Termite Bites, Their Possible Symptoms, and Home Remedies to Treat the Bites

Termites rarely bite humans. Sometimes when they are disturbed, they attack humans & bite them.

The pursuit of good health and well-being is a concern of everyone, either consciously or subconsciously. However, some of us are the ones who are very concerned with the art of well-being and taking care of ourselves from health-causing things.

Having small kids in the home makes you more concerned about your environment. What a creepy experience of getting a bug bite on your skin? You must know any hazardous possibilities and should keep yourself aware.

Termite Infestation: Be Aware!

How is it possible that you don’t face termite infestation living in some state of the USA? Every year homeowners lose millions of dollars worth of wooden infrastructure because of termites.

Termites are commonly found throughout the world, especially in warm climates near bodies of water, because their larvae require high levels of moisture to survive.

But what we will discuss is a more threatening fact about termites besides property damage. Termites can bite you…!!!!!

Do Termites Really Bite?

Do termites bite? This is a question most people ask those who have encountered these destructive insects in their homes and yards. This is not limited to the bites, as termites can also cause diseases through their feces if they contact one’s skin.

Termites are polymorphic social insects that live by consuming wood and other materials that are mostly cellulose. Other than causing damage to properties, termite bites can also cause harm to humans.

Be Aware of Termite Bites..!!!!

Termite bites are the act where individuals belonging to termite species inflict pain by biting an individual. Termites use their mandibles to bite humans, resulting in small lacerations on one’s skin. These lacerations may or may not be painful and should heal within a day.

What are Bed Termite Bites?

This is a type of termite bite that occurs in bed. This usually happens when individuals are asleep and unaware of the termite infestation in their house. Because they cannot detect the location of the termites, this results in them getting bitten multiple times on different areas of their body.

Can Termites Bite Humans? If Yes, Then Why?

Yes, termites can and do bite humans. However, this is not restricted to only those belonging to termite species but also those of other insects. The termite bite is among the least painful compared to bites from other insects.

Termites feed on cellulose and thus tend to attack structures with a high material content. This is why they will not attack humans in most cases unless exposed to a large population of these.

Termites attack humans when they are looking for food or shelter. Termites attach to humans because they have a similar body temperature as them. If you have termites building nests near your home and the area around, then they will more than likely attack humans that come into their territory.

 

Termites Usually Don’t Bite People.

Termites rarely bite humans. The most common reason for a termite infestation in a house is getting exposed to a large population of these insects. This leads to them being aggressive towards humans when they feel that their food sources are being threatened.

Type of Termites that Bite Humans

There are two types of termites that feed on humans: the subterranean termite and the dry wood termite.

Subterranean Termites

These termites live in soil, feed mostly on wood, and attack any wooden structure nearby. These insects can also bite human flesh if, i.e., one’s finger gets in the way of their path while they are moving.

Drywood Termites

These types of termites live in wood and feed on cellulose. They do not have a hive or nest but rather live inside wooden structures such as walls and buildings.

Drywood Termites can also bite human skin while being aggressive because of fear of some foreign danger.

The other termites that usually bite humans include Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), and Reticuliter people.

Do Termites with Wings Bite People?

Termites with wings do not bite people. Only sterile worker termites, which belong to either subterranean or dry wood species and thus do not have wings, will be aggressive towards humans who get in their way while carrying food for the rest of their colony.

The appearance of Termite Bites

When inflicted by termites, the bites usually take the shape of a small laceration on one’s skin. Many people may mistake this to be simply an insect bite.

However, if larger numbers of these insects bite one, it can result in swollen skin and blisters with pus inside them.

Effects of Termite Bites on the Skin?

Termites are considered pests because they attack homes for shelter for their colonies. Termites also threaten human life; termite bites on humans may cause severe allergic reactions.

The effects of termite bites on the skin include soreness, red bumps, and swelling. However, mostly these will soon subside within a day or two without any complications.

