Do Termites Have Natural Enemies?
Termites are a common cause of damage to wood structures. However, there are many natural enemies that will attack termites. These predators range in size from small to large.
Among the largest termite predators are birds. These animals often hunt termites in the air. They are strong enough to kill entire swarms. Some species also prefer eating termites on the ground.
There are hundreds of different types of birds that feed on termites. These animals can include starlings, storks, chickens, and eagles. Some animals will peck at termites on the ground while others will fly and catch them.
In North America, the most important termite eaters are the woodpeckers. These birds will peck at termites in wooden structures. The spotted eagle owl will also peck at termites.
Other common animals that feed on termites are lizards and anteaters. These species have sharp beaks that can tear through wood. They can be found in various parts of the world. In Africa, agamid lizards are known to eat termites. Other lizards, including legless lizards, have been seen eating termites in Australia.
Another animal that is known to eat termites is the praying mantis. These creatures have long, elongated bodies and spiny legs. They are usually brown or green in color. They are a termite predator because they attack termites by camouflaging.
Other arachnids and nematodes are known to prey on termites. These tiny insects are often found in high-quality fast-flowing water streams. Some of these worms infect termites. They then kill them from within.