If readers want to call this the bad bug, good bug update, then go right ahead. That’s how I see it, too.

First, I want to mention an important program the Extension Service is offering to increase your knowledge of the bad bugs — termites. Then, mark your calendars for a two-day workshop on good bugs — honeybees.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him.

Notice how I called the program on termites important? I hope you take termites and their potential damage as seriously as I do. My trusted colleague and Extension entomologist Dr. Blake Layton has a saying about homes in Mississippi: there are two kinds — the ones that have or have had termite damage and the ones that are going to have it. I have heard Layton say many times that some of the saddest encounters he’s had are when a homeowner has paid off the mortgage only to discover that termites have caused major damage. In many cases, Layton says, the costs are like starting a mortgage payment all over again.

If you go

• Protect Your Home from Termites —  5:30 p.m. May 6 via interactive video conference at the Warren County Extension office, 1100-C Grove St; free; 601-636-5442 to register.

• Beekeeping workshop — June 2-3 at the Forrest County Extension office in Hattiesburg; Harry Fulton, 662-325-7765.

I generally do not publicize an Extension educational program more than a month in advance, but in this case I will because I really don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity. The Warren County Extension office will be the host site for Protect Your Home from Termites, beginning at 5:30 p.m. May 6 and presented by Layton from the Department of Entomology at Mississippi State University via our interactive video conference system. Register soon as space is limited.

Participants can expect to learn how to recognize termites and signs of infestation; important aspects of biology that influence how termites are controlled; methods of control; how treatments are applied and what to expect from your termite contract; and common risk factors that make a building more susceptible to termites. A question and answer session will follow.

This workshop has the potential to save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars. Make plans to attend if possible.

Also, the Extension Service will on June 2 and 3 host a beekeeping workshop at the Forrest County Extension office in Hattiesburg. Most of us consider honey-bees the good bugs since we know that approximately two-thirds of the food we consume is pollinated by them. This will be an excellent hands-on training for beginners and novices. For more information, contact Harry Fulton at 662-325-7765.