With all the demolition a termite does with eating, it’s reasonable to wonder if termites could bite you or someone you know. Termites consume food 24/7 and are known for causing damage to internal and external property structures. With some colonies capable of eating a pound of wood each day, their biting capabilities are startling to any property owner. If you come across signs of termites in your home, it’s worth an immediate call to a local professional, to ensure you and your home are safe!
Are Termites Harmful to Humans and Pets?
A helpful fact to know about termites is that they are “detritivores,” which means they feed on dead organic material. Specifically, termites desire the cellulose found in wood or other organic materials. With that in mind, it makes a little more sense that termites are primarily attracted to biting:
- Wood
- Plastic
- Wallpaper
- Grass
- Cardboard
- Carpet
- Paper
- Fabric
Knowing what a termite wants to eat, there usually is no interest or benefit in attempting to bite a living organism, such as a person or pet. Should your pet eat a termite, this should also not produce a reaction.
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Will Termites Attack Me?
While not attracted to people, insects behave differently when they feel attacked. Is this the case for termites? Extremely unlikely. Not only do termites not behave this way when threatened, but the structure of the termite’s “mandible,” (appendages by the insect’s mouth) would make it nearly impossible to penetrate human skin.
In rare cases, a bite may occur with a strong mandible termite (such as a soldier termite), but it likely wouldn’t leave a mark. Should this ever happen, keep in mind:
- Any termite bite is not dangerous or toxic
- At most, symptoms could include a small red bump and/or irritation and itchiness
- Termites do not carry diseases
The thought of a termite bite can be frightening, but of greater concern is the impact a termite can have on your safety in your home. If a colony is left alone, it would only take an average of five to six years before a home’s structure is destroyed. Walls, floors, and ceilings can collapse on you and your loved ones, so termites are worth taking seriously.
Protect Yourself Against Termites!
One of the best ways to ensure that you don’t come across termites is to have a periodic check from a professional to halt the beginning stages of an infestation. The costs and repairs of fixing your home or property can be devastating. Since 1960, Magic Exterminating has served local communities in Flushing NY with trustworthy and effective pest control services. For prevention, removal, or exclusion, contact Magic Exterminating to safeguard the structure of your home and health!
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