The eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) is the most widely distributed Reticulitermes termite and is found in the entire eastern region of North America as far north as Ontario, Canada, and south to Key Largo, Florida. Termites feed upon old roots, tree stumps, fallen tree limbs and branches on the ground, and similar materials. They are beneficial when they aid in reduction of wood and similar cellulose products into compounds that can be used again by other living organisms.