Do Termites Bite Humans? Examining When These termite Bites Occur
Do Termites Bite Humans?
Yes, termites can and do occasionally bite humans, but it is relatively rare. The vast majority of termite species do not pose any biting risk to humans. However, soldier termites and winged termites have been known to bite people in some circumstances.
Let’s take a closer look at termites that bite, what the bites look like, and how to prevent termite infestations.
What Type of Termite Bites Humans?
Very few species of termites have the ability to bite humans. The species most likely to bite are:
Soldier Termites More Likely to Bite
Soldier termites are one of the few types of termite that will bite people. Soldier termites have large jaws that they use to attack predators like ants. Their powerful jaws can sometimes break human skin.
Winged Termites Can Also Bite Humans
Winged termites emerge from colonies when it is time to mate. If they land on humans, they have the potential to bite with their jaws. However, winged termite bites are very rare.
Most species of termites aren’t equipped to bite and do not seek out humans or animals to intentionally harm. Subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites make up most termite colonies and rarely bite humans.
How Do Termite Bites on Humans Look?
Since bites from termites are uncommon, many people wonder what termite bites look like and how to identify them.
Signs You May Have Been Bitten by a Termite
If a termite has bitten you, the bite will likely resemble:
- Small red bump or welt
- Raised, itchy bump
- Small puncture wound
- Slight bruising around bite
Termite bites often look similar to ant or bed bug bites. The bite might cause slight itching or irritation. However, it is usually not very noticeable.
If you suspect you have been bitten by a termite, look for bite symptoms and check for signs of termite infestation in the area. Telltale signs include damp wood, termite droppings, or termite wings.
Why Would Termites Bite Humans?
Termites are not insects like mosquitos that seek out humans and animals to bite. So why would a termite bite a person?
Termites Pose Risks With Their Biting Behavior
While rare, termite bites do occur. Soldiers and winged termites have the ability to bite if provoked or threatened. For example, a soldier termite might bite if crushed near the skin or if it lands on a human while swarming.
Their bites are likely accidental rather than intentional. Termites do not swarm people looking for a meal. They eat wood and plant materials, not human blood.
Are Termite Bites Dangerous to Humans?
Termites are insects that can cause severe damage to homes and structures. But if a termite bites a human, is it dangerous?
While termite bites are not common, it is understandable that homeowners may be concerned about the risks and side effects. Let’s examine whether termite bites pose any serious threats.
Risks and Side Effects of Termite Bites
The risks associated with termite bites are generally very low compared to some other biting insects like mosquitos. The bite mark might be itchy and irritated for a day or two.
Serious side effects are unlikely. Any open wound does carry a slight infection risk. Allergic reactions are possible but rare.
Mild Reactions to Termite Bites
If a termite bites a person, the typical reaction will be mild irritation or a slightly itchy welt lasting a couple days. The bite may leave a small, red bump similar to a mosquito bite. Any puncture in the skin does present a minor infection risk, but serious infections from termite bites are extremely uncommon.
Allergic reactions are possible but unlikely as well. Overall, the bite itself poses very little danger to humans. The wound heals quickly like any small insect bite.
Risk of Disease is Low
Termites do not spread diseases or illnesses that can harm people. This differs from insects like mosquitos that can transmit dangerous diseases through their bites. So while the bite may be painful in the moment, termite bites do not make people sick.
Structural Damage is the Real Concern
While not medically threatening, termite infestations can devastate homes and businesses. Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage every year in the United States by eating away at wood and cellulose materials. They can severely compromise the integrity of buildings.
Preventing termite infestations and protecting your property is a far greater concern than the minimal risks posed by termite bites. Consulting a professional pest control company at the first sign of termites is recommended to avoid costly damage.
Preventing Termite Bites and Infestations
While termite bites are uncommon, preventing termite infestations is important to avoid severe property damage. Here are some tips.
Identifying Termites That Bite Humans
Knowing what species of termite to look for can help you steer clear and prevent bites. Soldier and winged termites have the highest likelihood of biting if handled or disturbed.
