I’ve seen my fair share of termite infestations over the years, and let me tell you, these tiny creatures have some seriously surprising appetites. You might think you know what termites eat, but I’m here to give you the inside scoop on their dietary habits that’ll make your jaw drop.
In my line of work, I’ve witnessed termites chowing down on things you’d never expect. From the wooden beams in your attic to materials you’d think were impenetrable, these little munchers don’t discriminate.
Ever wondered if termites could take a bite out of concrete or plywood? Stick around, and I’ll reveal the shocking truth about what’s on the menu for these insatiable insects.
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Termites and Their Eating Habits
Have you ever noticed that you only seem to see termites infesting wooden structures? Why is that? Do they eat anything else?
Why Termites Like Wood
Studies of the gut of a termite have been performed on a microscopic level to reveal something unexpected: these pests have bacterial protozoa living in their stomachs, digesting their food for them.
These protozoa break down cellulose, a biological compound found in wood, and create fuel from this unlikely resource. Because cellulose is found most abundantly in wood and tree roots, termites gravitate toward it. Check out this video to learn more about WHY termites like wood!
How Do Termites Digest Wood?
As someone who’s spent years dealing with termite infestations, I’ve always been fascinated by how these tiny creatures can turn solid wood into a nutritious meal. The secret lies in their unique digestive system.
Termites don’t digest wood on their own. Instead, they have a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms in their gut. Here’s how it works:
- Protozoa partners: Termites have special protozoa (microscopic organisms) living in their hindgut. These little helpers are crucial for breaking down cellulose, the main component of wood.
- Enzyme action: The protozoa produce enzymes that can break the chemical bonds in cellulose. This process turns the tough plant material into simpler sugars that the termite can absorb.
- Fermentation chamber: A termite’s gut acts like a tiny fermentation vat. As the wood particles move through, they’re constantly being broken down by the protozoa and bacteria.
- Nutrient absorption: Once the cellulose is broken down into simple sugars, the termite’s body can absorb these nutrients, using them for energy and growth.
- Passing it on: Interestingly, young termites can’t digest wood on their own. They acquire the necessary gut flora by consuming fecal pellets from adult termites, a process called trophallaxis.
This incredible digestive system is what allows termites to thrive on a diet that would be indigestible to most other creatures. It’s also why they’re such efficient decomposers in nature – and such persistent pests in our homes.
Understanding this process is key to appreciating why termites are so drawn to wooden structures and why they can cause so much damage over time. It’s not just about eating – it’s about converting what seems like an impossible food source into a termite buffet.
Will Termites Eat Concrete?
Termites will NOT eat through concrete.
However, because termites will crawl through pre-made cracks in concrete structures and surfaces in search of wood, many people will fall to the misconception that the termites themselves have created the cracks.
Will Termites Eat Plastic?
Yes and no.
While termites only feed on items with a cellulose compound, it’s not uncommon for termites to use their serrated jaws to chew through plastic barriers. When it comes to wood, termites will do whatever they can to gnaw through blockades.
The termites aren’t eating the plastic, however. This will not give them sustenance; they are using their jaws more as a weapon than as a vehicle for food.
Wood That a Termite Will Eat
Okay, so termites are really only in search of cellulose, which is found primarily in wood.
But is all wood created equal to termites? Keep reading to find out.
Do Termites Eat Building Supplies?
If you’re building a home, shed, garage, or any other structure, you’re going to want to use the right materials upfront.
To prevent termite infestation, read below about how likely termites are to chow down on your different supplies.
The answer to this is a solid no.
Pressure treatment of lumber with chemicals is the number-one step taken against termites. The wood is packed with a preserving agent to stop decay as well as fill the wood with a chemical compound which acts as a blockade against termites. Normally, this is the wood that makes direct contact with the ground, so that when termites encounter the lumber, they’ll pass it right by.
This answer depends on whether the plywood has been pressure-treated or not.
Plywood is composed of several cuts of wood glued together, which contains cellulose. Normally, termites will find this cellulose in plywood, so they’ll eat it. However, with a pressure treatment, the termites will no longer be able to sniff out their favorite food.
Oriented strand board (OSB) is made of wood, but it is cement-bonded for extra durability. For this reason, termites aren’t likely to eat it.
The presence of the cement works to deter termites from the cellulose in the wood chips which make up the board, but also prevents decay. These two factors significantly decrease the likelihood that termites will eat OSB.
The paper which lines the front of a sheetrock wall is made up of cellulose, so it’s a nice appetizer for termites. While they don’t like to eat the actual sheetrock itself, they’ll begin to eat the outer layer and search inside for more cellulose.
Also, the walls behind the sheetrock layer in a home or a garage are primarily made of wood, so it’s not unlikely that a termite will keep journeying straight through the sheetrock to find even more cellulose.
Because particle board is made up of several different types of wood (chips, sawdust, waste materials), termites LOVE to eat particle board.
Another major attractant of termites to particle board is its ability to swell with moisture. Because some termites love dampened wood, wet particle board is like serving termites their favorite food on a silver platter.
Termites and Their Diet Outside
What do termites eat in the wild?
Do you have plants in your yard that could be harboring termite colonies without your knowledge?
Read on for more info.
Normally, live trees and bushes are not optimal sources of food for termites, as these insects feed on dead and decaying cellulose.
However, Formosan Subterranean termites can take over some species of live trees, burrowing into the centers and making themselves at home inside.
Unless the tree starts to decay, you should be okay.
Cypress is another type of wood (along with cedar and redwood) which is naturally decay-resistant during its lifespan.
However, once the tree dies, it will eventually break down. Also, the presence of moisture within the tree’s trunk, branches, and roots can lead termites to a cypress tree.
Read Also: What’re the different type of termites?
The answer to this question, unfortunately, is yes.
There’s a species of termite which feeds exclusively on dry, smooth wood such as hardwood floors, banisters, baseboards, and even furniture. The tunnels made by the termites’ chewing are smooth and finished, as the drywood termites don’t have the same serrated, jagged jaw that the dampwood termites have.
Here’s some good news for all homeowners: termites won’t eat through paint!
However, whether or not a termite colony will make its way into your wood depends on how well the wood was painted. If the pieces of wood inside the ground are bare, then this is a surefire way for termites to make their way inside the wooden structure.
Do yourself a favor and leave no spot unpainted.
Poplar wood is defined at utilitarian, working wood. It can be a blend of a few different types of wood, all with different levels of resistance to termites.
Each kind of wood has cellulose, which will always be what a colony of termites is after. However, some poplar wood may be stronger at protecting against termites if made from certain naturally-resistant trees like cypress, redwood, and cedar.
Termites have bacterial protozoa living in their stomachs, digesting their food for them. These protozoa break down cellulose, a biological compound found in wood, and create fuel from this unlikely resource. Because cellulose is found most abundantly in wood and tree roots, termites gravitate toward it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do termites eat anything other than wood?
While wood is their primary food source, termites can consume other cellulose-based materials as well. In my experience, I’ve seen termites feast on paper, cardboard, and even certain fabrics that contain cellulose fibers.
They’re particularly fond of items that are damp or in the process of decay. However, it’s important to note that they don’t eat non-cellulose materials like plastic or concrete – they may chew through these to reach wood, but they’re not consuming them for nutrition.
What do termites hate the most?
From what I’ve observed in the field, termites have a strong aversion to light and dry conditions. They thrive in dark, moist environments, so exposure to sunlight or dry air can be detrimental to them.
Certain natural oils like neem oil, orange oil, and cedarwood oil seem to repel them effectively. They also dislike the smell of vinegar. In terms of wood types, termites tend to avoid cedar and redwood due to their natural resistance. However, it’s crucial to remember that while these deterrents can help, they’re not foolproof against a determined termite colony.
Do termites bite people?
In my years of pest control, I’ve rarely encountered cases of termites biting humans. Termites generally aren’t interested in people and will only bite if they feel threatened or are handled directly. Even then, their bites are usually harmless and barely noticeable to humans.
The soldier caste of termites has stronger mandibles and could give a small pinch if provoked, but this is extremely uncommon. Termites are much more focused on wood and other cellulose materials than on people. The real danger from termites comes from the structural damage they can cause to buildings, not from any direct harm to humans.
What are some signs of a termite infestation?
There are several key indicators of a termite infestation that homeowners should watch for. One of the most obvious signs of termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes on exterior walls, foundations, or in crawl spaces – these are highways termites build to access food sources.
Another telltale sign is wood that sounds hollow when tapped or appears crushed at structural bearing points. Discarded wings near windowsills or doors can indicate that swarmers (reproductive termites) have entered the home. Visible damage to wood, including blistering or darkening of wood structures, is also a red flag. Lastly, the presence of frass (termite droppings) which looks like tiny wood-colored pellets, can be a sign of drywood termites. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to get a professional inspection immediately.
Why do termites damage homes by eating wood?
Termites damage homes by eating wood simply because it’s their primary food source and they’re constantly foraging for cellulose to sustain their colonies. The cellulose in wood provides the nutrients and energy termites need to survive and reproduce. Unfortunately for homeowners, the wooden structures in our houses are often an ideal food source for these insects.
Termites don’t intentionally “damage” homes — they’re just following their biological imperative to find food. The problem is that their feeding habits can severely compromise the structural integrity of a building over time. They often work unseen, hollowing out wood from the inside, which is why infestations can go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. This is why regular inspections and preventive measures are so crucial in protecting homes from termite damage.
Final Thoughts on the Diet of Termites
If there's one thing to remember about a termite's dietary habits, it's that these insects will always feast on cellulose and decaying wood.
Any item or particle made up of cellulose is prime cuisine for a termite. This includes nearly every type of wood, especially those that swell with moisture.
Steps can be taken, however, to protect wood against termite infestation such as pressure treatment, concrete reinforcement, and sealant coats.
By knowing the prime attractant for termites, you can better protect against an infestation in the future.
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