Termites

Termites, although more closely related cockroaches, are social insects like ants, bees and wasps. Their society is divided into several castes — workers, soldiers, drones, and queens — each with different responsibilities in the life of the colony. Typically termites feed on dead plant material, wood, leaf litter, dirt and sometimes animal dung. They serve a very important role in the ecosystems that are their natural environments. But when their colonies overlap with human structures, they can can cause severe structural damage. In the United States, damage to structures caused by termites runs into the billions of dollars.

The two major groups of termites are grouped according to their feeding habits — subterranean and drywood. Both groups are responsible for considerable damage to structures in the U.S.

Termites usually build their nests underground, often in fallen trees or atop living trees. Tree stumps are prime candidates for termite nest and when they are found close to homes can be the home base for an army of wood devouring home destroyers.

Termites vs. Carpenter Ants. This image will help you tell the differences between ant and termite drones.