25 Aug Do Termites Eat Treated Pine?
Do Termites Eat Treated Pine?
Do Termites Eat Treated Pine?
Treated pine is a timber that has been pervaded with a chemical solution to have stronger resistance to decay, insects, and other damaging factors. It is an effective, and long-lasting protection that enables the timber to be utilized in various applications like pergolas, decks, cladding, retaining walls, and posts.
So, do termites eat treated pine? The quick answer is no.
Timbers are a durable wood type that is often used for decking, flooring, and retaining walls. Although timber is strong, it is not 100% indestructible. Untreated timbers are prone to termites’ infestation. Without proper attention, termites can eat away your timber in just a matter of months. The following are some ways to treat wood to prevent termites.
A wood solution is a mixture that you can coat all over the woodwork in your home to prevent termite infestation. Just like painting a wall, you can give the wood a light coat of the solution.
Termite solutions can be bought from local hardware stores. Some solutions can cover up small holes in the wood so that it will not absorb any more liquid. A wood solvent-based solution usually has two main chemicals used to kill termites – fipronil and hexaflumuron. Fipronil is an active ingredient that is also used as the main termite killer in liquid termiticide products. However, it has to be applied by professionals to prevent mishaps and collateral damage to other people.
Apply Varnish on Your Pine Wood Furniture
Termites can feed just any wood in your home if they are left untreated. Unfortunately, furniture is not an exception. If you notice a tiny holes in your wooden furniture with powder-like residues around it, there is no doubt you have termite problems.
One of the most efficient and cost-effective solutions to protect home furniture is varnishing them. Varnish is a solution that makes your furniture shiny, but it also serves as a protective layer over your wood.
Moreover, varnish comes in different translucent colors like maple, which is a little bit redder. There’s also an option for a colorless varnish or a yellowish varnish. It keeps your furniture protected while making it look great.
Give Your Pine Wood A Treatment
Treating pine wood involves subjecting it to some wood preservatives to keep it termite-resistant. There are water-based termite treatments and solvent-based termite treatments for woods. Larger structures for commercial buildings and industrial applications are treated first to boost their protection against rot and termite infestation.
Some popular wood treatments are borates, copper azole, or polymeric betaines. If you have pine woodwork outside your home, applying a finish such as polyurethane or epoxy will help preserve it. Paint and chemical treatment will also keep it more resistant to termites.
Pressure-Treating Pine Wood
Pressure-treating woods is a process of adding chemical preservatives to help protect woods from rotting and termites. This is an efficient method of water-proofing woods that come into contact with the earth. For example, if you are using pine wood for fences, exterior basement walls, fence posts, and exterior cladding, you must choose treated ones.
How Can I Protect Pine Woods from Termites?
Although woods are termites’ favorite, there are things you can do to protect them from termites. Read on the following tips to get rid of termites from pine wood materials in your home.
Get rid of moisture.
Moisture is one of the main reasons that attract all kinds of pests such as termites. When a part of the wood is soaked or exposed to water, it can start rotting. So, get rid of excess moisture in your home. If you live in a humid location, try investing in a dehumidifier and periodically turn on your air conditioner to maintain a cool temperature. Check your home for water leaks, especially in your attic.
Fix leaks
Although using treated pine helps protect your home from termites, fixing leaks is one of the most economical ways to prevent termite infestation. Some of the often overlooked parts of a house include dingy corners, basements, and attics. A leakage in the basement can invite termites because it is close to the ground. Once termites find a weak spot, they can easily infiltrate your home.
Place infected items in the sun
If you find termites on a piece of pine wood furniture, place it under the sun directly for at least a consecutive day. This termite protection strategy can work well during the summer because termites cannot stand the heat. Exposing your infested furniture to the sun will also get rid of moisture. Do the same for other furniture to ensure that they stay termite-free.
Conclusion
Termites don’t eat treated pine woods. The chemicals in treated pines are too strong for their senses that they find it hard to feed on them. Even so, you need to be mindful of the different treated pine types and their corresponding use. Whether you’re buying water-borne preservative-treated pine or solvent-borne treated pine, you must use them for the right purpose to maximize their life expectancy.
Of course, only deal with respected and professional termite control services if you want termite removal for your home.
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