Did you know that termites can be found across the united states? There are several different types of subterranean termites, each with a slightly different look than the others. Here in California they look similar to winged ants and can easily be confused. A winged termite has four equal length clear wings, while a winged ant has two long wings and two shorter wings.
Termites have earned their most dangerous threat status due to their classification as social insects. Which means they live in colonies and take care of one another. They groom and feed each other, protect the queen and the eggs she lays, and maintain the structure of the nest. With enough food, their colonies can grow to support hundreds of thousands of worker termites.
Though it’s always best to prevent termites from entering your home in the first place by avoiding dry-rot, never stacking firewood near your house, and pruning undergrowth at your foundation. It’s not impossible to get rid of termites once they attack. Left undetected and untreated, these termites can cause extensive damage.