Do Termites Eat Cedar?
WouterTermites are insects that are classified as pests. They are small animals with three segmented wings on their thorax, a long abdomen, and a pair of legs on each segment. They are found all over the world. They have an appetite for cellulose, which is found in wood.
There are two main types of termites that live on the ground. One is the subterranean type, which can live in damp soil. Another is the drywood termite, which lives in timber.
Subterranean termites are a primary threat to homes in the United States. These insects can be extremely destructive. Typically, they are drawn to houses with easy soil access. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and they will eat anything that contains cellulose.
Termites will often attack pressure-treated wood. This type of lumber is treated with chemical preservatives to prevent insect infestation. It is also a good idea to store firewood properly.
Cedar is not a favorite of termites. They are not attracted to the inner layers of cedarwood, which are rot-resistant. However, if you have a source of food nearby, termites may be attracted to cedar mulch.
Cedar oil is a natural termite repellent. It contains thujaplicin, a water-soluble tropolone that is not toxic to plant tissues.
Cedar heartwood is a bit denser than other types of wood, but is still not attractive to termites. This is because it contains naturally occurring chemicals.
When you are looking for a termite-resistant wood, try redwood. It is much more dense than cedar and it is a bit slower to destroy.
