What Do Termites Eat?

Termites are social insects that cause serious structural damage to buildings, crops and forests worldwide, especially in areas with a warm and damp climate.

Although termite activity can create problems for humans, they are ecologically important for their ability to recycle nutrients and assist in soil formation.

History

Termites are small insects that range from white to pale brownish-black in color. Scientists believe that termites came to North America from China or Japan shortly after World War II. There are at least 50 identifiable species of termite in North America.

Termites live in large colonies and construct nests either within wood, underground or in large mounds above ground.

Types

Although there are many different species of termites, all can be divided into three main groups according to their preferred habitats: dampwood, subterranean and drywood termites.

Dampwood termites prefer to live in rotting logs in forests and wooded areas. They are the largest of the North American termites (generally half an inch or more in length); however, they are rarely responsible for structural damage in buildings or homes.

Subterranean termites build large, underground nests and, unlike the dampwood termites, routinely attack wood in structures by climbing up from their nests into wood through shelter tubes constructed from soil, chewed wood and termite waste.

Drywood termites also eat the wood in buildings; however, their colonies live above ground.

Features

Like ants or bees, termites are social insects. Within a termite colony there are various castes that are responsible for carrying out different tasks to help the colony run smoothly. The termite castes include soldiers for defense; workers to search for food, build the nest, and care for termite eggs and young; and the king and queen of the colony, responsible for reproduction.

Significance

All termites rely on cellulose for food. Microorganisms such as the protozoa Trichonympha in the termite's gut break the cellulose down into usable nutritional energy. Termites eat wood because of the large amount of cellulose contained in the wood; however they also will eat any other matter that contains cellulose, including paper, cloth, carpet and furniture.

Identification

Identifying termite infestations in a home or building can often be difficult since termites tend to stay well-hidden in wood or soil. However, the best ways to determine if termites are in a structure include:
- Seeing flying termites (called swarmers) around or in the building. These swarmers are king or queen termites emerging to begin a new colony.
- Identifying termite shelter tunnels on foundation walls, in the attic, or the basement of the building.
- Finding a dried, white powdery substance near moist spots on walls, particularly in those of the basement.

Resources

• Neb Guide Provides Detailed Information About Termites and Identifying Termite Infestations.