Termite Basics

Termites date back to the days of the dinosaurs, and they have always played an important role in the natural world, by eating and thus eliminating fallen and dead wood. Unfortunately, the tiny insects don’t discriminate between a tree lying in a forest and the wood studs supporting our homes.

Most termites are subterranean, meaning they live in underground nests or colonies, often near a tree, stump, wood pile or other source of “food.” But drywood termites, also found in the United States, live exclusively inside dead wood and never tunnel underground. Learn more details about termites and how termites live.

Unfortunately, homeowners sometimes mistake termites for flying ants. Discover how you can tell the difference between termites and ants, and get more information about termites in your region.