What Do Termites Damage?
Termites are capable of damaging more than you think. Termites may chew through wood, but they are after the cellulose that the wood is made of. Although termites don’t actually digest the wood, they still damage it with their activity.
Both inside and outside your property, termites can find the source of wood they’re after. Some of the many items that can be damaged by termites include:
- Support beams
- Flooring
- Posts
- Wall studs
- Insulation
- Sheds
- Lumber
- Wooden decks
- Outdoor furniture
- & more
Do Termites Eat Wood?
Termites live off of cellulose, which is an organic compound found in many things, including wood. Termites will eat the wood they unnel through to derive cellulose and get the nutrients they require to survive. Most homes are built primarily with wood, which is why termites find your property so appealing. Inside, this means your walls, support beams, drywood, ceilings, floorboards, baseboards, windows, and insulation. In your backyard, termites can infest piles of firewood, roof tiles, patio furniture, decaying logs, and other items.
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Can Termites Infest Materials Other Than Wood?
Termites are infamous for eating and destroying wood, but what about metal, plastic, or other materials? There are a few materials that are actually termite-resistant. These include:
- Cement or concrete: Termites will not eat through these, as the material is too solid and lacks cellulose. They can make their way through small cracks in concrete, however.
- Treated lumber: This has chemicals in it that prevent rot and makes it undesirable to pests. This is why treated lumber is often used in new builds.
- Metal: Again, metal does not contain cellulose and is thus not suitable for termites.
- Redwood/cedar: These types of wood are somewhat naturally resistant to termites. However, decaying redwood or cedar can attract termites to infest.
Termite Damage in Illinois and Indiana
As termites eat wood, they will tunnel through and cause a lot of damage. To protect all areas of your property from termite damage, it’s best to work with a professional termite exterminator such as Anderson Pest Solutions. An expert knows exactly what items inside or outside of your Midwestern home are most susceptible to termites.
