Subterranean Termites: Nature's Recyclers

Termites play a vital role in our ecosystem. They are nature’s recyclers. Termites have the ability to consume wood and plant material. In doing so, they remove the dead matter and release the stored nutrients back into the soil for use by plants and animals.

Termites only became a pest when people moved out of caves and began to make homes from wood and straw. Termites do not differentiate between a dead tree in the forest and wood harvested to make homes, schools, and churches.

Billions of dollars are spent annually on termite damage remediation and control. With proper treatment and inspection, much of the destruction can be avoided.

Please visit the Termites section of the LSU AgCenter website for additional information.