Termites are some of the most persistent and secretive pests a homeowner can encounter. Their ability to build extensive nests and colonies, often hidden from plain sight, makes them notorious troublemakers for buildings and even trees.
This article is all about where termites are found, what their nests look like, and how they organise their colonies.
First, we’ll cover the basics of termites’ natural habitats and the different types of nest structures they create. Then we’ll move on to the organisation of termite colonies, including what different members do.
We’ll also cover how to recognise signs of termite activity in and around your home. Plus, you’ll learn about the environments where termites are typically found and their common nesting habits.
Termite Nest Construction: Materials and Locations
Termites are master builders and can create nests in a variety of locations. Some species make mud tubes along walls, leading from the soil to the wood they want to feed on. These tubes provide protection against predators and help keep the termites’ environment moist, which is essential for their survival. Other termites prefer to build their nest directly inside damp wood, hollowing it out from within and causing damage that can’t be easily seen from the outside.
When talking about termites habitat, it’s important to note that many species live underground, where they can build huge networks that span several meters. These tunnels and chambers form the main living quarters, food storage areas, and nurseries. If you ever notice hardened mud tubes running up your foundation, this is a classic sign that termites under house could be a real problem.
Some termites actually take to the trees—they’ll build their nests high up among the branches or even inside the trunk, especially if it’s already weakened or rotting. Termites on tree can be just as destructive as those in the soil, slowly eating through living wood and compromising the health and structure of the tree itself.
How Termite Colonies Operate
Inside every termites nest, there is a complex social structure. The primary queen is the heart of the colony and can lay thousands of eggs every day for years. She is cared for by worker termites, who are responsible for gathering food, building tunnels, and taking care of the young.
Soldiers are another crucial part of the colony. They have bigger jaws and are there to protect against predators, like ants. Meanwhile, the vast majority of termites in the nest are workers—these are the ones you are most likely to see if you discover termites under the house or while investigating hollowed wood. Their constant foraging and building activities are why termites work with such efficiency, quickly causing damage to vulnerable structures.
Knowing where termites are found gives insight into how these group roles operate. In underground nests, workers travel through long foraging tubes to seek out food sources, sometimes traveling across difficult terrain to reach tasty wood inside your home. In tree nests, the workers stay busy maintaining the structure and collecting nutrients for the queen and developing larvae.
Telltale Signs of a Nest Near Your Home
Detecting a termites nest isn’t always easy, but there are some telltale signs to watch for. Mud tubes running up your foundation or walls are one of the first visible clues. These pencil-thick tubes are highways for worker termites, and seeing them means that termites under house are probably already active.
Another sign is the sudden appearance of discarded wings near windowsills or doors. These come from “swarmers”, young reproductive termites that leave the nest to start new colonies. If you tap on wood around your home and it sounds hollow or you find it crumbling easily, that could also indicate termites are eating it from the inside out.
Finally, spotting termites on tree trunks or branches in your yard is a warning that your property may be at risk. These secretive pests can create nests in living or dead wood, spreading out from these colonies in search of new places to infest. Recognising these early symptoms is key to keeping your home safe from long-term termite damage.
Where in the World Are Termite Nests Found?
You might be wondering where termites live and which regions are most prone to infestations. Termites are found on every continent except Antarctica, thriving especially in warm, humid climates. The UAE is no exception, with the hot, sandy environment providing a prime habitat for several destructive species.
In most cases, termites are found in soil, in decaying plant matter, or in living trees. The answer to the question “where termites lives is called” is simple: some live in underground nests, others in trees, and some even make their homes above ground in large mounds. In the UAE, subterranean termites are particularly common, making mud tubes from underground nests to wooden structures. Homes built on sandy soil or near landscaped gardens are especially vulnerable.
Because of this widespread presence, knowing the process for identifying termite activity can save you from unexpected repairs. From local parks to dense neighbourhoods, the threat of termites is never too far away in most parts of the UAE.
In Summary
Termites are highly organised insects that can build their nests in the ground, inside trees, or within homes themselves. Their colonies, made up of queens, soldiers, and workers, work together relentlessly to expand their territory and feed—it’s no wonder they cause so much trouble for property owners. Recognising the signs early and understanding where termites are found is half the battle in protecting your space.
If you ever spot mud tubes, winged swarmers, or weakened wood, it might be time to call in the experts. Reach out to our team at PROSHIELD for a free quotation to assess and protect your UAE property from termite threats before they become a bigger problem.
