Can termites hurt you? They can but it’s NOT what you think.

FAQs

Termites can hurt you or other people in your home however it is unlikely. Termites prefer to spend their time munching on plant-based material containing cellulose. However, they are little creatures who are looking out for their survival and will defend themselves when they feel threatened. They have a caste of termites with more powerful jaws known as soldier termites. It is the duty of these termites to protect the rest and they can certainly pinch you which may hurt a bit.

However, you really don’t need to worry too much about this happening because termites mostly stay hidden. They prefer the darkness for one, and two they enjoy staying within the confines of the small burrows in wood they create for shelter. So the likelihood of you getting bit by a termite is very small unless you were to find some in a log that you overturned, stirred up the next so to speak, and got some on your skin. They would likely feel threatened and attempt to defend themselves by pinching your skin with their relatively powerful mandibles.

Table of Contents

  1. Termite Bites
  2. Allergic Reaction To Termite Dust
  3. Further Reading about Termite Hazards:

Termite Bites

This would feel similar, to an ant bite (the normal kind, not fire ants) so would not be too bad and the little bit of pain that you may feel should subside within 5 to 10 minutes max.

If for some reason you experience swelling or an allergic reaction to a termite bite you could apply an antihistamine cream to the area to help stop the swelling or itching and take a Benedryl seems to be getting worse. Of course, also call or get to the doctor if you think you are having a severe allergic response to a termite bite. A termite bite may not be the only thing termite related that could spark allergies. It is also what termites leave behind can cause allergies in some people.

Allergic Reaction To Termite Dust

Although termites are not known to carry any diseases that can be transmitted to humans like other insects such as flies and mosquitoes are commonly known for, they can wreak havoc on our allergies.

In homes or buildings with severe termite infestations, excess dust and particles can be released into the heating and cooling ventilation system over time. These particles can trigger asthma or allergies in some individuals which creates a health concern if left unchecked.

Further Reading about Termite Hazards:

  1. Are There Over the Counter Chemicals That Kill Termites?
  2. Dr. Don’s Termite FAQ

1 thought on “Can termites hurt you? They can but it’s NOT what you think.”

  1. Since you said that termites can leave behind what can cause allergies to some people, I am convinced to look for ways to control them. I think I’ll call someone to do it for me since I don’t know how to curb their population all by myself. I’ve noticed that the warmth of the furnace has triggered them to start gnawing on my floors again. I’ll have to call for help before my floorboards get too weak to support me.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

I accept the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Featured on lifehacker.com
Leading the way in termite information

Let's tackle termites together

Prevent termites
Identify Termites
Remove Termites

I paid way more for termite treatment than I'd like to admit. I hope this site helps you avoid doing the same.

Get a Free Estimate

You can answer a few questions to get free, no-obligation quotes from several pest control companies.

You can then compare them and save money.

Request Free quotes

Termite Advise

Termite control is something most of us don't think much about until there's a problem. I didn't think about it until I found out I had a termite infestation (later than I should have).

This website gives you some simple strategies to identify and prevent termites.

Contact Me

I don't have a newsletter set up yet, but please reach out to me with any concerns or questions.

Get in touch