Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presence of wood destroying subterranean termites. The apparatus includes a housing having a hollow chamber with a closed upper portion (top) and an open lower portion (bottom) that is secured to a monitor stick to be inserted in the ground. The hollow chamber top has a peripheral flange that overhangs or extends beyond the perimeter of the chamber. A monitor stick is inserted into and secured in the chamber interior and in the ground. The top is provided with an aperture having a penetrable seal such that a combustible gas detector can be inserted into the chamber to measure the combustible gas in the chamber. When wood destroying termites are present and attacking the monitor stick, they generate combustible gas that becomes trapped in the closed hollow chamber and can be detected by the combustible gas detector. A second material also can be used, e.g., cardboard wrapped around the monitor stick to attract the pests.