Termite Food and Nests
Termite Diet
Termite Diet
Cellulose, Cellulose, Cellulose — the ultimate target for all termite species is always to reach a source of cellulose.
Although termites chew through and damage many materials, they derive actual nourishment only from cellulose, which is rich in energy.
Termites cannot digest cellulose on their own, so they rely on symbiotic microorganisms, specifically bacteria and protozoa, that live in their hindgut.
These microorganisms live in a symbiotic relationship with termites, aiding in the digestion process.
In more evolved termite species, digestion depends mainly on bacteria.
In primitive species, termites engage in fungus farming (fungi culture) within their colonies and feed on special structures produced by these fungi.
Classification of Termites Based on Diet Source
Subterranean Termites – feed on cellulose from below ground sources.
Drywood Termites – infest and feed on dry wood.
Dampwood Termites – prefer decaying or moisture-rich wood.
Grass-eating Termites – feed on dry or fresh grasses.
Soil-feeding Termites – consume organic matter found in soil.
Termite Nests
1. Terranean Termites (Ground-Dwelling Termites)
This group of termites is closely associated with the soil and maintains constant contact with the ground, due to their dependence on moisture. It is further divided into:
A. Subterranean Termites
These are among the most significant and destructive types.
They form massive colonies, sometimes numbering in the millions.
Since their diet is cellulose-based, they spread widely in search of it, attacking houses, warehouses, silos, crops, and more.
The queen settles deep within the soil, sometimes at depths of up to 30 meters, to maintain access to moisture.
B. Mound-Building Termites (Mounds Termites)
These termites construct large above-ground structures, known as mounds or castles,
Some of which can reach heights of over 9 meters.
Subterranean termite
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2. Woody Termites (Wood-Dwelling Termites)
These termites live entirely within wood, and the entire colony is located inside the wooden piece they feed on, with no contact with soil.
Their colony size is relatively small compared to subterranean species. This group is divided into:
A. Drywood Termites
Infest dry, sound wood only.
These termites do not require high humidity and are often found in furniture, beams, and wooden structures in dry conditions.
B. Dampwood Termites
Live in moist, decaying wood, often associated with certain types of fungi.
They are of limited economic importance, as they are less likely to invade man-made structures.
Drywood termite
3. Arboreal Termites
These termites build their nests on trees, as well as on rooftops or inside storage buildings.
Arboreal termite
4. Agricultural Termites
These termites attack annual crops, fruit trees, and forest trees, causing a range of damage — from reduced yields to the complete destruction of entire farms.