How to Handle a Termite Bite?

Termite bites are very painful, and if not treated, they may take longer to heal. Here are ways how to handle termite bites on the skin.

If a termite bites you, it is recommended to take some simple measures to prevent the bite from being infected. This includes washing the wound with soapy water and covering it with a bandage.

Other home remedies

• There is no need to use any creative or medication for treating termite bites on human skin. In most cases, individuals can treat these bites with simple home remedies.
• However, if an individual observes signs of infestation, after cleaning the area using soap and water to remove all dirt, apply hydrogen peroxide onto your skin, then cover-up.
• Other home remedies such as cold compresses and applying a small amount of calamine lotion can also be helpful.
• Termite bites on the human body will usually be located in exposed areas and can easily be reached by these insects. This includes one’s arms, legs, and feet.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Termite Bites On Skin?

Long-term effects of termite bites on the skin include scarring and anemia due to blood. Loss. And secondary infections due to scratching these wounds.

Termite bites do not come with any warning signs, thus leaving an individual clueless about when they may be bitten. However. it is important to check whether these insects are present in the area once one starts

Factors that Attract Termites & their Preventions:

The smell of cellulose attracts termites. Therefore, it is important to keep any wooden structures such as one’s home, outbuildings, and furniture in good condition so that termites cannot settle on them and start feeding.

In addition, it is also necessary to avoid leaving rotting timber. To prevent termites from biting people, one can also use insecticides. We have covered up a few important precautions that’ll help you prevent termites.

Get rid of moisture:

Moisture is the primary reason for termite infestation. Moisture provides them with the ideal condition to grow and reproduce. Preventing your home from excess moisture can help you in termite prevention.

Fix Leaks:

Check if there is any leak or decay in your home? Moisture walls work, and decay roofs work as perfect hosts for termite growth.

Declutter Your Home:

It’s necessary to carry a decluttering drive in your home. Pay serious attention to useless papers, old magazines, newspapers, and cardboards since these things provide a great environment and moisture for termite growth.

Usage of Borate Before Painting:

Borate is considered termite repellent. Spray borate on your wooden structure before priming and painting. Borate will soak into the wood surface and prevents termite from attacking.

Maintain a distance between the wood and soil:

If you have some wooden structures in the garden, Make sure you maintain some distance between soil and wood. A distance of 20 inches would be enough.

How to Combat Once Termites Attacked Your Home?

How to control termite infestation? There are many ways to control termite infestation. One can use chemicals and baits or even resort to natural ways such as using nematodes, a parasitic worm that will kill them off.

Another way of controlling termites is installing bait stations on one’s premises. For the baits to work effectively, termite control experts recommend that they should not be used as an ongoing solution to termite infestations since, aside from being costly, they also require a lot of time for the bait to work.

Final Thoughts

Termites rarely bite humans, but they become aggressive towards humans when they feel that their food sources are being threatened.

Termite infestation can be controlled by using baits or chemicals or natural ways. One should avoid over-usage of baits since this will cost you money and time.

It’s also necessary to keep your house dry to prevent termite infestation. Keep your home decluttered.

Do You Have Questions? We Have Answers!

Q. What happens if termites bite at your skin?

Ans. Termites rarely bite humans, and their bite would be very mild as they are tiny insects. But still, you can pass through a fever, or your skin becomes swollen and reddish.

Q. Should I be worried and consult a doctor?

Ans. Don’t panic; you can look after the bite area of your skin with home remedies. Wash the area with soap and water, dry it, and cover it with bandages.

Q. Can a termite enter the human body?

Ans. It’s unlikely that a termite can enter the human body. Usually, termites don’t pass the disease to humans because of their non-toxic nature.

Q. Is it safe to live with termites?

Ans. Termites don’t carry diseases harmful to humans. However, there is a risk of living in a house attached to termites as termites hollow the house’s wood structure, which can break at any time.