Termites are tiny insects that play a huge role in nature but can also cause serious damage to homes and wooden furniture. Many people wonder:
What Do Termites Eat?
Termites mainly eat cellulose, a substance found in wood, plants, paper, and even cotton. Their strong jaws and gut bacteria allow them to digest cellulose, which most animals cannot.
Here’s a detailed look at what termites eat:
- Wood – furniture, walls, floors, and tree trunks.
- Paper & Cardboard – books, documents, and boxes.
- Plant Material – dead leaves, roots, and grass.
- Cotton & Fabrics – clothes or upholstery made from natural fibers.
- Drywall & Insulation – in severe infestations, they may chew through walls.
Safe vs. Unsafe Food for Termites
| Safe Food (Termites Commonly Eat) | Unsafe Food (Termites Avoid or Cannot Digest) |
|---|---|
| Wood (softwood, hardwood, damp wood) | Plastic, metal, glass |
| Cardboard & paper | Treated or painted wood |
| Dead leaves & grass | Synthetic fabrics |
| Cotton, hemp, linen | Concrete, stone, tiles |
| Plywood, MDF, and chipboard | Rubber & foam |
Key Point: Termites only eat organic material with cellulose. Anything non-organic like plastic, glass, or metal is safe from termite damage.
What Do Termites Look Like?
Many people confuse termites with ants. Here’s how to tell them apart:
- Color: Termites are usually creamy white, pale brown, or light yellow.
- Size: Small, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.
- Shape: Straight waist (ants have a pinched waist).
- Wings: Flying termites (swarmers) have equal-sized wings, unlike ants.
What Do Baby Termites Look Like?
Baby termites are called nymphs. They look similar to adult worker termites but smaller and whiter. Unlike many insects, baby termites don’t go through a dramatic transformation like butterflies; instead, they grow gradually into adult workers, soldiers, or swarmers.
Baby termite features:
- Tiny, soft-bodied, and pale white.
- No wings (only swarmers develop wings as adults).
- Found deep inside colonies, rarely seen unless the nest is disturbed.
Common Questions
1. Do termites eat clothes?
Yes, if the clothes are made of natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen. Synthetic clothes are safe.
2. Do termites eat plastic?
No. Termites may chew plastic to get through it, but they don’t eat it.
3. Do termites only eat dead wood?
No. Termites can eat both live trees and dead wood, especially if the wood is damp.
4. Can termites survive without wood?
Yes. They can eat paper, cardboard, fabrics, and other cellulose-rich items.
5. Are baby termites dangerous?
Baby termites don’t cause damage on their own, but as they grow into workers, they become active feeders.
Final Thoughts
Termites are fascinating but also destructive pests. To clear all confusion:
- They eat cellulose-based materials like wood, paper, and cotton.
- They look pale and ant-like, but with straight waists and equal wings.
- Baby termites (nymphs) look like tiny white versions of adults.
Understanding what termites eat and how they look helps you spot infestations early and protect your home from damage.