How Much Do Termites Fart?
WouterTermites produce methane as a by-product of the digestion process. Methane is a greenhouse gas and has a 30 times higher potency than carbon dioxide. It is also highly flammable.
During their lifetime, termites will produce up to 20 million tons of methane. This makes them the second largest natural source of methane emissions. They also produce hydrogen gas. This gas is very flammable and contributes to climate change.
Termites have been around for 250 million years. Their guts contain bacteria that break down plant material. Using these microorganisms, termites also pass methane and other gases through their digestive tracts. In addition to their diet, they also produce methane as a defense mechanism.
Termite colonies are made up of millions of individuals. Typically, each termite will emit half a microgram of methane per day. The amount of methane that a termite emits is not enough to harm humans. But, termites are still responsible for about 1 to 3 percent of global methane emissions.
Termites have been known to fart more than other animals, including human beings and cows. Their flatulence produces methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas. The methane that they produce is odorless, but it is a powerful weapon in their arsenal. It can paralyze up to six termites with just one blow.
Several scientific studies have investigated the role of farting larvae on their prey. The research showed that book lice, fruit flies, and small wasps were all affected by the farts. They also found that the fume induced paralysis lasted for three hours.
