You may have heard of termite infestations, but do you know the full extent of the damage termites can do to your home?
Termites damage more than 600,000 homes each year, causing billions of dollars in pest control and house repairs. When it comes to termites, early prevention can save you a lot of money in the long run. Read on to find out the answer to the question, “What do termites eat?”
Cellulose: Plant Matter
Termites are notorious for their ability to destroy the woodwork of any house given enough time. That’s because termites have evolved to eat cellulose, which is the most abundant organic compound in nature.
Cellulose is everywhere. Wood is mainly cellulose and every other plant-based material is rich in cellulose as well. For example, hempen ropes, wallpaper, and furniture are all great sources of cellulose, as well as several types of insulation.
All the above are a good meal for termites. Since no house is cellulose free, termites will probably cause some damage sooner or later.
Termite treatment cost can vary widely, depending on the extent of the damage. Foam and dust treatments are relatively inexpensive but limited in use. On the other hand, barriers and baits offer a more permanent and powerful solution at a higher cost.
Some Types of Plastic
Thanks to powerful bacteria in their guts, termites are able to break down all sorts of materials that are indigestible by most other creatures. While termites won’t eat plastic as-is, they will often use their powerful serrated mandibles to cut through plastic in order to get to your structural wood, hardwood floors, and furniture.
Cedar Wood and Redwood
Termites dislike cedar wood and redwood but given no choice, they will eventually eat them. Cedar wood and redwood have certain chemical substances that initially repel termites. However, as these types of wood break down, the resinous by-products of cedar attract termites.
Plywood that is Not Pressure-Treated
Termites cannot eat pressure-treated lumber, but they will readily devour any other type of plywood, especially conventional plywood and any type of MDF boards.
Particle Boards
Finally, particle boards are made of saw dust and waste material, which makes them ideal food for termites. Termites are particularly attracted to wet particle boards, and they can chew through them with remarkable speed and efficiency!
What do Termites Eat? Now You Know!
We’ve answered the question “what do termites eat”. So, now you now the kind of damage they can do in your house.
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