What Can Termites Eat?
WouterTermites are tiny, insect-like creatures that eat everything from feces to cotton fabric. They are not dangerous to humans, but they can cause damage to buildings and plants. They also produce methane, which contributes to air pollution.
Termites mainly eat wood, but they will also chew through plastic and other non-wood materials. They will also eat anything that contains cellulose, which is an organic fiber.
Termites have special asymmetrical mandibles that allow them to break into food. They have a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms, which help them obtain the nutrients they need.
Some termite species prefer to eat wood that has already been broken down by fungi. However, live trees are not a good source of food for them.
Termites will eat any type of paper, from books to paper money. The process of breaking down cellulose is important for them. This is because cellulose is one of the main components of the cell walls of plants and trees.
In fact, cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on Earth. You can find cellulose in a variety of foods and in building materials such as paper and foam.
Termites have a special biome in their gut that breaks down cellulose into energy. The same process produces a substance called humus, which improves soil.
Unlike other insect species, termites do not carry harmful diseases. They also have a special mouthpart that allows them to digest food and drink.
They are considered detritivores, which means they will always seek out a food source. In the U.S., they contribute to about $5 billion in property damage annually.
