Subterranean termites cause more termite damage than any other species. These destructive insects can be found all over the United States (except Alaska). Informed homeowners must be able to identify subterranean termite castes to stop them from ruining your home.

Identifying castes of subterranean termites are as follows:

• Soldiers: This caste has a flat body (wingless) with a creamy white coloration, and their head is brownish (darker than a worker). Its head is noticeably rectangular, and they have large jaws. 
• Workers: This caste has a creamy-white body similar to soldiers and measures about ¼ inch or smaller. Their jaws are small.
• Reproductives: This caste consists of a king, queen, and alates (flying termites). Alates have long bodies with a dark brown to black coloration and wings that are a milky color. Queens are much larger than kings. Their bodies grow to be between ¼ to ½ of an inch long.

Since subterranean termites are the most common termite found in the United States, homeowners must know about their living preferences and behaviors. Living preferences and behaviors of subterranean termites include:

• Living preferences: Subterranean termites need moisture and will typically nest in or near the soil using tunnels as shelter tubes for traveling. If the temperatures are warm and the soil around your home is high in moisture content, you may find them under and around buildings.
• Behaviors: When these termites find their favorite wood (typically decaying or moisture soaked), they will eat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any products that have cellulose are a yummy dinner for subterranean termites. They typically build their mud tubes and enter into the home through cracks less than 1/16 of an inch wide. Once inside the house, nests can splinter off into multiple areas and damage your home substantially.