The average homeowner seldom has the training, experience, or equipment available for the proper control treatment. It is the eastern subterranean termite which is the most common and troublesome in Kansas. This species of termite requires warm air and moisture for its survival. They meet these conditions by maintaining contact with the soil. Winged termites are easily distinguished from winged ants.
Termite workers are creamy-white, wingless, eyeless insects and the most numerous in the colony.
Workers feed on the soft grain of the wood, possibly resulting in structural damage. Soldiers have large, elongate, brown heads that are equipped with two large jaws. Except for the head, the soldier is soft-bodied like the worker. The soldiers defend the colony against predators, such as ants. If the swarmers emerge inside, they will be attracted to light and their broken-off wings may be found near windows or doors.