Termites have evolved over tens of millions of years on the earth to such an extent that there are more than two thousand species that have been categorized. On a much broader scale, however, there are three major categories of termites, and if you suspect termites in our home, you should be on the lookout for one of these types.

Damp wood termites like wood that has begun the process of rotting and which stays damp or wet. This kind of wood often is constantly in contact with wet ground. Subterranean termites live in underground nests that have large systems of tunnels. To find food, they enter buildings through mud channels they build on sides of walls and foundations. Be on the lookout for this kind of mud tubing they construct. Dry wood termites like wood that is dry which they can bore into. They destroy the wood by eating away on the inside, and since they are inside the wood and not outwardly visible, they are hard to detect. Termite Los Angeles has more details on this subject and has other good thoughts to help you avoid home damage due to termites.