Do Termites Bite?

It’s not a farfetched question to ask. An insect that is difficult to detect and consumes food 24/7 is enough to concern any property owner. Termites are one of the worst insects to invade your home and can cause excessive damage to the internal structure. It’s reasonable to wonder, with all the biting and eating a termite does – can that termite bite me? To ensure you and your property are safe from the damage of termites, have professionals, such as Russell’s Pest Control, inspect your home periodically to monitor or exterminate a termite infestation.

Are Termites Harmful to Humans and Pets?

A helpful fact to know about termites is that they are “detritivores,” meaning they are an insect that feeds on dead organic material. Like worms, flies, or crabs, termites are part of the ecosystem where they decompose what is considered “waste.” 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 

So, it’s comforting to know that termites aren’t interested in biting you or your pets. Luckily, even though pets are notorious for their curiosity if they swallow any termites they catch, it should not produce a reaction.

Will Termites Attack Me? 

The good news is that termites are not likely to bite if you encounter one. The “mandible” (appendages by the insect’s mouth) are not meant to penetrate human skin, so if a termite attempted to bite, it would likely not even be successful. 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: 

• The termite bite is not toxic or dangerous
• Any symptoms would include a small red bump and/or irritation and itchiness
• They do not carry diseases

The bigger issue is the damage termites can do to your quality of life. Beyond the bite, termites in the home must be addressed promptly. 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!

Even if you don’t think termites are on your property, it is still encouraged to have a periodic check from a professional to make sure that nothing is in its beginning stages. Problems like this can get out of control quickly. The costs and repairs of fixing your home or property can be devastating, so connect with your local pest control company to help. With over 45 years of industry experience, Russell’s Pest Control is the place to go for safe and effective termite management.