The most effective defense against termites is to remember two key points: choose wood that has been treated for termite resistance and build a barrier that makes entry into the structure more difficult for them. Treating the wood can be done by using pressure-treated lumber or naturally resistant varieties of wood species, usually call ‘heartwood’ That are found in standing dead trees or less commonly found as ‘true heartwood’ in harvested timber.
Pressure-treated woods like western red cedar or Nictea spp are highly resistant to attack by termites, making them great options when building structures that will be exposed to these pests. Other naturally occurring resistant woods include Redwood, Anderson Cypress, and Alaskan Yellow-Cedar. Lesser common sources like Shorea balansae and Kempas have recently been developed for lumber use and offer equivalent resistance properties. With any of these options, you can reduce your chances of a costly problem later on down the line based on your regional environmental factors and climatic conditions at the site location of your structure
Types of Termite Resistant Wood
It is important to choose the right type of wood if you want to protect it from termites. Fortunately, there are a few varieties of wood that are naturally resistant to termites. In this article we will discuss some of the most popular types of termite resistant wood, and the attributes that make them resistant.
Cedar
Cedar is arguably one of the most popular choices for termite-resistant wood. Its natural resistances to termites, decay, and rot make it a perfect option for outdoor usage in decks, fences and other projects. Cedar contains natural oils that act as a natural repellent to pests that could otherwise cause damage to wooden structures. The wood’s unique resistance to pests comes from a compound called thujaplicin, which stuns or kills individual termites when they come into contact with it. Cedar is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing woods available, as its strong smell and warm coloring gives any outdoor project an eye-catching look.
Redwood
Redwood is an especially durable wood derived from old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest. It has a beautiful pale color that darkens with age and is mostly resistant to the unfavorable effects of aging. When it comes to termite resistance, Redwood is among the best wood types from a natural standpoint. It’s extremely durable and will not be eaten by most types of termites and other pests because of its high tannin levels. While it’s not entirely immune to infestation, Redwood’s termite-resistance properties make it a much better choice than many other woods when it comes to building anything outside or in contact with the ground.
Teak
Teak is one of the most popular and widely available hardwoods that is naturally resistant to termites. It is often used in outdoor furniture as it has excellent weather resistance and can last for many years with minimal maintenance. As an added bonus, teak wood may actually have some deterrent properties; some studies suggest that the oil in teak wood may keep away certain species of termites. However, teak wood’s termite-resistant properties will diminish with age and weathering so be sure to treat or maintain the wood regularly in order to keep it protected.
Mahogany
Mahogany is one of the most resistant woods to termites, fungus and other forms of decay, since it contains naturally occurring oils and resins that repel destructive organisms. Mahogany is a tropical hardwood, meaning it’s harder than the average pine or oak used for furniture making and home building. The panels in your house are treated with chemicals meant to cause further damage to infesting organisms, but not all wood is created equal when it comes to resistance. The tight grain pattern of mahogany adds extra layers of defense by allowing fewer entry points for an insect pest and better insulation against air leakage or moisture buildup.
In addition to its natural durability, mahogany stands up well against frequent use due to its hardness — meaning it can withstand heavier furniture weight than softer woods like pine or cedar. When inspected by proper professionals like certified arborists regularly, mahogany will last a long time if properly treated and taken care of during its lifetime. Despite the higher costs associated with using this coveted hardwood material over comparable options such as red oak or softwood lumber – the long term benefits may make this an attractive option when looking into pest-resistant wood solutions for your project needs.