Will Termites Infest Pressure Treated Wood?

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Termites are a homeowner’s nightmare because they can cause severe structural damage to a home. Pressure-treated wood is treated with a chemical that helps protect it from termites and other pests. But will termites infest pressure treated wood? On the other hand, some homeowners may be unaware that pressure-treated wood is not termite-proof. 

Continue reading to find out more about termites and pressured wood. 

Do termites eat wood?

Termites eat wood to get the nutrients they need. Cellulose is a good source of termites, so they are often attracted to decaying wood.

Termites can digest cellulose because they have bacteria in their gut that helps them break down the nutrient. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that is found in all plants. 

Will Termites Infest Pressure Treated Wood?

What types of wood do termites eat?

Termites are not as selective as humans regarding what type of wood they eat. They are attracted to most types of wood. Some types of wood are more likely to attract termites than others, including Brazilian Jatoba wood, OSB, processed bamboo, and pressure-treated wood.

And because termites like to dismantle and take things apart for their food source, pressure-treated wood is a favorite target.

Will Termites Infest Pressure Treated Wood?

Rotten wood

Termites are a common pest that can infest homes and businesses. One of the ways people protect their property from termites is by using pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is treated with chemicals that make it resistant to pests, including termites.

Cellulose and moisture are lacking in pressure-treated woods, making them less appealing to termites as a food source. Additionally, termite food sources are less available in treated wood than in untreated wood.

Termites can infest pressure-treated wood, but the treatment will help protect the wood from termite damage. The most common place for termites to attack is on the end of a piece of wood that has been cut.

When installing a post, it is important to trim off any excess and apply a second chemical treatment to the end before installation.

Do termites eat pressure treated wood?

Yes, termites can eat pressure treated woods. They typically attack untreated, unpainted wood after it has been around for 8-10 years. However, lumber rated for ground contact will have a higher level of treatment and will last longer against termites

Do termites eat jarrah and cedar wood?

Yes, termites eat jarrah and cedar wood. Jarrah trees are a type of eucalyptus tree native to Western Australia and known for being resistant to termite infestation

Do termites eat plywood?

Do termites eat plywood?

Termites prefer to eat normal plywood, as it is made of softwood which is more similar to the natural environment. Additionally, termites only survive when they have a large population and can find food easily.

It means that if you take steps to protect your home from termites, such as using pressure-treated plywood, you can significantly reduce the risk of an infestation.

Do termites die on their own?

Termites are persistent pests; without a termite treatment, there is no way of knowing when a healthy colony will return to re-infest.

Is redwood termite resistant?

Termites aren’t attracted to redwood and are popular for decks and fences. Redwood is denser than other types of wood, such as cedar, and has fewer pores, making it harder for termites to infest.

Termites are resistant to the natural chemicals found in hardwoods, so they won’t be able to eat through redwood as easily.

How to treat wood to prevent termites – Termite protection against eating wood

How to treat wood to prevent termites?

Buy Pressured Wood

One way to protect your home from termites is to buy pressure treated wood. This type of wood has been pre-treated with chemicals that contain insecticides. The most common preservatives used on the wood are copper boron azole and alkaline copper quaternary.

While treated wood doesn’t guarantee protection, it significantly reduces the infestation risk.

Buy Natural Termite Resistant Wood

There are a few ways to protect your home from termites, including using pressure treated wood. However, if you want an extra layer of protection, you can buy wood naturally resistant to termites, like cedar and redwood.

You can also choose other woods like teak, which have been found to help prevent infestations.

Use Borate on Wood Before Priming or Painting

Borate is a chemical compound that is effective in repelling termites. It is sprayed on wood before priming and painting, and the boric acid will help keep the termites away for decades.

Seal Existing Wood

Sealing your wood will help protect it from moisture, which can cause water damage that weakens the wood and makes it more susceptible to termite damage

How do keep termites away from wood sites and stations?

How do keep termites away from wood?

Keep termites away from your wood with these methods:

  • Remove any wood in contact with the ground.
  • Don’t keep firewood stacked up in areas of your home.
  • Keep moisture levels to a minimum and treat any damp areas as soon as possible.
  • Do not pile the wood up against the foundation. 
  • Wood that is rotting and untreated should be removed.
  • You should minimize the use of mulch around your home. 
  • If you’re unsure about how to prevent termites, it’s best to seek professional guidance.

Conclusion

Pressure-treated wood is treated with chemicals that make it resistant to termites and other pests, as well as water and rot. In conclusion, pressure-treated wood should not be relied upon as the only means of preventing termites.

The chemicals used in the treatment can leach out, and regular inspections are carried out regardless. Additionally, termiticides must be refreshed after a long time has passed.

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.