What else do termites eat except wood?
Not all termites eat wood. Many species feed on grass and other matter, and are not pests in buildings. Those species that do eat wood, get cellulose, sugars and starches (all carbohydrates) from the sapwood (outer wood) of trees and can also eat any wooden structures, including logs, stumps and human constructions. They usually cannot eat the heartwood (innermost wood) as it tends to be much harder and can have toxins that repel the termites. Protein is obtained by eating fungi growing either in the humid nest – which also helps to keep the nest clean – or from moist wood surfaces. (Ref: http://www.australianmuseum.net.au/factsheets/termites.
