When you think of termites, you probably picture them munching away on wood inside your house. But do termites like all wood the same way? Just like people have favorite snacks, termites do too! If you ask any trusted name in pest control, they’ll tell you termites can be picky about their wood. Let’s find out which kinds of wood termites love and which ones they stay away from.
What Kinds of Wood Do Termites Like?
Termites love wood that’s soft, damp, or starting to rot. If wood has a lot of moisture in it, termites are happy to dig in. That’s why old tree stumps, wet firewood, or wood touching the ground are perfect spots for termites.
Some woods are extra tasty to termites. Softwoods like pine and spruce are like a buffet for termites. They’re easier to chew and break down. Damp wood is also super tempting because it’s softer than dry wood.
Do Different Termites Like Different Wood?
Yes! There are different kinds of termites, and each has its favorite type of wood:
- Dampwood termites like wood that’s wet or water-damaged.
- Drywood termites live inside dry wood, like the wood in your walls or furniture.
- Subterranean termites live in the ground and build mud tubes to reach wood that’s close to the soil.
No matter the type, most termites want two things: wood and moisture.
Is Any Wood Safe From Termites?
Some types of wood are not so tasty to termites. Certain trees have special chemicals in their wood that termites don’t like. Woods like redwood, teak, and cypress can make termites sick or just taste bad to them. These woods are tougher, drier, and harder for termites to chew through.
But keep in mind that if wood gets old or starts to rot, termites might still give it a try!
What About Pressure-Treated Wood?
You might have heard about pressure-treated wood. This type of wood has chemicals inside that help protect it from bugs and water. Pressure-treated wood is harder for termites to eat, but it’s not termite-proof forever. Over time, the chemicals can wear off, and termites might still find a way in, especially in cracks or cut edges.
Do Termites Eat Other Things?
Termites mainly eat wood, but they also munch on anything with cellulose. Cellulose is the stuff that makes plants strong. So termites can chew through cardboard, paper, and even some fabrics. That’s why boxes in the basement or old books in the attic can be a snack for termites, too!
How to Keep Termites Away
To make your home less tasty for termites, try these tips:
- Keep wood dry. Fix any leaks or drips.
- Don’t let wood touch the soil. Keep firewood and wood scraps off the ground.
- Seal up cracks in your walls and around windows and doors.
- Use harder or naturally resistant woods for building when possible.
Final Thoughts
So, are termites attracted to certain woods? Yes! They love soft, damp, or rotting wood the most. Some woods are harder for them to eat, but no wood is 100% safe if conditions are right. Keeping your wood dry and checking for signs of termites can help protect your home.
