ABSTRACT
Termites are beneficial in nature because they help convert dead wood to mineral soil, serve as food for other animals, and are ideal for scientific investigations of insect social systems. Only when termites make their home in, and take their food from, man's wooden possessions should they be controlled. Termites simply begin feeding on the new sources of food because they are conveniently available and the termite's usual food sources, such as dead trees and stumps, are not available. Prevention of termite infestations involves proper design, construction, pretreatment with an effective termiticide, and at least an annual inspection. Despite the availability of technology for minimizing or virtually eliminating infestations, subterranean termites continue to cause millions of dollars in damage. Dry-wood termites occur primarily in the Southeastern Coast States, California, and Mexico. Damp-wood termites, Zootermopsis spp., cause damage and economic loss in the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada.
