Will You Eat House Termites?
Termites are a type of insect that lives inside the earth, forming symbiotic relationships with other organisms to break down tough food materials. While termites do not harm humans, they can cause a great deal of damage to buildings.
Generally, they live in a dark, moist environment and feed on cellulose and other types of plant material. They have a special gut biome that breaks down the cellulose in wood, which gives them energy.
They also eat dead plants and fungi. While they don’t carry harmful diseases, they can bite and sting. Termites have straight antennae and broad waists. Some species have narrow nest entrances.
Termites will chew through wood, cardboard, and even plastic jars. They will leave trails behind them, which can be a sign of their presence.
Termites have three social castes. The worker caste feeds the other termites by mouth. The reproductive caste is made up of two pairs of wings. The swarmers are termites that fly out of the colonies in spring. They look for a mate and build new colonies.
Besides eating, termites also recycle waste to build their homes. They can eat through insulation foam, and chew through drywall, headphone cords, and other household items.
Termites can be found around the world. The National Pest Management Association has launched a series called “Will They Eat It?”.
If you see signs of termites in your home, you should call a pest control company. Termites can be hard to spot, and they can cause a lot of damage.