Termites are small insects commonly known as silent destroyers of wood and house because they eat the wooden doors and windows when they feel hungry. Termites live in form of colonies.
Termites also feed on dead plants and convert their cellulose into useful products for new growing plants so they are important part of ecosystem but at the same time they are very dangerous for house woods.
They are very small in size about 1 centimeter but they have ability to damage large trees. Many of people will think that can termites eat pressure treated wood also? So before giving its answer it is very necessary to know about pressure treated wood.
Pressure treated wood
Pressure treated wood is chemical treated wood to protect it from decay and pests attack. This wood is also called as “wood for all weathers”.
In the process of pressure treatment of wood the chemical is forced and penetrated deep into wood. The wood is the put into a cylinder tank and the air is removed from the tank.
The tank is then filled with chemical preservative and pressure is applied. Chemical is penetrated into wood. Chemical is drained out and reused for other wood.This process protect the wood from becoming the food of termites and other insects and also from fungus and increase the lifespan of wood.
Where pressure treated wood is used?
This pressure treated wood is used in outdoor in making picnic benches and tables, in telephonic poles, letterboxes etc. and where the wood is in direct contact with soil like shelters and it is also used in indoor furniture in some countries.
Do they eat pressure treated wood?
Pressure treated wood is used by many people in different countries but the question arise can termites eats pressure treated wood? The answer is yes.
Here is a common misconception that pressure treatment completely protect the wood from insects and there is no need to take care of treated wood. But it is clear that this treatment don’t completely protect wood from damage because according to codes of construction in U.S this treatment make the wood “insect resistant” not “insect proof”.
Pressure treated wood is protected for some time because as time of 7-10 years passes the chemical penetrated in wood starts to drain out of the wood so the outer layer of wood loses its resistance to insects but the inner portion is not effected.
If the outer layer of wood is damaged like it contain hole or crack then termites can enter and can cause severe damage. Termites can also make tubes like holes in pressure treated wood and then reaches to the untreated part and start damaging it.
If pressure treated wood remain in contact with water directly it will become damp and will start decay than termites can easily inhabit that wood and start eating it.
This does not mean that you have to forget to buy pressurized wood. Some protections are certainly better than any. However, we recommend that you take precautionary measures to make your deck last longer.
Worried About Termite Damage? You Should be.
Usually you don’t see termites or the damages they cause until it’s too late. In fact, the annual cost of termite damage to buildings in the US is more than $5 billion- greater than that of fires, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.
The Best Solution? Sentricon® System
The Sentricon System starts protecting your property the minute it is installed. Termites are attracted to the bait and once consumed, lose the ability to eat, breed and survive.
The end result is the complete elimination of the colony, including the queen!
