Workers are usually the most numerous individuals in the colony. They are small, wingless and whitish and may be found in damaged wood. The soldiers protect the colony from attackers such as ants. Soldiers fit the same description as workers, but have long, dark mouthparts protruding from their large heads. Soldiers may also be found in damaged wood.
Termites are able to digest wood with the help of microorganisms which live in the termite gut.
Swarmers are the termite's way of sending out new kings and queens to start colonies. In the spring, great numbers of swarmers can fly from a single colony. Male and female swarmers pair up, shed their wings and tunnel into the ground. The pair then prepare a chamber near a wood source where the female will begin to lay eggs. These eggs are cared for by the king and queen and will develop into worker termites.