Termite control is expensive and often unexpected. Many homeowners are confused about termite control approaches, particularly when pest management professionals make contradictory recommendations. A 3-hour workshop was developed to provide unbiased, research-based information to help homeowners make more informed decisions about control options. Topics include biology and behavior, prevention, signs of infestation and termite damage, advantages and disadvantages of different treatment approaches and how to estimate treatment costs. Homeowners receive a reference handbook developed for the workshops. More than 1300 persons have attended 34 workshops since 1995. Based on a post-workshop survey, 70% of respondents indicated this was the first extension program they ever attended. As a result of attending this workshop, 82% said they saved money; 98% reported they made better decisions about termite treatments and 87% were less apprehensive about working with a pest control company.
Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Reticulitermes flavipes (Eastern subterranean termite)
Keywords: termite control, homeowner education
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