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About Termites
There are more than 2,000 species of termites which cause more than $750 million worth of damage each year. The most damaging include about 20 species called "subterranean" termites because of their nesting and foraging habits. A subterranean termite colony contains 60,000 to 1.5 million termites and includes reproductives, soldiers and workers, each with distinct functions and behaviors.

Termites feed on cellulose, a complex chemical in plant cell walls, and are very important in the natural decomposition of fallen trees, leaves and other plant products. They may also destroy paper products such as books, cardboard boxes, and furniture. Even buildings with steel framing and masonry walls are target because of wooden door and window frames, wooden support beams, cabinets, or shelving.

They build their nests in the soil or in the sides of trees or poles, and rely mainly on the soil for their source of moisture. As their colony numbers grow, they search farther from their nests. They make underground tunnels or above-ground "shelter tubes" of mud, feces, and debris.

They can enter a building without direct wood contact with the soil through such tubes. They can enter buildings through cracks, expansion joints, foam insulation below ground, hollow bricks or concrete blocks, or through spaces around plumbing. They need only an opening as small as 1/32 of an inch to gain access to a building whether constructed with a slab, basement, or crawlspace foundation.

Worker termites are small (0.1 - 0.25 inches long), creamy-white insects which are seldom seen by the property owner as are the soldiers. All termites have antennae that look like a "string of beads" and a "thick waist" where their abdomen is joined to their middle body region.

Soldiers are larger than the workers (0.2 - 0.4 inches long), about 1/20th as numerous as workers, and have a large dark dead, with long, strong, sharp-pointed jaws which they use to attack intruders.

Reproductives consist of the queen, king, and winged swarmers. As the termite colony reaches more than 10,000, winged reproductive "swarmers" are produced and leave the colony in a "swarm". This swarm is made up of 50% male and 50% female reproductives.

Pairs mate and begin a nest in a suitable piece of wood. The pairs are mated for life. Each new queen can produce 1,000 eggs per day by her fourth year of life. Other members of the colony can change into reproductives if necessary to replace a lost member of the pair.

Prevention of Termite Infestation
Stack firewood, lumber, or other wooden items several feet away from any building.

Keep all wood supports of porches, patios, and decks more than one foot from contact with the home's foundation.

Move all wood-containing mulch (even cedar and redwood) at least one foot away from your foundation. Repair leaking water lines or fixtures, especially any that wet any wooden parts of the house.

Monitor moisture levels and take steps to reduce moisture in crawlspaces.

Change outdoor lights from "white" to yellow or pale amber, especially during the Spring.

Control of Termites
A thorough inspection by a termite control specialist is the most important step. "Experienced" eyes can locate specific areas where a termite attack is likely to occur.

Special tools such as moisture meters or sound amplifiers may be used. A specialist will design a treatment plan that will control any current infestation and establish a chemical barrier around the structure to inhibit further termite entry.