THERE are an estimated 10 million insect species in the world, of which a few hundred thousand are believed to abound in Malaysia. Among them are pest termites.
There are apparently three main groups of termites: dampwood termites, drywood termites and subterranean termites.
In Malaysia, it is the subterranean species called the Coptotermes which are of concern to home owners. These termites are easier to spot and use mud tubes to connect their food sources to their nests. This transportation system provides shelter from common enemies such as ants and guide them along as they have no sight.
These termites usually have colonies that live five to eight metres underground and can destroy man-made timber products rapidly.
