Which type of termite primarily damages structures above ground?

The type of termite that primarily damages structures above ground is the Drywood termite. These termites inhabit wood and often infest structures that are built of or contain dry wood such as window frames, door frames, and furniture. Unlike subterranean termites, which require soil and access to moisture, drywood termites can live entirely within the wood they consume. They do not need contact with the ground, allowing them to cause significant damage to wooden structures, particularly in attics and upper levels of buildings.

In contrast, subterranean termites generally live in the soil and build mud tubes to reach above-ground wooden structures, while Wetwood termites are a less common category that typically infest living trees. Ground termites, while not a recognized category, may refer to behaviors of some subterranean types but do not specifically denote a separate category of termites that cause damage above ground, thus not fitting the context of the question.