Eastern Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes flavipes As the word "subterranean" implies, these termites sometimes live underground. They feed on wood and other plant matter in the ground or on top of the soil.
The subterranean termites are extremely destructive, because they tunnel their way to wooden structures, into which they burrow to obtain food. Given enough time, they will feed on the wood until nothing is left but a shell.
For termites: Any wooden parts of the house should be at least 18 inches off the ground, as subterranean termites cannot tolerate being exposed to air and light. They have to build easily visible mud tunnels to get at available wood.
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