Have you ever been curious about termites? You might already know that they are small wood-munching home-wreckers but did you know that most of the termites are blind and they are also very much concerned about their hygiene? Fascinating, right? Of course, we will have to call the termite control company if you spot these little pests roaming around your property.

But if you want to know more such interesting facts about termites, then you are in the right place! Here are some less-known facts that will offer a new perspective on these seemingly ordinary insects.

1. A Termite Colony Is a Huge Family Space

Termites are known to build large colonies and some of these colonies even rise several feet above the ground.

You might wonder why these tiny pests require such big nests. This is because termites live in big colonies and a typical subterranean termite colony in the United States can have from 60,000 to 1 million termites.

The largest termite colony ever to be found contained about three million termites. Yikes!

2. Termites Are Social Cockroaches

Often, people confuse termites with ants but a study has revealed that termites are originally related to cockroaches.

Both termites and some species of cockroaches have the same type of specialized microbes in their guts.

Researchers now believe that social termites evolved from solitary cockroaches.

Also Read: What Happens When You Leave a Termite Infestation Untreated?

3. Ants Are the Mortal Enemies of Termites

Despite their physical similarity, ants and termites simply cannot tolerate each other. Ants happily devour termites and hence are the most natural termite predators.

Termites and ant colonies tend to go to war over food and territory. Some people even use ant colonies to get rid of the termite colonies on their property.

4. Queen Termites Lay Eggs at an Unbelievable Rate

The termite queen is the most important factor in any termite colony and her main job is to procreate.

The termite queen keeps laying eggs and some queens can lay up to 25 eggs per minute.

Queen termites belonging to the Termitidae family can lay a whopping million eggs yearly.

5. Termites Only Eat Wood, Right?

Termites love munching on wood but they can eat anything that contains cellulose. This includes your books, wallpaper, and more.

Some termites, if the need arises, are even known to eat plastics, fabrics, and foam.

6. You Can Eat Termites

Termites are a great source of protein and are even considered a delicacy in some parts of the world.

Some people are known to eat termites alive while some cook the insects. Termites are even believed to be a cure for cough and flu in some parts of the world.

7. Termites Mate for Life

Often, we hear that some birds like swans and bald eagles mate for life. But it seems now that termites are also romantics at heart!

However, they are not picky about their partners. A male and female termite meet and after just a few hours, they find a log inside which they can mate.

After that, they never get out of the place and start their colony in the log.

8. Based on Diet, There Are Two Types of Termites

Often, we think that wood is the primary diet for termites. But this is not the case. There are two types of termites, based on their diet – lower termites and higher termites.

The lower termites eat wood since their guts are specially adapted for it. The higher termites on the other hand have a diverse range of bacteria in their gut which can help them digest a wide range of food. These termites are known to eat grass, humus, and leaves along with wood.

Also Read: The Life Cycle of a Termite and Warning Signs of Termite Damage

9. Termites Act as Suicide Bombers

Termite soldiers are entrusted with the job of protecting the colony from predators and other dangers. These soldiers are often known to block access to the colony, banging their heads on the wall to create vibrations to warn the colony and biting the predators to safeguard their colony.

In extreme cases, termite soldiers blow themselves up to protect their fellow termites. The termites contain a mixture of chemicals that are deadly to the invaders. Often, the older termites are known to rupture their abdomen and use these chemicals to kill or deter the invaders.

Come to think of it, termites are quite brave!

10. Do Termites Bite People?

Termites attack other insects but they rarely bite humans and pet animals. The termites’ jaws are tiny and even if they do bite, it will most likely not leave a mark but in some cases, a tiny red bump may appear.

The signs of termite bites will generally go away in 1-3 days. It could get swollen or itchy if you have an allergic reaction to the bite.

HiTech Termite Control

Do not wait until you spot termites in your home! Schedule regular termite inspections with us and have a worry-free life! To learn about the termite extermination services we offer, visit our website here.