What Do Termites Damage?

Termites are wood-destroying insects that feed on and tunnel within timber. Wooden components that come into contact with soil are at the highest risk of becoming infested by subterranean termites, which are the most destructive species. Here in Arizona, termites will invade almost any wooden structure inside or outside of your home, including:

  • Flooring
  • Wooden posts
  • Wall studs
  • Insulation
  • Support beams
  • Firewood stacks
  • Wooden decks
  • Outdoor furniture
Inside view of a nice home with hardwood floors - don't allow termites in with SOS Exterminating serving Phoenix Metro & Northern Arizona

Why Do Termites Infest Wood?

Termites primarily feed on cellulose which is the main structural component in wood. In addition to feeding on the wood, the termites also build their homes and tunnel systems inside of the timber. Since houses in Arizona are usually built with wood, most people in our area are at a risk of experiencing an infestation. Indoors, you might find these pests inside of your walls, ceilings, baseboards, or floorboards. Outside, you’re more likely to find termites in places like stacks of firewood, decaying logs, and patio furniture. 

Since termites usually reside inside of the wood they’re feeding on, it can be challenging to identify an infestation until the damage is severe. That’s why it’s important to enlist the help of a licensed termite professional who can monitor your property and address any potential termite problems early on.

Termite-Resistant Materials

While termites are notorious for chewing through all types of wood, there are a few building materials that they’re unlikely to attack. Some of the most popular termite-resistant building materials include:

  • Cedar or redwood: These types of wood produce allelochemicals, which are natural compounds that repel all sorts of insects – including termites. That said, termites may still attack the wood if it is decaying. 
  • Treated lumber: The chemical preservatives in treated lumber make the wood undesirable to termites. That’s why many outdoor structures, such as decks or sheds, are built using treated wood. 
  • Cement or concrete: While termites may be able to sneak through the cracks in cement or concrete, they won’t try to eat it or tunnel through it. Cement and concrete are very hard substances that lack cellulose. 
  • Metal: Like cement and concrete, metal is just too hard for termites to chew through. It also lacks cellulose. 

Prevent Termites in Your Arizona Home

Nobody wants to discover they have termites. Despite their small size, these pests can cause serious and expensive damage to our homes and other wooden structures. Additionally, since they rarely leave the wood they’re infesting, it can be incredibly difficult to get rid of a colony. Whether you suspect you have termites or you just want to make sure your property is always protected, you can count on the professional termite exterminators at .