Can You Eat All Termites?
WouterAre termites edible? These soft-bodied insects are commonly eaten by humans in many parts of the world. Although they are not dangerous to human beings, some species are known to bite.
Termites can be found in decaying wood and leaf litter. They also live in colonies. In these colonies, termites come from different social classes. One class, called the worker caste, feeds the other members of the colony.
The workers are mainly responsible for feeding the young nymphs and reproductive termites. The mature adults, including the king and queen, build the colony. The workers, as well as the soldiers, defend the colony.
Besides wood, termites can also eat manmade paper. They also eat animal feces. Their guts contain protozoa and bacteria that help digest cellulose. They can break down cellulose into glucose.
Most termites are rich in protein, calcium, and amino acids. They can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be roasted or boiled. In some cultures, they are considered delicacies. They can also be dried and baked.
Termites are found in the United States, where they cause about $5 billion in property damage each year. In fact, some people think that termites can chew through concrete. But it’s actually true that termites don’t eat concrete. They prefer to raid the pantry.
Despite their reputation for eating human food, termites have no harmful diseases. They also contain large amounts of fat, which can be used as cooking oil.
Those who want to eat termites must be aware of the risks. Some species can bite, and others are swarmers.
