What is the main difference between drywood and subterranean termites?

The primary distinction between drywood and subterranean termites lies in their habitats and structural requirements. Drywood termites live entirely within the wood they infest, feeding on it and creating their colonies without needing any interaction with the soil. They can be found in furniture, framing, and any other dry wood, allowing them to thrive independently of the ground.

In contrast, subterranean termites require moist soil for nesting and typically build their colonies underground. Their dependence on the soil enables them to access moisture, which is crucial for their survival and colony growth. This fundamental difference in their nesting habits highlights why drywood termites can infest buildings from above and are often discovered once damage has occurred, while subterranean termites are usually detected through their tunnels leading to the wood.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the unique lifestyle of drywood termites and their independence from soil, emphasizing that they can live and thrive solely within the wood they infest.