Termites will be hunted and eaten by insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, and a variety of other predators. Learn more below!
Do Termites Have Predators?
While you undoubtedly know about termites, you may be less familiar with the animal species that eat these pests. Let’s take a look at some termite predators below.
Arachnids, Insects, & Nematodes
The greatest threat to termites today is their slightly larger insect cousin, ants. Megaponera analis is an ant species that eats termites exclusively. These predators will raid termite colonies for hours at a time. Ants can use techniques like paralyzing termites with their stingers and carrying away several termites at once.
Termites are also eaten by nematodes like roundworms. Wasps, scorpions, crickets, cockroaches, centipedes, and crab spiders also prey on these pests. Assassin bugs raid termite nests and inject them with toxins prior to sucking them dry. They can also use an empty termite carcass in an attempt to lure other termites out of their nest.
Ammoxeniade, also referred to as “termite hunters,” is a smaller family of spiders. This family is mainly found in Africa and is only known to prey on one specific termite species. The spiders will attack the lateral side of the thorax of termites and immobilize them quickly.
Birds
There are hundreds of bird species that eat termites. Even chickens will hunt and peck termites while they are on the ground. Other birds will catch termites in the air while they swarm. Here are the types of birds that prey on termites:
- Egyptian geese.
- Doves.
- Spotted eagle owls.
- Maribou storks.
- Toto toucans.
- Coucals.
- Chickens.
- Sparrows.
- Black Phoebes.
- Swifts.
- Swallows.
- Starlings.
- Weavers.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Temites will be hunted by several reptiles and amphibians across the globe. Frogs and toads alike will pluck them out of the air with their tongues. The western blind snake can emit special pheromones that protect it from the termites, which makes up most of its diet. Termites face many predators, especially in Africa and Australia.
Mammals
There is a wide range of mammals that love to feast on termites. Here is a breakdown of some of the mammals that prey on these pests:
- Aardvarks.
- Anteaters.
- Echidnas.
- Foxes.
- Chimpanzees.
- Galagos.
- Numbats.
- Mongooses.
- Mice.
- Moles.
- Bats.
Other Predators That Eat Termites
Other threats to termites include pathogens, viruses, and a wide variety of parasites.
Termite Control Phoenix Metro Area
Poor Boy Termite Control can solve all of you termite issues. We only deal with termites as the name implies. We use thermal imaging, with no drilling or guessing. At Poor Boy Termite Control we detect termites and treat them. If you have a termite infestation, Call Poor Boy Termite Control at (480) 994-4240 and schedule an appointment before the problem gets worse!
