Here is an e-mail I received from a reader who wondered about termites being present because of mushrooms in the yard. Termites do not produce mushrooms in your yard, so don't believe a neighbors' misinformation.

New baiting systems actually kill termites and termite colonies. These systems are also called total colony elimination systems. There are four major brands of these termite pest control products. The DIY product isn't always trusted to work. Consult professional pest control for help.

Termite pest control is a huge industry. A demand for termite control products has lead to new improvements in termite baiting systems and total colony elimination systems. Here are some of the advancements in termite pest control.

Repairing termite damage is necessary, but only when termites are eliminated. Some repairs are simple, while others can be difficult. Structural termite damage is a difficult repair because wires and utilities often pass through the joists. Hire a professional if you have doubts.

Borates can be applied to anything wood or containing wood to repel insects. The chemicals can be sprayed or painted or the lumber can be dipped, flooded or immersed in the borate solution. Borate chemicals can harm pets and plants, so be sure to avoid them.

Borate chemicals are sprayed onto new wood to ward off termites and other insects. It is an easy job and borate products are not new - Europeans, and folks down under in New Zealand and Australia have been using borates with great success for nearly 50 years. Back in 1990, the Australians treated 12 million cubic feet of lumber with borates!

Wood preservatives with boron are sold by a couple of companies. Other manufacturers of borate products register them as pesticides. Borate products are helpful in repelling all sorts of insects from wood.

To kill carpenter bees, use an insecticide that is either liquid or powder. All the chemicals listed on this page will eliminate carpenter bees if used correctly. There are also dusts that get rid of carpenter bees.

Carpenter bees make holes in wood for their nests. Repairing carpenter bee damage is pretty simple. Gather the right tools: cork, dowels, latex wood filler and caulk. These can all be used to fill the holes.