What Can Termites Not Eat?

Termites are a wood-eating insect that can cause serious damage to structures. They can chew through drywall, plaster, and other materials to get to the wood behind them. This is why they are considered a nuisance.

Besides eating wood, termites also feed on cardboard, books, paper, plastic, and other plant-based material. However, they do not consume glass or solid metal.

One of the best things to do to prevent a termite infestation is to use heartwood-grade lumber. If you want to keep your home free of termites for the long term, you may need to apply a chemical treatment. Fortunately, these treatments are highly effective.

The main food source for termites is cellulose. This is a fibrous carbohydrate found in plants and other things. The hard inner layer of large trees is called cellulose. Termites are attracted to cellulose because of its decaying vegetation. They break down cellulose into sugar.

Termites also enjoy damp wood. They have a natural appetite for moisture-laden wood. To minimize your termite infestation, cover the cracks and holes in your home with masking tape. You can also use a wood hardener to close the gaps.

Some termites can enter your home through small cracks in the foundation. They can also chew through concrete. If your home has a masonry foundation, check to see if there are cracks in the concrete. The cracks will form as the concrete dries.

In addition to cellulose, termites also like to eat damp and dead wood. This is because the wood is covered with fungi, which is very attractive to them.