At A-1 Bonded Termite, we appreciate nature and the pests we control. Outside of your home, we know these pests are respected and essential parts of the local ecosystem. When appropriate, we use the most eco-friendly techniques to remove pest problems. In this article, we would like to share what eats termites and how delightful termites in Anaheim can be when they are not invading homes and businesses.
Without termites, our earth would be overrun with fungus and rotten wood. More importantly, they play a symbiotic part, as a cleaner/recycler and as a food source to different kinds of animal species.
Can You Name 5 Termite-Eating Animals??
1. Birds
First, amazingly, many bird species eat termites. More specifically in our Southern California area, the house sparrows, swallows, swifts, and European starlings are the main predators of termites. Also, these birds naturally curve the termite population.
Though not native to California, Kingfishers and Kookaburras can be found sticking most of their bird body inside termite mounds. End result, they will take over the home, worked on so hard by the termites, as a new birdhouse.
2. Bonobos
So, we’re cheating a little on this one because you cannot find these apes in the wild in California, but you can see them live at the San Diego Zoo.
Second, Bonobos use a stick to draw back their favorite snack, termites, from their termite mounds. They rely on the insects for a high-protein diet. Most of the day at the zoo you can catch one of these highly-intelligent primates at an authentic termite mound snacking away on termites.
You can watch these apes at any time online on the San Diego zoo live ape-cam.
3. Carpenter Ant
Third, carpenter ants compete for the same space as termites, mainly subterranean termites. Carpenter ant armies are termites’ main predators. Naturally, subterranean termites create mud tubes for this purpose – to keep ants out and their termite family safe.
4. Southern California Legless Lizard
Fourth, this legless lizard is made to be the perfect size for fitting into a termite mound. In fact, this lizard loves to eat termites and other small insects and is indigenous to Southern California.
5. Humans!!
Lastly, you have heard us right! That is, some people enjoy eating termites. We haven’t tried them, but from what’s been said…
Raw termites taste like pineapple and cooked termites taste like veggies!
That doesn’t sound so bad.
Maybe one day…
Contact us today if you have a termite or other pest problems in Southern California, or to learn more about our local home pest control and commercial pest control solutions in Anaheim.