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Termite Facts for Kids

Termites are insects that eat wood and cause costly damage to buildings. Some also eat wallpaper, plastic and any cellulose material from plants. There are over 2,000 species of termites, with most living in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. About 40 termite species live in the United States, most in the southeast.

Eating Habits
- Termites eat all day long, every day. This makes them very efficient at removing dead wood from forests but also makes them very destructive when they turn their attention to buildings.
Tunnels
- Some termites build nests and dig tunnels in buildings, which causes serious damage when the tunnels go through support beams.
Subterranean Termites
- Subterranean termites are the most destructive type. They live in colonies of over a million members, and can destroy wood foundations and support beams, home exteriors, plastic plumbing pipes, insulation and more.
Size
- Termites can be as small as 1/8 inch and as long as 1 inch.
Expert Insight
- According to the Pest Control Canada website, termites cause more destruction than hail storms, wind storms, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.

Insects & Science