The only type of termites that can be easily and exactly identified are Soldier termites and alates. Drywood termites have a very few number of soldiers in their colonies. Workers are smaller than soldiers normally. Collection of the entire termite is best for alates. The wings can help reasonably in identification.

It is recommended to take care in identification of termites since different species of different areas may or may not resemble with one another. It is possible that drywood termites of one location be different from some other area.

Termites are also classified by the type of nest they construct. For example, in Colorado, the eastern subterranean termite is usually found to be responsible for any damage to structures. This is the exactly the same species that is a pest in the Northeast. Normally they keep in touch with the soil in which the main nest is found. They look outside their nest for wood to feed on and build earthen tubes right from the nest to the food place.
Now the Eastern subterranean termite nests are constructed such a way that these are able to handle humidity. It is to be noted that termites may not live if constantly exposed to outer environment because of fluid loss from their sensitive bodies. Any sort of damage to the nest is managed by workers quickly.

The most common way to trace termites is by pointing out the winged adults appearing from inside a building. Termites usually fly towards light sources. 1/4- to 1/2-inch wide earthen tubes from the soil over foundations are less common signs.