Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas

aboveground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive

"mud tubes" to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open

air. Termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks -- workers,

soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are

dependent on the termite's role in the colony. Cream-colored Worker subterranean

termites are 1/8 to 3/8's of an inch in length. Soldier subterranean termites are

of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful mandibles. Solider

termites have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Reproductive subterranean

termites are approximately one inch long.

Drywood Termites

These social insects infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil.

Formosan Termites

Originally from China, Formosan termites are the most voracious, aggressive and

devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science. Formosan termites are a

subterranean species of termite. Swarmer formosan termite are about 1/2 inch

in overall length, including their wings.

Termite or Ant?

How do you tell if it's a termite or an ant.