They do not form a large central colony but live in many small independent groups or colonies in the wood.ĭampwood termites are found only in wood with high moisture content. They depend on the moisture in the tree and mostly have galleries in the softer growth rings of the tree. In other words, they build their nests in places like wooden door frames, wooden window frames, wooden fence poles, wooden furniture and the likes.ĭampwood termites, Termopsidea, are always associated with damp, decaying wood, usually in the form of fallen logs in the forest, but may sometimes be found in decaying wood in buildings or fences. Instead, their colonies are established within the wood itself. They don’t need moisture and soil to build their nests or colonies. They do so with the primary objective of protecting themselves from their predators and light.ĭrywood termites don’t live underground in the soil like subterranean termites. They build mud tubes in the open areas along the route from their colony to the food source. One visible way to detect their presence is the sighting of mud tubes. Their population can number as high as two million per colony. Occasionally, you’ll also find them in some moist hidden areas above ground. Subterranean termites normally live in colonies underground. You’ll regret greatly if you give them the luxury of time.
They eat away wood substances one tiny bit at a time. Their scissor-like jaws are as sharp as shears. Subterranean termites are the most destructive type and pose the greatest threat.
There are three distinct groups into which termites (white ants) are divided: