Where do the galleries of drywood termites typically follow in infested wood?

The galleries of drywood termites are typically constructed along the natural grain of the wood. This behavior is related to their feeding habits, as these pests prefer to move along the cellulose fibers that provide nourishment. By following the grain of the wood, they optimize their ability to extract nutrients and maintain the necessary structural integrity of the tunnels they create. The orientation of their galleries not only aids their survival but also correlates with the characteristics of the wood, making it easier for them to burrow and expand their colonies within the infested material. This pattern of movement reflects the termites' adaptations to efficiently exploit their environments while minimizing the energy expended during the process.