Termites do more damage every year in the US than storms and tornadoes combined. According to the US Department of Agriculture, termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes, schools and businesses every year. Although several species occur in our area, the main termite in the northeastern U.S. is the Eastern Subterranean Termite. They are small white-to-tan insects that feed on wood or similar material. As their name suggests, Subterranean termites construct nests in the soil. A colony of Subterranean termites will build shelter tubes made of mud and saliva that form tunnels to their food sources.