Termite bites are not a common concern for humans. Sometimes when they are disturbed, they attack humans & bite them.
The pursuit of good health and well-being is a concern of everyone, 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? Homeowners lose millions of dollars worth of wooden infrastructure yearly because of termites.
Termites are commonly found worldwide, especially in warm climates near bodies of water, because their larvae require high moisture levels to survive.
But we will discuss a more threatening fact about termites besides property damage. Termites can bite you…!!!!!
Do Termites 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 bites, as termites can also cause diseases through their faeces 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 where individuals from 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 termites’ location, they get bitten multiple times on different body areas.
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 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 around you, they will likely attack humans entering their territory.
Termites Usually Don’t Bite People.
Termites rarely bite humans. The most common reason for a termite infestation in a house is exposure to a large population of these insects. This leads to them being aggressive toward humans when they feel their food sources are threatened.
Type of Termites that Bite Humans
Two types of termites 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 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 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 resemble 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, these will mostly subside within a day or two without 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, taking simple measures to prevent the bite from being infected is recommended. This includes washing the wound with soapy water and covering it with a bandage.
Other home remedies
- There is no need to use creative or medication to treat 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 a small amount of calamine lotion, can also be helpful.
- Termite bites on the human body are usually 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 anaemia 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, once one starts, it is important to check whether these insects are present in the area.
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 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 are 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 cardboard 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, 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 methods such as nematodes or parasitic worms 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 toward humans when they feel their food sources are threatened.
Termite infestation can be controlled using bait, chemicals, or natural ways. One should avoid overusing 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.
