Which Wood Do Termites Not Eat?
WouterTermites are a serious threat to your home or office, but there are some woods that are more palatable to them than others. The best way to avoid infestation is to choose the right type of wood.
Termites eat wood to get cellulose. They have bacteria in their guts that break down the cellulose fibers in the wood. The protozoa in their digestive tract are capable of digesting almost any type of wood, but there are certain types that they prefer.
The most favored wood by termites is pine. They tend to avoid other types of wood, such as black oak, red oak, and white oak.
Various woods are resistant to termites, such as redwood, bamboo, cypress, and mahogany. Some of these species have a natural resistance to termites, and some are synthetically produced to be resistant to termites.
Other termite-resistant woods include composite lumber, which has a plastic resin that repels termites. Some termites also find it difficult to chew through the brittle outer shell of bamboo. These termite-resistant materials are often used in outdoor structures.
If you are unsure about the species of wood you use in your construction project, talk to a professional. They can advise you on the most palatable termite-resistant woods.
One of the most popular choices of wood for exterior projects is redwood. This is one of the most naturally resistant woods to termites.
Termites are a serious threat to wood, and can cause major structural damage. The best way to avoid infestation is to buy pressure-treated wood.
