Termite Basics
Termites are eusocial insects. These insects are often called white ants; they are not ants. Termites were once classified in a separate order from cockroaches, but recent studies indicate that they evolved from close ancestors of cockroaches during the Jurassic or Triassic. The first termites emerged about 250 million years ago. Every termite nest often live with several hundred thousands termites.

Like ants and some bees and wasps, termites divide labor among castes consisting of sterile male and female "workers" and "soldiers". All colonies have fertile males called "kings" and one or more fertile females called "queens". Termites have microorganisms in their digestive system that help digest cellulose. They are major detritivores; they mostly feed on dead plant, wood, and cellulose.

Types Of Termites
Subterranean termites build its colonies underground. They need contact with soil to maintain their moisture levels. A regular source of moisture is critical to a subterranean colonyˇ¦s survival. There are numerous species of subterranean termites ˇV one of the most aggressive and destructive species are Formosan termites.

Drywood termites colonize in wood above ground. Unlike subterranean termites, they don't need contact with soil to survive.

Dampwood termites typically live in damp and decaying wood. They require regular contact with water as well as a high humidity level to survive. Dampwood termites are the largest in size of the three types.

Termites Cause Damage in Houses/Buildings
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year. As mentioned above, they feed on wood, but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. While buildings may become infested at any time, termites are importance when buying or selling a home since a termite inspection/infestation report is normally a condition of sale.