What Do Termites Damage?

Termites can find any nearby wood source and infest it. Especially when the wood is in contact with soil, you can expect subterranean termites to find it.

Termites can infest structures on the inside and outside of your property in Florida. They often cause damage to the following:

Support beams
Flooring
Wall studs
Posts
Insulation
Sheds
Outdoor furniture
Wooden decks
Lumber

Why Do Termites Destroy Wood?

Termites eat cellulose to survive, which they obtain by chewing through wood. Wooden items and structures that are in contact with the soil are especially likely to be infested by termites. Most homes are built mainly with wood, which is why termites are such a problem for homeowners. Inside your home, walls, drywood, ceilings, baseboards, support beams, insulation, and window frames are vulnerable. In your yard, termites will infest roof tiles, furniture, firewood, and more.

What is Resistant to Termites?

Termites are notorious for tearing through wood, but can they infest other materials that are used in your home? Fortunately, there are plenty of termite-resistant materials, even certain kinds of wood:

Redwood and cedar: Unless they are decaying, these woods are much more termite-resistant than others.
Cement and concrete: Termites cannot destroy these substances, but they are able to make their way through small cracks in them.
Treated lumber: Treated lumber is often used in new builds because of its decreased susceptibility to rotting. Wood decay attracts termites.
Metal: Anything that lacks cellulose will not attract termites.

Termite Damage in Florida Homes

Termites survive off of the nutrients found in cellulose. Subterranean termites, which live all over Florida, need wood that touches soil to survive. To avoid the headaches and costs associated with termite damage, you can hire a professional termite exterminator.

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