Can Humans Eat Termites?
WouterYou may be wondering if humans can eat termites. Unlike insects such as mosquitoes, which feed on human blood, termites are not dangerous to humans. However, they do eat wood and other types of food.
While they do not usually bite humans, they can damage your home and cause structural damage. They may also infest your pets. In addition, they are known to release significant amounts of methane. This makes them a very important natural resource.
Some species of termites are used for food and medicine by people in several parts of the world. A study on this topic was performed. It aimed to catalogue the termite species used by humans worldwide. The information was compiled from scientific journal websites and online international databases.
The study showed that there are about 43 species of termites used in human diets. These species are found in 29 countries across three continents. The highest number of records came from Asia, Venezuela, and America.
Termites are classified into four families. There are also nine species that are being used as therapeutic resources.
Termites are eaten by ants, birds, lizards, and other small animals. They also help in the decomposition of organic matter in tropical regions.
Most termites contain calcium and amino acids, as well as iron. They are considered to be very nutritious. It is therefore not surprising that some species are widely eaten in many countries.
Some countries consider the termite queen unfit for human consumption. In Cameroon, for example, termite queens are given to ill people, as well as malnourished children.
