Which Termites Eat Wood?
WouterIf you’re wondering which termites eat wood, the answer is that all termites eat wood, but there are some types of termites that are less likely to attack your home. For example, some species of termites only attack live trees, and others avoid specific types of lumber.
Termites eat wood because it is a prime source of cellulose, the most abundant organic compound in nature. Cellulose is found in wood, paper, cotton fibers, and some fruits and vegetables.
Many of the materials that you use every day, such as magazines, books, and newspapers, are made up of cellulose. The protozoa in the guts of termites are able to break down cellulose and turn it into simple sugars. This helps the termites to thrive.
Termites prefer to eat wood that has high moisture content. They have a natural aversion to drywood and redwood. However, drywood termites can also attack hardwood floors and structural framing.
The best way to prevent termites from attacking your home is to keep your foundation dry and to store your lumber and firewood properly. Wood that has been treated with creosote or other anti-fungal treatment is resistant to termites. Termites can’t eat plastic itself, but they can chew through it to get to the food source.
When deciding which materials to buy, choose products that contain cellulose. The most common forms of cellulose are paper and cotton. It is also found in cereal boxes, magazines, and some fruits and vegetables.
