Will Termites Eat Cedar?
WouterCedar is often considered a termite-resistant wood. Some people use it as a fencing material and for decking. Some people even use cedar mulch. But will termites eat cedar?
Termites are attracted to wood because it contains cellulose, which they need for nutrition. They can go through almost any type of wood, but they are more likely to attack drywood than wetwood.
A termite colony can consume about a foot of wood in six months. If you live in an area where subterranean termites are a common occurrence, it’s important to make sure you have a wood resistant to these pests. You may want to consider pressure treated wood. This is a type of wood that is infused with chemical preservatives to protect it from rotting.
Termites primarily feed on cellulose, which they can find in decaying vegetation. They can also be attracted to damp or dry wood.
They have bacteria and protozoa in their guts that break down the cellulose fibers in wood. However, they do not eat heartwood, which is safe for home use.
In addition, the core of a tree may be termite-resistant. This is because it contains allelochemicals, which are substances that repel other insects. These chemicals are naturally produced by plants. They dissipate as the wood ages.
However, a study by the University of Florida showed that termites have a higher mortality rate for certain groups of wood. The teak group had a much higher mortality rate.
