drilled the attached slabs. However, it was later identified properly as a stem wall floating slab. As a result, the pest control operator never controlled the Formosan subterranean termites in the structure. This can be very expensive!

Another case where the termites were identified as Drywood termites and a fumigation was performed only to have the termites swarm again and then they were properly indentified as Formosan subterranean termites. Not only a violation but also costly!

Proper identification of the termites and structure are critical in controlling the infestations!
Upcoming Training Opportunities

 Taking the state exam with PMU? To qualify, you must:

  1. Take the Foundations and Masters courses for GHP, WDO, or L&O

  2. Fill out an application package for the certified operator exam online at least one week before the exam

Please refer to the FDACS website for reference study materials.

Materials produced by UF/IFAS can be found at the IFAS Bookstore website.

Registration for all IN-PERSON, Webinar and online courses here: https://pestmanagementuniversity.org/courses/

#BeyondTheLabel Webinar Series—still FREE!

August 11, Mosquitoes and Hurricanes, Matt Remmen and John Paige III, (GA 1 GHP CEU, FL 1 CEU in either GHP, L&O, LLM, Limited L&O, Public Health

Sept 8, WDO Disasters, George Seay, CEUs pending

Proposed in-person schedule. Conditions apply. If you cannot agree to the conditions, please do not register now.:

Sept 2-4, 2020, Termite Foundations (Waitlist only)
Sept 16-18, L&O Foundations
Sept 17-18, WDO Inspections
Sept 23-25, GHP Foundations

Sept 30 to Oct 2, Termite Masters (We are working on the state exam option.)
Oct 21-23, GHP Masters (We are working on the state exam option.)
Nov 4-6, L&O Masters (We are working on the state exam option.)

 

CONDITIONS. PLEASE READ:

  • Limited class sizes to allow for social distancing.

  • Face covering worn at all times.

  • Social distancing maintained.

  • No admittance if you are sick.

  • Frequent hand washing.

  • We reserve the right to cancel the class with full refund to you if the COVID-19 health risks are too great.

  • We may change the venue to another central Florida area that would allow for even more social distancing.

  • “Worry-free cancellation” (full-refund) for you within 48-hours of the class if you are not comfortable.

  • Take UF screening survey via email before attending with disclaimer that we are taking all reasonable precautions to ensure safety, but because it is a public space we cannot guarantee it.

  • Adhere to UF Health guidance—this can change as COVID-19 situation changes.
Learn More From IFAS

  • UF/IFAS has Extension Offices in each of Florida’s sixty-seven counties. We also have twelve Research and Education Centers (RECs) and Research and Demonstration Sites (RDSs).

  • If you need help a great place to start is your local County Extension Office. With an office located in every county it has never been easier to partner with the University of Florida and your local County Government. To find an office near you please visit: http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/