Termites eat wood by breaking down cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. Here’s how they do it:
1. Biting and Chewing
Termites have strong mandibles (jaws) that allow them to bite into and chew wood. They gnaw through the wood to create tunnels and chambers where they live and travel.
2. Digesting Cellulose
Wood is mostly made of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that most animals can’t digest. Termites can digest it thanks to:
Symbiotic microorganisms: In their guts, termites harbor bacteria and protozoa that produce enzymes (like cellulase) to break down cellulose into simpler sugars.
Enzymes: Some termites (especially lower termites) rely mainly on these gut microbes, while higher termites produce some cellulose-digesting enzymes themselves.
3. Feeding Behavior
Worker termites eat the wood and then regurgitate it to feed other members of the colony, such as the queen, king, soldiers, and larvae.
They target soft or decaying wood more easily, though some species (like Formosan and subterranean termites) can consume even hard, sound wood.
4. Moisture Dependence
Termites, especially subterranean species, need moisture to digest cellulose effectively. That’s why they’re often found in damp wood or soil-connected structures.
If you’re dealing with termites or suspect an infestation, it’s best to consult a pest control expert, as they can cause significant structural damage over time.