What Do Termites Do To Humans?

Termites are one of the most notorious pests that infest homes. A severe infestation by termites can cause plenty of damage to your property. Besides damaging structures, termites are dangerous to humans as they can bite. Let us delve deeper into what termites are capable of doing to humans.

Are Termites Dangerous?

Yes, they are! Therefore, it is good to have a look at how termites can affect you. While termites may not be as harmful to humans as other pests such as spiders, bees, and wasps, they bite. Their reason for biting humans or attacking other insects is to defend themselves. Naturally, termites are herbivores and not aggressive to humans unless disturbed or handled. Unlike most other pests like mosquitoes, bed bugs, and fleas, termites are not interested in human blood or flesh as their primary source of food is wood.

Which Termites Bite Humans?

Soldier termites are the ones that bite humans. Like soldier ants, the crucial role of soldier termites is protecting their colonies. They are not involved in reproduction and food collection. Soldier termites only attack when provoked. And this is when they can bite you. These termites are characterised by more giant heads and mandibles that they use in defence. The mandibles are strong enough to cause severe pain to humans when bitten. The pain from the bite is more severe in thin-skinned areas like the fingers. A soldier termite will bite you if you threaten it or the colony it is guarding.

What Do Termite Bites Look And Feel Like?

A powerful termite bite can cause a red, sore spot on human skin. Anyway, the bite does not have much effect other than minor skin irritation. Since the bite is not poisonous, it is not toxic to your body. Termites have saliva that helps them eat wood. That saliva is what causes irritation or skin rash from being bitten. Note that a termite bite may look similar to the bites of other insects. But you can differentiate it from the rest. If the bite mark lasts for more than a day or worsens with time, that is not a termite that bit you.

Do Flying Termites Bite?

Flying termites are serious trouble. They signal the beginning of a new termite colony. If you spot a swarm of flying termites inside or around your home, it should be a warning sign of either an existing termite problem or a potential termite infestation. Luckily, since none of the flying termites is a soldier termite, the chances of being bitten are zero, and even if they bite, you feel less pain due to their small mandibles. Better yet, flying termites cause no damage. It is their offspring that wreak havoc. Nevertheless, be worried about their presence in your residence because they signal termite invasion.

Do Termites Cause Health Problems?

Though termites can bite, the resultant wounds are not that serious. Termites are not venomous, nor do they spread diseases. However, if termites infest your home, you may suffer from asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Some people are usually allergic to termite droppings and saliva.

Bottom Line

Considering the massive damage termites may cause to your home, not forgetting their bites, always strive to keep your home free of these pests. One simple measure you can take is getting rid of damaged timber on your property, preventing termites. Having a proper plan for eradicating current infestation and preventing future invasion is the right way to go. To be successful in this, make sure to work with a professional termite control company in your locality.