Why Do Termites Eat Wood?
WouterIf you haven’t had any experience with termites, you may wonder why they eat wood. Termites can be a real problem for homeowners, and the damage they can do is substantial. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of them.
Termites primarily feed on cellulose, a plant fiber that gives wood its structure. They have specialized mouthparts that chew through wood. They also have bacteria and protozoa in their guts that help them digest cellulose.
The cellulose in the wood can be used for many things. It can be found in books, paper, magazines, and many other products. Some of these products include plywood, which is often affected by termites.
Most home-invading termites prefer to eat wood that is old and decaying. Some, however, eat grass, fungi, and other plants. They can also eat plastic and cardboard.
A single colony of termites can consist of up to 15 million members. It can grow rapidly, and the size of a colony depends on its type and location. Termites are a silent destroyer, and they can cause major damage to your home before you even know they are there.
Termites can eat through a piece of wood much faster than you might think. In addition, termites have unique mouthparts that can easily chew through the fibers of a piece of wood. Unlike other insects, termites have bacteria and protozoa in their digestive tracts that break down cellulose. This is important for termites’ survival.
