Rhinotermitidae Of the 2,200 species of the termites around the world, about 45 species occur in the United States, and around 30 may damage wood products or living plants.
Termites are present throughout the U.S., with the exception of Alaska.
They are categorized as subterranean, drywood or dampwood species. In North America, subterranean termites are the most widely distributed and economically important group. The damaging species are the Eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, the western subterranean termite, R. hesperus and the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus. The termite colony has a well-defined caste system with individuals differing in both form and function. Primary reproductives are the original founders of the colony.