What Does It Look Like When Termites Eat Wood?
WouterOne question that you might have is what does it look like when termites eat wood? These insects can cause significant structural damage to your home, but they can also be very difficult to notice. Thankfully, there are several signs you can look for to know if you’re dealing with a termite infestation.
The first sign you’ll want to keep an eye out for is discarded wings. You may see them lying near your windows or doorways. Or you might notice a pile of wings in your yard or on the outside of your house.
Another sign is hollowed areas in your wood. This is because termites are working to break down the cellulose in your wood. They will also make small holes and tunnels in your wood. This is how they create their galleries.
If your home is infested with termites, you’ll also notice a smell. This isn’t unpleasant like the odor produced by carnivores. It’s the result of bacteria and protozoa that are living in the termite’s gut. The protists produce enzymes to help them digest the wood.
Once the termites have eaten through the wood, they will leave a poop. The poop doesn’t smell like carnivore feces, but it is very reminiscent of salt and pepper found on your floors.
When the protists in the termite’s digestive system break down the cellulose in the wood, it will form acetate, a sugar. The acetate gives the termites energy.
