Termiteä

Termiteä refers to termites, eusocial insects that digest cellulose and build elaborate colonies. They belong to the order Blattodea, a group that also includes cockroaches. Termites are among the most successful social insects, with colonies that can range from a few hundred to millions of individuals. The life cycle centers on a caste system that typically includes reproductive kings and queens, workers, and soldiers. Reproductives develop into alates with wings and undertake swarming events to establish new colonies.

Termites rely on a symbiotic gut microbiome, including bacteria and sometimes protozoa, to ferment cellulose. They feed primarily on dead plant matter, especially wood, but some species consume leaf litter, soil organic matter, or fungi associated with decaying wood. Habitats vary: subterranean colonies connected to the soil by mud tubes; drywood, dampwood, or other wood-dwelling species that live inside timbers or structures.

Ecologically, termites play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil formation, aiding decomposition of lignocellulosic material. However, they are also notable pests in human infrastructure, capable of causing significant damage to buildings, furniture, and timber. Management typically involves integrated pest management (IPM) strategies such as chemical soil barriers, bait systems, and targeted wood treatments, as well as structural improvements to reduce access and moisture within buildings. Prevention emphasizes moisture control, proper wood handling, and minimizing wood-to-soil contact.

Global distribution is greatest in tropical and subtropical regions, though temperate species exist in warmer climates. Climate change, urbanization, and trade influence termite distribution and pest pressure, underscoring the importance of species- and location-specific management plans.