How does a termite colony start?

When conditions are right special fertile winged termites hatch within the mound. They suddenly leave the rest in a dense swarm and disperse. After travelling a short way they drop to the ground and break off their wings which they no longer need. A male and a female pair up, choose a suitable home, perhaps in an old rotten log, mate and produce young. The offspring are the pioneer workers and soldiers of the new colony. As more and more eggs are laid and hatched, and a nest built, the colony gradually becomes established. The original pair the king and queen remains within the nest for years and years, simply producing a continuing supply of new termites.