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What wood can termites not eat through?

Wood that is naturally resistant to termites includes redwood, cypress and cedar. However, when it comes to building material, these are not as long-lasting as treated lumber. Heartwood, the dense, inner part of the tree trunk, is where most resistant compounds are concentrated.

holderspestsolutions.com - What Attracts Termites to Your Home - Holder's Pest Solutions

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Understanding what attracts termites to your home is the number one step in preventing them. Once you have a termite problem, it becomes increasingly difficult to stop the infestation in its tracks. Your home might be offering the perfect environment, which is why it is important for the safety of your home to understand what conditions may cause termites to infest your home.

What kind of wood are termites attracted to?

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Most home-invading termites prefer wood with high moisture content and the presence of decay. Subterranean termites are not picky and will eat many of the common types of wood found in homes, including pine and oak. Drywood termites don’t contact the soil and will eat hardwood floors and the wood found in your home’s structural framing. They also may inhabit floors and furniture.

Firewood/Mulch

Firewood and mulch surrounding your home also attracts termites and provides a point of entry to inside your home. If you do need to store firewood, keep woodpiles at least 20 feet away from the home. Mulch retains moisture and can also attract termites to your home. Keeping it above 18 inches from your foundation and regularly checking for termite activity.

Moisture

Moisture creates ideal conditions for termites, and they thrive in damp soil. Keep your yard dry by sealing water leaks, repairing leaky AC units, regularly clean gutters and divert rainwater that collects with down-spout extenders. A dehumidifier can be placed inside the home to help keep conditions dry.

What don’t termites like?

If you happen to be in the process of building a new home, deck or some other kind of addition, there are a few types of wood that are less likely to attract termites. Pressure treated wood, for instance, is embedded with preservatives that make it resistant to rot and fungi – termite attractants. Composite materials can also be used to makes products that termites can’t digest, such as a combination of plastics and wood fiber. Wood that is naturally resistant to termites includes redwood, cypress and cedar. However, when it comes to building material, these are not as long-lasting as treated lumber. Heartwood, the dense, inner part of the tree trunk, is where most resistant compounds are concentrated.

Signs of a termite infestation include:

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