Artist Designs Termite Habitat As Commercial Art: Disgusting or Fascinating?

Artist/designer Chris Poehlmann is the mind behind The Termitat, a live termite exhibit for your home. The Termitat is currently in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign.

Poehlmann decided to go forward with his idea after constructing a prototype termite habitat for a California natural history museum back in 1982.

"Yes, I know termites have a bad reputation due to their attraction to our wood structures," Poehlmann says in an information video, "but I'd like to put that bad press behind them." The Termitat functions as an art display as well as an educational opportunity.

Through careful observations, owner can witness the advanced social structure of the termite, which is apparently similar to human interaction. Each individual 'mite has defined roles within their wood-chomping community to ensure their successful survival.

Care for your termite pals involves a droplet of water twice a month, or so, and they will be able to "thrive for years in a safe and secure environment." Funding is necessary to craft a plastic mold for the habitat construction, as well as publishing a 32-page color handbook.

Now. Is this the most horrifying thing you've ever heard of, or the answer to all of your wildest dreams? Comment below, because we'd like to know.

Watch the full video about The Termitat: