What Do Termites Eat?

Termites cause massive damage to our homes and properties. Preventing and controlling them also require a big amount of money. Once they start to feed on our properties, they are capable of growing into bigger populations. Worst, they may develop resistance to pesticides and become more difficult to eradicate.

Where do termites live? What do termites eat? Do these organisms have any food preferences? What are the advantages of knowing about their eating patterns?

Termites usually reside in places conducive for their reproduction and survival. These are niches with adequate moisture content. Termites easily thrive in environments that are secure from predators and natural enemies like ants. These organisms are unable to withstand harsh environments. They prefer places which stay cool during hot weathers and warm during the cold season. Many termites prefer to build their nests or colonies underground.

What do termites eat? Termites feed on materials that contain cellulose. These are wood, cardboard, paper and books. Plant products such as cotton and plant fibres also provide nutrition to termites. In urban areas, termites are observed to chew on other materials like carpets, furniture, flooring and window frames. It is the nature of termites to destroy anything that comes in their way. When uncontrolled, termites may literally chew a whole house down.

What do termites eat? How do they process cellulose? The digestive system of termites contains cellulose-degrading microorganisms. Cellulose is converted to nutrients necessary for the termites’ growth and maintenance. Examples of this gut-thriving flora are protozoans which are single-celled organisms.

What do termites eat? What are their food preferences? Aside from paper and books, decayed wood is a favorite food of termites. Wood is easily digested by termites and the fungi present in decayed wood are good sources of nitrogen also necessary for the termites’ development.

What do termites eat? How do these organisms look for food? A colony of these organisms are composed of termites with defined social roles and responsibilities. The king and queen termite mate to reproduce and maintain the population size of the colony. Soldier termites protect the nest from enemies. Worker termites look and gather food for the entire colony. They also take care of the eggs and the newly-hatched larvae. When a worker termite spots a food source, it leaves a trail of scent to guide other worker termites. Since termites are not equipped with compound eyes like other insects, they use other senses in locating food.

Acquiring knowledge about the eating habits of termites helps an individual in planning ways of controlling these voracious pests. Termites are capable of producing new colonies when provided with proper breeding grounds and nutrition. Eradicating them early saves lots of resources.

Sunair Services Corporation Sells Telecom FM Limited - MarketWatch

Sunair Services Corporation Sells Telecom FM Limited MarketWatch - 1 hour ago Middleton provides complete pest control, lawn and shrub care, subterranean and drywood termite control and mosquito reduction services through a network of ...

'Super' Termite Infestations Appearing In Central Florida - Local6.com

'Super' Termite Infestations Appearing In Central Florida Local6.com, FL - Sep 25, 2008 Formosan subterranean termites were first spotted in Central Florida in the early 1980s. However, Local 6 has learned that the pests are branching out. ...

Problems with Termites - American Chronicle

Problems with Termites American Chronicle, CA - Sep 22, 2008 The two most common types of termites are known as subterranean and wood-inhabiting. Subterranean termites are often found in much larger colonies than the ...

Condos, Orkin work out bugs in suit - Daily Commercial

Condos, Orkin work out bugs in suit Daily Commercial, FL - Oct 4, 2008 ... initial treatment of the 14-building structure, just off State Road 468, as well as follow-up treatments to control and prevent subterranean termites. ...

Termite trouble - Mountain Views Mail

Termite trouble Mountain Views Mail, Australia - Sep 22, 2008 Mr Higgs said subterranean nests are rare in areas like Warburton, but termites are not, with the entire Shire of Yarra Ranges designated as a termite ...