Differences between termites and ants are shown below. Damage A termite's natural habitat includes stumps, post, and other wood that comes in contact with the ground. Though termites may be found in these materials near the home, it does not necessarily mean the home is or will be infested. Termites need wood for food and soil for moisture. Wood in contact with soil, then is ideal for termite development.
Natural wood serves as food and homesites.
Occasionally, when a leaky roof or pipe provides moisture, termites can invade without solid contact with the soil. To check for termites, any wood near the foundation or soil should be probed with an ice pick or screw driver, especially the plates, header joists, ends of floor joists and any hardwood flooring. The tubes will resemble long streams of mud running up basement walls or along foundations. Wider tubes indicate a more serious infestation. Remember, infestations develop in soil.