By reviewing the types and scales of termite nests in different periods of earth-rock dams, the structural characteristics and disaster modes of termite nests are expounded, and the physical properties based on the geophysical exploration of termite nests are summarized. The application status of methods such as the direct current resistivity method, ground penetrating radar technology and seismic exploration method in termite nest exploration is emphatically introduced. The application conditions of the methods are discussed from the perspectives of achievement dimension, detection efficiency, work intensity and detection accuracy. It is pointed out that the existing geophysical exploration technologies are still insufficient to support high-precision, high-efficiency, and three-dimensional detection of termite nests. Therefore, a comprehensive geophysical exploration service framework for termite nest detection is proposed, including survey, detailed investigation, management, and monitoring. Based on the objective needs of termite nest detection technology, it is proposed that future geophysical detection technology should focus on the development of 1∶1 physical simulation device for disease and hidden danger map of termite nest development stages, the development of termite nest detection equipment and forward and inverse algorithms adapted to dam terrain, and the construction of a regular inspection system for dam termite damage and time-lapse resistivity monitoring system.