To satisfy this need, they usually nest in or near the soil and maintain some connection with the soil through tunnels in wood or through shelter tubes that they construct. Much of the damage they cause occurs in foundation and structural support wood. Colonies include reproductive, worker, and soldier castes. Reproductive winged forms of subterranean termites are dark brown to brownish black, with brownish gray wings. On warm, sunny days following fall or sometimes spring rains, swarms of reproductives may be seen.
Soldiers are wingless with white bodies and pale yellow heads.
Their long, narrow heads have no eyes. From these areas, winged reproductives seasonally migrate to nearby buildings and other structures usually on sunny days during fall months. Drywood termites have a low moisture requirement and can tolerate dry conditions for prolonged periods. They remain entirely above ground and do not connect their nests to the soil. Piles of their fecal pellets , which are distinctive in appearance, may be a clue to their presence.