Avoid contact with swarming winged termites that emerge in spring. Also look out for signs of soldier termites like termite droppings that resemble coffee grounds.
What Attracts Termites to Bite Humans?
Termites need moisture and food to thrive. Certain conditions make termites more likely to come near humans increasing bite risks:
- Wood piles, mulch, or damp wood materials near your home
- Plumbing leaks that create moisture
- Cracks in the foundation that provide entry points
By keeping your home dry and eliminating wood sources near the structure, you can make your home less attractive to termites
Treating and Controlling Termite Colonies
If you suspect termites on your property, it’s important to take action right away to prevent extensive damage. Here are tips for treating and controlling termite colonies:
How to Get Rid of Termites That Bite
Work with a professional pest control company to treat termites. Treatment options include:
- Liquid soil treatment to kill subterranean termites
- Baits and traps to lure and kill worker termites
- Fumigation tents for severe drywood termite infestations
After treatment, the pest control technician can advise on preventive measures such as fixing moisture issues and installing termite monitoring systems.
Prevent Termites from Returning
Here are some DIY ways to help avoid future termite problems after professional treatment:
- Eliminate wood mulch and materials near your home’s foundation
- Fix leaky plumbing, condensation, and moisture issues
- Seal cracks and potential entry points with caulk
- Store firewood far away from your home
Taking proactive measures is the best defense against recurring termite headaches.
FAQs
What happens if a termite bites me?
If a termite bites you, it will likely leave a small red welt or bump, similar to an ant or mosquito bite. The area may be slightly itchy or irritated for a day or two. Serious reactions are very unlikely.
Can termites get in your bed?
It’s very rare for termites to get into beds. They feed on wood and prefer damp areas, not upholstered furniture. However, if there is an active infestation in the home, it’s possible a termite could wander onto a bed accidentally. Regular pest control treatment helps prevent this.
Do termites make you itch?
The bite itself may cause mild itching where the termite broke the skin. But once the bite heals in a day or two, there shouldn’t be any more itching. Termites don’t carry diseases or inject anything that causes continuous itching. The itching comes from the minor wound itself.
Are termite bites itchy?
Yes, termite bites can be mildly itchy and irritating for a day or two where the bite occurred. The itching is caused by the inflamed wound, not by anything transferred by the termite. After the bite heals, the itching should stop.
How do you know if you have termites in your bed?
Signs of termites in or near your bed include seeing termite droppings that resemble coffee grounds on the mattress or bed frame, seeing termite wings around the bed, or noticing wood damage to the bed frame. Seeing live termites on your bed would be very unusual unless there is a major untreated infestation in the home.
What happens if a termite bites you?
If a termite bites you, the typical reaction is a small red bump or welt that may be mildly itchy or irritated for a day or two at the site. Serious effects are very rare. The bite mark heals quickly like any minor wound. The main concern is controlling the termite infestation, not the bite itself.
What Do Termite Droppings Look Like?
Termite droppings resemble coffee grounds or finely ground pepper. They are tiny black or brown granules. Termite droppings are one sign of an active infestation. If you see any sawdust-like material accumulating, inspect closely to look for droppings.
Wondering how you would know if you were bitten by a termite?
If you were bitten by a termite, you would likely see a small red bump or welt, similar to a mosquito or ant bite, on your skin where the bite occurred. There may be very minor puncture marks visible from the termite’s jaws. The area around the bite could be slightly swollen and itchy. Termite bites resemble bites from other insects, so the best way to confirm a termite bite is to actually witness the termite biting you.
The Key Takeaways on Termites That Bite
While termite bites are rare, it is helpful to understand termite behavior and prevention:
- Soldier and winged termites are most likely to bite humans
- Bites result in small red marks that may be mildly irritating
- Termites do not seek out people to bite intentionally
- Prevent termite damage by eliminating conducive conditions
- Work with a professional to treat infestations right away
Understanding what attracts termites, the signs of an infestation, and how to prevent termite damage is key. Act quickly at the first signs of termites before they put your home’s structural integrity at risk. With vigilance and proactive treatment, termite bites and destruction can be avoided.
