Several species of drywood and subterranean termites have been recorded as pests in storage. The species recorded in Africa belong to the families Kalotermitidae (on dry wood) and the subterranean Termitidae. Most of the damage occurs in wooden storage structures, whereas some subterranean termites also feed directly on the stored grain. Direct grain losses caused by termite feeding are in most cases comparatively low, but contamination with moulds as a consequence of their attack is frequent. The presence of drywood termites is revealed through galleries in the wooden parts of the construction. As termites avoid the surfaces of the attacked wood, their presence may only be detected after substantial damage has occurred Subterranean termites construct easily visible soil galleries that are used as runways.
Termite damage in traditional granaries occurs in all parts of plant origin and often leads to a decay of the entire structure In modern warehouses, mainly wooden doors, windows, rafters and pallets are destroyed, but also grain bags. Damage to the stores can be substantial, so that buildings have to be replaced before ten years, whereas traditional granaries often last only one year. The following three sections deal with the destruction of termite mounds, the protection of traditional granaries and the protection of warehouses against termite attack.