Do Termites Eat Sweets?
WouterTermites are insects that live off of cellulose. Termites are members of the Isoptera order. They are winged insects with two pairs of membranous wings. The wings are roughly the same size, though the front forewings are smaller than the back hindwings.
Termites are known as wood eaters. They eat the cellulose fibers in the wood. The microbes in their guts turn the cellulose into sugar. This is the main attraction for termites.
The termites are highly active and breed rapidly. They form colonies that can be millions of strong. The colonies are made up of different social classes. They communicate with each other by vibrations and physical contact. They also exchange information continuously.
Termites are one of the largest pests of homes. They can cause billions of dollars in damage. The insects have powerful immune systems that allow them to defend themselves against bacteria and diseases. They can attack living plants with roots, but they prefer to feed on cellulose.
They can be found in homes all over the world. They are an invasive species that are common in the United States. They have been reported to destroy books and even the dictionary. They are known to wreak havoc on wooden furniture. They can be heard in homes that are dark. They can be seen in attics and crawl spaces.
They are most commonly found in corn. They can also be found in rice, wheat, and many vegetables. If you see a termite, it is important to get it checked out.
