Subterranean Termites.
Subterranean termites are the most destructive and frequently encountered kind of termite found throughout the state. Although they nest in soil, subterranean termites can attack structures by building tubes that connect their nest to wood in structures. Aerial nests can occur without a ground connection if all castes of the colony are present and moisture is available.
Latin Name
Isoptera
Appearance
Subterranean termite colonies are composed of workers, soldiers and reproductives. Workers are about 1/8 inch long, have no wings, are white to cream colored and very numerous. Soldiers are wingless and white in color with large brown heads and mandibles (jaws). King and queen termites are dark brown to black in color and have two pairs of wings about twice the length of their body.
Habitat
Subterranean termites nest in the soil to obtain moisture, but they also nest in wood that is often wet. They easily attack any wood in contact with the ground. If the wood does not contact the soil, they can build mud tunnels or tubes to reach wood several feet above the ground. These tunnels can extend for 50-60 feet and often enter a structure through expansion joints in concrete slabs, or where utilities enter the house.