In some rare situations, if water and wood are available from a source other than the soil, subterranean termites can establish a colony with no ground contact. Isolated, above-ground infestations may occur in buildings where termites have access to water from condensation, leaking pipes, roofs or other sources. Termites are social insects that live in highly organized colonies. Like many insects, termites have an egg, an immature and an adult stage. The reproductives include the king and queen, and in large colonies, supplementary reproductives that produce eggs.
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.