Stop Feeding the Opps! What Do Termites Eat?

Ever heard the saying, “Know your enemy”? Well, when it comes to protecting your home, your enemy can be as tiny as termites yet the damage they cause can be huge. These pests feast on your property, chipping away at the house’s foundation and destroying its stability. And while most of us know that wood is their primary target, termites aren’t as picky eaters as you might think.

So, what do termites eat exactly and how can you keep them away from your house?

In this blog, we talk more about the food these termites consume. That way, you gain an idea of the raw materials to avoid stocking in your home and prevent the termite queen from setting up camp and building her colony in your house.

Why Do Termites Eat Wood? It’s to Feed Their Cellulose Cravings!

Termites have a special talent for breaking down cellulose—a complex sugar found in plant cell walls. These are microscopic materials in a sense, converting wood into usable energy they can digest. Some of the cellulose-filled food termites find most appealing are:

Wood

Of course, the star of the show is wood! Anay favor softwoods like pine and spruce because of their digestibility. Moist or decaying wood is even more of a preferred delicacy since it’s softer and requires less effort to chomp through.

Untreated Wood

Wood that hasn’t been treated with preservatives or chemical repellents is a buffet for termites. This is why if you have raw plywood in your house, you’re likely to attract termite infestations. They’ll readily devour untreated softwoods and hardwoods alike.

Surprise Cellulose Menu Items

While wood is termites’ favorite food, they won’t turn down other food sources. This can include:

• Paper Products: Cardboard boxes, paperboard, and even cellulose insulation (made from plant fibers) are targets.
• Plant-Based Fibers: Cotton insulation, textiles, carpets, and anything with natural fibers are potential termite snacks.
• Drywall: Since drywall has a paper surface, it can still attract hungry termites.

So, What Kind of Wood Do Termites Eat, and Which Ones Do They Avoid?

Believe it or not, some wood types are less likely to tempt termites because of their other properties.

• Natural Repellents: Cedar and redwood contain natural oils and chemicals that repel termites. However, this resistance can weaken over time—if they adapt to it— so it’s best to stay vigilant with fixtures using these materials and check if they’ve been infested.
• Tough Customers: Dense hardwoods like oak and maple are less appealing due to their tight cellular structure. It makes them harder to chew through for colonies. However, swarms may still consume this wood especially if they encounter moist or decaying logs.
• Heartwood: The inner core of some heartwood trees contains less cellulose and more defensive compounds, making it less desirable for termites.

Even wood types with some resistance shouldn’t be considered completely immune. If other food sources are scarce or the wood is damaged or damp, anay colonies are likely to still give it a go for their survival.

Other Unconventional Termite Treats

While wood is the main course for termites, they’re likely to explore other food options in your home and other cellulose-based cuisines. Two common examples are: 

• Fungi: Some termite species cultivate fungus gardens, using the fungus to break down organic matter they can consume.
• Dead Nestmates:  In a survivalist twist, some termite colonies may practice cannibalism. They would consume dead or injured nestmates for additional nutrients.

Keeping Your Home Termite-Free

Now that you know what termites love to eat, here are some practical tips that can prevent them from feasting on your property:

1. Minimize Wood Around Your Foundation: Avoid having wood structures like decks or fences directly touching your foundation. Maintain a gap of at least 18 inches between the wood and the house.
2. Moisture Control: Termites thrive in moist environments. So, you need to fix leaky faucets, pipes, and cracks in your foundation to eliminate moisture sources.
3. Regular Inspections: While DIY methods can be helpful in destroying anay colonies, scheduling regular inspections from termite control professionals in the Philippines is still the recommended approach. Early detection through expert solutions is critical to preventing major damage.
4. Seal the Entry Points: Close off cracks and gaps around your foundation, window frames, and utility entry points. Doing so deters termite entry, forcing them to breed elsewhere.
5. Store Excess Wood Properly: If you have extra softwood or untreated wood on your property, it’s best to keep it away from your house and off the ground. Stacking them in indoor storage units provides a potential food source and harborage for termites.

Understanding what termites eat and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of termite infestation. Remember, a proactive approach is the best way to defend your homes against these cellulose eaters.