In what phase of the termite life cycle do they cause most damage?

Termites are known for their destructive ability, primarily during the nymph and adult phases of their life cycle. This is when they are actively foraging for food and establishing colonies, leading to significant damage to wood structures. Nymphs, which are immature forms of adult termites, start to develop the ability to digest wood and cellulose, making them integral to the process of damaging the wood in homes, trees, and other wooden structures.

In contrast, the egg phase is focused on reproduction and does not involve feeding or wood damage. The larval phase of insects typically refers to the stage in certain species (like butterflies) and is not applicable in the context of termites, as larvae in this context do not exist. The pupal phase is also a transition stage that involves transformation rather than feeding and damage. Therefore, the nymph and adult stages are crucial because those are the phases when termites are most actively engaging in eating and causing destruction.