How Termites Eat Wood, But You Can Prevent Them From Infesting Your Home With Pressure-Treated Lumber
WouterTermites can eat almost any wood, but you can prevent them from infesting your home by using treated lumber. Pressure-treated wood is embedded with chemical preservatives that make it resistant to decay by termites. Unlike natural lumber, however, it is not completely termite-proof.
In some cases, your best option is to use a professional pest control company. These companies can assess your property and make recommendations on how to keep termites away. They can also treat your wood and provide you with free termite inspections.
Using manmade composite lumber that is designed to deter termites is another good option. It can be made of wood fibers and plastics that termites can’t digest. It can also be designed to last longer than natural timber.
Termites are attracted to cellulose, a fibrous carbohydrate found in plant life. They can feed on live plants and trees, as well as natural vegetation near your house.
They also eat wood that has begun to rot with moisture. If you notice any signs of rotting or blistering, it is a good idea to clean up the affected area. Then, seal the wood so it doesn’t get damaged further. If you want to use treated wood indoors, you need to make sure the coating is intact.
Alternatively, you can spray the wood with an essential oil. For example, cinnamon, garlic, orange or neem oil can be effective deterrents. You can mix the oils with dish soap and spray them on infested wood.
