It might take seven years to grow to a population of l,OOO nymphs, soldiers and the king and queen. A colony of this size might eat only one-half pound of wood in a year. It takes many years before dried termites do significant harm to a structure. Evidence of infestation can be visual. Noting entrance and exit holes is another.
Termites swarm in the fall, to mate and seek new colony sites.
Other methods of detection currently in use include the use of sound detection devices, fiber optic scopes for viewing wall cavities and dogs trained to smell the presence of the insects. However, as these insects can spend years inside wood without ever being seen or leaving any evidence of their presence, detection is difficult. They can infest timbers in inaccessible places such as walls, attics and wood foundations. Once they are positively detected, several methods of control are available. Fumigation has been the primary method.