What Do Termites Eat?

Termites are a group of cellulose-eating insects. They are a common pest and can cause considerable damage to your home. It is important to understand what termites eat to protect your home.

Termites primarily eat wood. But they also eat other organic products. Some termite species prefer wood that has already been broken down by fungi. These are called drywood termites. They are usually found in dead trees or on the floors of homes.

Termites have a special biome in their guts that breaks down cellulose. These bacteria produce enzymes that help break down cellulose. During this process, termites consume a chemical called sugar. Termites are attracted to cellulose because it provides them with fuel and energy.

The majority of home-invading termites prefer wood that has been decayed. This includes wood from redwood, cedar, and cypress. Some termites will also attack live trees.

While termites are attracted to certain types of wood, they do not eat bamboo. Termites have strong mouth parts and chew through wood. They are also known to burrow deep into wooden structures. Some termite colonies have tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of members.

Termites are social animals. They have three groups: a king, a queen, and workers. These three groups work together to build the colony. The king and queen are the main reproductives. They must be fed by the workers. Other reproductives, called nymphs, feed the rest of the colony.

Termites have an unusually advanced caste system. They are light-colored, segmented, and have antennae. The antennae are filiform.

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