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Home» Termite Control » Why Do Termites Prefer Wood as a Meal?

Why Do Termites Prefer Wood as a Meal?

Posted by Writer - May 3, 2018 - Termite Control
0

While it is common knowledge that termites love all things wood, it isn’t as well known why they prefer this particular meal. Your local termite control service in Bartlesville, OK is here to give a bit of insight into just why termites are so attracted to wood, which might in turn help you to make your home a little less appetizing for these pests.

Termites and their attraction to wood

To understand why termites love wood so much, you first have to be familiar with the key component that keeps them coming back. The cell walls of wood contain a substance called cellulose, and it is this cellulose that helps keep termites alive, as it is chock full of nutrients and moisture that supplement their diet. Their stomachs are lined with microorganisms such as protozoa and bacteria that break the cellulose down and provide termites with the energy they need to keep foraging for more cellulose-filled materials. They also have special mouth parts that allow them to chew and break down the wood so that it can be digested.

Wood is difficult for most pests to ingest, even if it has rotted or softened over time due to excessive moisture, so termites don’t have much competition when it comes to their wood cellulose meals. Although the attraction of termites to wood is well known, it is important to note that the termite’s true love is the cellulose. This means that in addition to the wood in your home’s foundation, termites might also go after your hardwood floors, plants, books and even clothes.

Wood preferences

Now that you know why these pests are so attracted to wood, take a look at what types of wood are most appealing to the different species of termites:

  • Dry wood termites: This species of termites is among those most commonly found in homes because it seeks out dry wood, like that found in the foundation of your house.
  • Subterranean termites: These types of termites start in the moist soil underground, and work their way up and into your home in search of soft wood.
  • Damp wood termites: These termites are commonly found in old tree stumps and decaying logs and woodpiles, and have a special affinity for very moist habitats. This means that if your home has consistently high moisture levels and a substantial amount of rotting wood, your home could quickly become susceptible to an infestation.

If you have been dealing with a termite infestation in your home, make sure you contact the team at Excellence Pest Control right away. During our termite control services in Bartlesville, OK, we will use our resources and top-of-the-line equipment to rid your home of these aggressive pests as quickly and safely as possible. If you haven’t experienced an infestation yet and want to keep it that way, we also offer termite prevention programs at various intervals. Give us a call today so we can make sure that a destructive termite infestation doesn’t take over your home.

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