Lumber is an essential building material; however, it's also important to termites. Although termite treatments are available from pest control companies, you can also prevent infestations altogether by using termite-resistant woods for your home improvement projects. 

Why Are Termites Bad for Wood? 

Termites are insects known to feed on and live inside wood cellulose. If left unchecked, they’ll eat through lumber to the point that it decays and loses both mass and strength, compromising its stability.

It’s unsafe for you to live under the same roof as termites because they may cause your home to slowly fall apart. 

What Woods Naturally Resist Termites? 

Though more expensive than most other types of wood, cedar lumber is so effective at repelling termites that it may even be considered toxic to them. Even if you don't use it extensively throughout your home, spreading some cedar mulch around the perimeter could reduce the odds of an infestation.  

Termites find redwood and cypress to be similarly unappetizing. Both woods boast lovely coloring in addition to durability. Many oaks are unappealing to termites, too, especially the white, honey mesquite, black walnut, black cherry, and chestnut varieties.  

While teak is a great choice as well, it’s not as termite resistant as the other types. Termites don’t particularly enjoy it and will only settle for it if nothing else is available; nevertheless, they will eat it. 

If none of these woods appeal to you, consider these options: 

• Pressure-treated: Wood that has been chemically treated to resist decay. 
• Composite: A combination of wood and other materials, such as plastic, which is inedible to termites. It’s also unlikely to decay easily. 
• Heartwood-grade: The innermost part of the tree. It’s dense and strong, making it more impervious to decay and termite damage. 

Any lumber with these characteristics is more likely to repel termite infestations, even if they don’t come from the aforementioned types of trees. 

 
For professional guidance in selecting the best lumber, go to Weiss Do It Best Lumber in Perryville, AR. With their wide array of tools and materials, they gladly serve homeowners doing DIY projects in addition to experienced and certified contractors. To find out what they currently have available, call them today at (501) 889-2695 or check out their website.