Termite Proof Wood
Does termite proof wood exist?
In truth, no wood is completely "termite proof". But there are some woods that are termite resistant, meaning that termites will stay away from these woods and avoid them.
Treated wood
Treating wood with chemicals is one of the most common ways people termite proof their homes.
It is most important to have treated wood closest to the ground, as termites generally come from the ground and climb up into your home.
Cedar
Cedar is a type of wood that is naturally resistant to termites. This is because it has allelochemicals that act to repel termites.
However, termites will eat cedar if they are hungry enough, particularly if it begins to rot. This is why you should always check your home and make sure your house is not experiencing dilapidation.
Oriented strand board
Oriented strand board is made up of thin wood strands and adhesive.
The presence of the adhesive makes this wood resistant to both decay and termites.
Redwood
Redwood is naturally resistant to termites. This is because redwood naturally acts as treated wood.
Cypress
Cypress wood is naturally resistant to decay and to termites due to its natural durability. In the wild, cypress trees generally suffer very little damage when they are alive.
However, once this tree dies, termites will eat away at it like they would any other decaying wood.
No wood is 100% termite proof
While some wood is termite resistant (a.k.a termite treated wood), it is not simply a matter of choosing these woods for your house and never worrying about termites again.
Termites will travel around these types of woods and find other wooden parts around your home they can eat. They will eat skirting boards, window frames and subfloor around treated wood.
Alternately, termites will find a breach or crack in treated wood and eat the inner portions of the timber which are not treated.
Termite proofing
There are things you can do to reduce the risk of termites in your own home.
However, the best termite proofing is with a chemical barrier and regular inspections.
It is suggested that every home in Australia should have a termite management system and get annual inspections done. By the time you notice an infestation, major damage may already have been done.
Dedant uses Termidor to create a chemical barrier, which acts to poison and kills termites over time, destroying the termite nest at the source. It is completely undetectable to termites and they will unknowingly become poisoned and spread this poison to the nest.
Have peace of mind with Dedant
If you think you might have termites in your home, call us now! At Dedant, we provide thorough termite inspections, effective termite treatment and prevention solutions. We have been servicing Brisbane, Redland Bay, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and Logan since 2009. Contact us on 07 3807 0122 or via our website.
