Termite Biological Traits

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Termites are an integral part of a fully-functioning ecosystem, converting decaying organic cellulose material into fertile soil, out of which new generations of flora flourished. Today, the same biological traits that made termites ecologically beneficial have made them into costly pests in dense suburban and urban environments.

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In these areas, the termite's need to feed on cellulose causes considerable damage to homes and other structures. Termites will consume wooden floors, support beams, foundations, furniture, books and many other materials found inside. Despite these destructive behaviors, termites are not biologically designed to be harmful to humans and will not bite people whose homes they infest.

As a species, termites swarm and are known to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of their colonies. Soldier termites are equipped with enlarged mandibles, which they use to defend their colonies against enemies such as ants and other termite colonies. Worker termites are pale in color and are blind. Subterranean termites nest underground, while drywood termites establish their colonies within the wood on which they feed.

Termite Facts

• Characteristics of a Termite
• Termite Behavior
• Termite Biological Traits
• Do Termites Bite?
• Termite Nests / Mounds
• Termite Enemies
• Queen Termite
• Soldier Termite
• Flying Ants vs. Termites
• How to Read a Termite Report