Swarming insects that look similar to flying ants, termites can cause costly damage to your home or other building. Termites feed on cellulose, which is the primary building block of plants and trees. There are several different types of termites, and each type prefers different types of wood. There are also some types of wood that termites tend to avoid. If you are planning to build a new home, you might want to consider using wood that termites won’t eat to help to prevent an infestation of these damaging insects.
Types Of Termites & Their Preferred Types Of Wood
Subterranean termites, which build huge nests underground, prefer to feed on springwood. Springwood is the wood that grows in the spring and early summer and is characterized by thin-walled, large cells. This wood has softer fibers than the harder summerwood that grows in the later part of the summer. Damage from subterranean termites resembles a honeycomb. Because they like wood that is soft, infested with fungi or is rotting, they generally begin feeding on wood that is located close to the soil because of the higher moisture content.
Drywood termites prefer harder woods such as the wood in hardwood floors, structural timbers, the frame and hardwood furniture. These termites build their nests above the ground and may be found in your home’s attic. They are able to extract the water that they need from the wood that they live in. The damage that they leave is smooth in appearance.
Dampwood termites are rarely found in infestations of buildings. They feed on rotting stumps, logs and dead trees.
Wood That Termites Tend To Avoid
Termites avoid pressure-treated wood because it contains preservatives that make it resistant to fungi and rot. The chemicals form a barrier to termites. There are also some types of wood that have a natural resistance to termites. The central wood of trees is much denser and harder than the outer rings, and termites generally avoid it. Termites also tend to stay away from cypress, Laotian teak, yellow cedar and redwood. While these types of wood naturally resist termite infestations, they are not as longlasting as pressure-treated lumber. Finally, composite wood products contain materials that are indigestible for termites. Composite wood is a good building choice both for its pest-resistance and its durability.
Contact Peace of Mind
Termites can cause damage without you discovering it for a long time. If you see signs that you have an infestation of termites, it is important for you to take steps to eradicate the pests before they can cause substantial damage to your home. Contact Peace of Mind Pest Control to schedule an inspection or to learn more about how to prevent termites from invading your home.
