How Much Do Termites Eat?

Termites are a common pest. They can damage homes and plant life. They feed on wood and other materials. They can also cause structural damage.

Termites are tiny insects that live in colonies. Each colony consists of thousands of workers. They have tiny jaws and cream colored bodies. They are less than an inch long. They feed on cellulose. They convert wood particles into starch and sugar. They also eat dead leaves, branches, and decayed plant matter.

Termite colonies can consume up to a pound of wood per day. The size of the colony affects the rate at which they consume. Larger colonies can do more structural damage. They can also be harder to detect.

Termites are usually attracted to moisture. They use water to soften wood. They then chew through the wood and break up the cellulose fibers. They then extract the nutrients that are contained in the cellulose. This is a process known as trophallaxis. During this process, the worker termites secrete a culture.

These cultures are fed to the larvae. The larvae then grow into adults and feed on the culture. The worker termites pass the cellulose-turned sugar substance on to the larvae through the mouth-to-mouth feeding method.

If termites get inside your home, they can cause massive damage. They can also cause a foul odor. They can damage books, cardboard, and other items. They can also hollow out walls, furniture, and support beams.

One type of termite, the Formosan subterranean termite, can destroy a house in as little as a year. They are especially aggressive, with millions of workers in a single colony.

Continue reading:

Using Injection Foams and Bait Stations For Termite Control Can Termites Trigger Asthma? Termites – Destructive Insects That Can Ruin a Garden Can Termites Reproduce Without a Queen? What Can Termites Not Eat Through? How Termites Can Live in Clothes Can You Just Spray For Termites? How Termites Eat Wood, But You Can Prevent Them From Infesting Your Home With Pressure-Treated Lumber