Ground Termites are often mistaken for ants, but they are not the same. The ground termite has a straight antennae, and a rounder body than the ant. Both wings on the ground termite are the exact same size. The ant's wings have one wing shorter than the other.

Ground termites can do extensive damage to a wooden building, especially if the building contains wood that is damp. Although termites are called "white ants" they are more closely associated with the cockroach.

Termites have a complex social sytem with different castes taking up distinctive roles within that society. Their nests are constructed of soil and saliva and in these nests you can find a queen, king, soldiers, workers and juveniles.

The soldiers and the workers are the sterile insects in this community. Their purpose is to provide protection and labor for the good of the nest, and not to breed.

Ground termites carry a special bacteria in their gut that enables them to feed and break down vegetation and wood.

Of the two common types of termites, ground and drywall, it is the ground termite that can do the most damage in the shortest length of time. They are known to travel great distances in their quest for food. One colony can contain over seven million termites!

If a ground termite cannot find an easy access into your home, the termites will build one out of mud. These tubed tunnels provide a protected route to the termites food source, and since the tubes are underground they cannot be easily detected.

You will see the massive amounts of termites traveling through the tunnels into your home. The wood will start to get a wavy look as the termites feed and compromise the strength of the wood grain.

Ground termites can eat up to fifteen pounds of wood in one week's time. Ground termites need wood, moisture and a warm climate to thrive. They can find access to your home through other means besides the tunnel, such as cracks in your floor, old wiring paths or following the joists. If you have a leaky roof the ground termites may construct a second nest called an aerial nest near the source of the leak, for without moisture, ground termites will quickly die from dehydration.

Pest Control Tips when dealing with Ground Termites-

If you locate a nest, don't flood the nest with water. The termites will not die in the water but they will thrive instead.

Use treated wood when you build. Remove any old, rotting or damp wood and replace it with treated lumber.

Seal all cracks effectively with caulking.

Repair leaky pipes quickly.

Fix any holes in your roof and make sure and remove moss if moss gathers on your roof.

Termiticides are available but need to be used with caution. Read all label instructions or speak to a local pest control company.

In bad infestations, you should have your home tented and fumigated by professionals.