How do subterranean termites primarily damage buildings?

Subterranean termites primarily damage buildings by feeding on wood, which they consume from the inside out, primarily beneath the surface or grain. This feeding behavior allows them to compromise the structural integrity of wood components such as beams, floors, and walls without being easily detected. By tunneling through the wood, they create extensive galleries while leaving only thin layers of wood on the exterior, making the damage often undetectable until it is quite severe.

The other options involve actions that are either not characteristic of subterranean termites or do not represent the primary mode of damage to buildings. Shredding insulation materials or feeding on non-wood structures may occur but are not the main focus of their destructive behavior. Creating surface tunnels is also not their primary method of damage, as their feeding habits center on accessing wood in a way that is less visible to homeowners and professionals conducting inspections. Understanding how these termites operate is essential for effective prevention and treatment strategies.