Stutts Pest Control, llc

05/27/2026

05/24/2026

05/16/2026

Just in case you missed our video with Dr. Santos Portugal, we wanted to make a post explaining the nighttime “swarming events” counties in southern Mississippi have been experiencing.

What you’re seeing are Formosan subterranean termite swarmers. These are different than our native subterranean termite swarmers (the little black ones with white wings that swarm during the day). These invasive Formosans are larger and brown in color with kind of amber wings. (picture in comments)

The Formosan termites swarm in the early evening, typically after a rain event. They’re highly attracted to light. We would suggest turning off your lights at night and closing your blinds and shutters so your house or structure won’t be as attractive to them.

They’re predominantly found in the southern half of the state, although we can find them occasionally even as far north as DeSoto County. These swarming events typically occur from May-June (usually around Mother’s Day) during the first couple hours after sunset.

So, what if you find these swarmers indoors? If they are just flying in from the outdoors, it’s likely that they’re going to die because it’s dry in your house and they almost always need soil to start a colony. And so that’s not necessarily an opportunity for them to actually infest the structure.

It’s a different story if they’re actually emerging FROM the walls, floors, ceiling, or other parts of the structure - that may be indicative of an infestation. If they’re flying in from the outdoors, it’s not necessarily a risk at that point, BUT it should still be a red flag because that means that there is a healthy, mature colony of Formosan subterranean termites probably not too far away. The primary infestation threat comes from termites below the ground that you can’t see. If you suspect an infestation, or you don’t have an active annual termite contract, it’s recommended to contact a reputable pest management professional.

These Formosan subterranean termites are considered “established” in twenty six counties, primarily in the southern half of the state. If you find Formosan subterranean termites outside this established range, please collect samples and send them in to the MSU Extension Insect ID Lab so we can track them: https://extension.msstate.edu/insects/insect-identification

You can find more info on termites here: https://extension.msstate.edu/insects/termites

05/07/2026

"Is it ok to use mulch in our flower beds? I heard mulch causes termites."

Organic mulch, such as ground bark, pine straw, and dried leaves, is a useful gardening tool for controlling weeds, conserving moisture, and keeping flower beds looking neat. Go ahead and use it. Just be sure not to allow any type of organic mulch to be piled against the foundation of the house, especially if it becomes deep enough that it reaches the siding. This is an open invitation to termites.

Better yet, try to maintain a mulch-free strip immediately adjacent to the foundation wall that is approximately two feet wide. Use gravel or other inorganic mulch in this area if you wish.

Learn more about termites and how to protect your home here: https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/protect-your-house-termites

05/06/2026

Here they come...lovebugs!! There are two generations per year, one in late spring and the second in September.

The fall flight is usually much larger than the spring flight, and like most insects, their populations are cyclic, so they are even more numerous some years than others. Although lovebugs occur statewide, populations are consistently highest in southern counties.

In addition to being attracted to each other, adult lovebugs are also attracted to compounds in the exhausts of both gas and diesel-powered engines, but only after the exhaust has been exposed to sunlight for a while and broken down into the chemicals lovebugs find attractive. This is why they concentrate on and along roadways, where many end up on windshields, car hoods and radiators.

In areas where lovebugs are common, motorists should check radiators regularly to be sure they do not become clogged with lovebugs and overheat.

Because decaying insect bodies tend to breakdown auto paint finishes, it is a good idea to wash the critters off of automobile surfaces regularly. One method is to wet surface and allow the smashed insects to soak for a few minutes before washing with soapy water. Repeat as needed!

Not surprisingly, there are many other home remedies for removing love bugs or preventing them from damaging car finishes. Folks who live in lovebug country often find hood deflectors to be helpful in reducing the number of these and other insects that accumulate on the windshield, and they help preserve butterflies.

In areas where lovebugs are especially abundant, it is usually a good idea to postpone outdoor painting projects during heavy flights. Fortunately, flights are relatively short-lived, lasting only a few weeks.

03/27/2026

Termites and ants share a number of similar physical characteristics, and it can be hard to distinguish between the two at first glance!

Since termites can be active long before they are properly identified, mistaking them for ants could be a costly error!

If you notice tiny flying insects around your house or dead in the windowsill, it’s important to determine if they are ant swarmers or termite swarmers.

‘Swarmers’ is a term many entomologists use for reproductive ants or termites. They have wings and typically fly together in large numbers. After they swarm, termites and ants shed their wings.
Termite ‘swarmers’ emerge only once per year, usually in the SPRING, and they are never alone.

Usually there will be several hundred to a few thousand swarmers, all emerging simultaneously. But it is not the swarmers you need to worry about—it is the established termite colony from which they emerged. Termite colonies do not produce swarmers until they have been established for several years.

There are a few ways to tell these two insects apart:

Wings: A good way to tell the difference between the two is by examining the insect’s wings. Termites have front wings and hind wings that are the same length, and are twice as long as their body. Ants have shorter wings overall, and their front wings are longer than their hind wings.

Antennae: Termites have straight antennae, while ants have bent antennae.

Body: Termites have little to no visible waist, while ants have a narrow waist.

If you’re unsure about which insect has taken up residence in your home, it’s best to contact a professional exterminator. If you have termites, your exterminator will need to remove the pesky insects and determine if there is any structural damage to your home. An ant infestation is something you can typically treat on your own.

Learn more: https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/protect-your-house-termites