Hobbies And Interests
Dampwood
Dampwood termites are generally restricted to cool, humid areas, such as the Pacific coast of North America, where they nest in dead, wet wood such as fallen trees in the forest. They are not usually a threat to buildings unless the wood is kept damp by a leak or pooling water, but they can nest in consistently damp locations such as beach houses. They tend to be larger and darker colored than other species of termites.
Drywood
Drywood termites are common all over the world, and both inhabit and consume dry, undecayed wood such as lumber, telephone poles, and dead tree limbs. They live entirely above the ground and can survive in dry conditions for extended periods of time. They are usually light brown in color and are visibly larger than subterranean termites.
Subterranean
Subterranean termites need to live in the soil or have some close connection to it to survive, so much of the damage they do is to the foundations of buildings. They will consume anything made of plant material, which includes not only wood but also wallpaper, fabric and even some plastics. Unlike drywood termites, they prefer a moister environment, such as wood with rot. They are paler than other termite species, and live in colonies of up to 2 million insects.
Mound Building
This variety of termite is found in Africa, Asia, Australia and South America, but not in Europe or North America. They live in the soil and build mounds above ground for ventilation and heat regulation that can reach heights of 25 feet or more. These huge colonies can contain millions of insects. Mound building termites play a role in the rehabilitation of soils by recycling carbon and reintroducing carbon dioxide to the soil. They don't tend to nest in urban areas where they can threaten man-made structures.