Naturally Resistant To deter the pests, homeowners can obtain heartwood-grade lumber for construction projects. Termites also tend to avoid specific species of trees such as redwoods, yellow cedar, Laotian teak, and cypress. However, these types of wood are not as long-lasting as treated lumber.
Hardwood flooring, such as oak, maple, and walnut, is generally more resistant to termites than softwoods. The dense cellular structure and natural compounds found in hardwoods make it more difficult for termites to penetrate and digest the wood.
Redwood. Available locally, redwood may be one of your best bets for a reasonably priced option easily available here. The wood is known to be moderately to very durable and is resistant to termites. Among these options, teak is obviously the top choice for termite resistance.
Termites can damage laminate flooring, as well, by eating the backing off of the laminate. If you get a home inspection and you're in the clear, here are some things you can do to prevent future infestations. No one wants to come across termite damage in their home.
Unlike natural wood, engineered wood siding has a moisture-resistant barrier that keeps termites from burrowing into your exterior. Plus, this protective coating also keeps other animals, like woodpeckers and rodents, from pecking or chewing on your siding.
The National Wood Flooring Association recommends keeping the humidity in your home between 30 and 50 percent, and the temperature between 15C and 24C (60F and 75F). These same guidelines apply to the location where you will be storing your hardwood.
Unlike cockroaches, termites are notorious for their ability to cause extensive structural damage to homes, often undetected for long periods. The rate at which they inflict destruction can vary, typically within 3 to 15 years, depending on factors such as termite colony size and the age of the structure.
If your home suddenly has hollow sounding walls or floors, or if the floors begin to creak, these could be signs of a termite infestation. When termites consume the framing of your home, they weaken the structure.
Termites dislike certain odors that act as repellents to them. Some of the common smells they hate include orange oil, neem oil, garlic, cinnamon, vinegar, mint, and citrus.
Thus, neem oil for termites can be the best natural termite killer and help you get rid of termites permanently from your wooden structures. If you are wondering how to do neem oil treatment for termites, simply inject it inside the wooden structures.
For wood that's below ground, you can use WOODLIFE CopperCoat. You can also use a borate spray like Bora-Care to repel termites and carpenter ants. All you have to do is dilute the formula with water and spray it on the desired wood surface––make sure you do this on a clear day, as it needs time to dry.
To deter the pests, homeowners can obtain heartwood-grade lumber for construction projects. Termites also tend to avoid specific species of trees such as redwoods, yellow cedar, Laotian teak, and cypress. However, these types of wood are not as long-lasting as treated lumber.
Bathrooms and laundry rooms are rooms where you should not install hardwood floors. Separately stands the basement, where it is not recommended to install hardwood flooring under almost any conditions. Humidity, the possibility of spills, and floods make these rooms dangerous for hardwood flooring.
Spotting a problem early on will make it easier to get the proper termite extermination your home needs. When you're able to recognize some of the early signs of these invasive insects, you can end up saving your home and your wallet from serious damage.
Insurers typically view termites as avoidable and possibly a result of the homeowner's negligence. Your homeowners insurance is designed to cover you for sudden or accidental events, and termite damage is neither. Be sure to take precautions to prevent an infestation before it begins.
Your decision should take into account the extent of the damage done. If the damage is so bad that repairs are not a viable option, then you have no choice but to walk away and continue your search for the perfect home.
Thoroughly paint and seal exposed wood
Though it might seem pointless to paint an area that no one sees, it ensures there are no vulnerable areas for termites to access and provides extra protection against dry rot.
The hardwood pest can be kept away through application of effective sprays and insecticides of various formulations.
Floors that sag and buckle, have loose boards, small holes, or crumbling wood can indicate possible termite damage.
During the hotter and more humid months of the year, hardwood flooring will absorb moisture from the air, which causes it to expand and swell. The expansion of the boards can cause them to warp. Floor planks can create excess pressure when they absorb humidity, forcing boards to adjust to relieve the pressure.
Royale Touche Termite Proof Plywood are one the best choices when one is looking to design furniture and interiors keeping termites away. This termite and borer proof plywood provides protection against termites thereby ensuring longevity of the wooden structures.
Termites can damage the underlying flooring of laminate. Damage caused to laminate flooring by termite infestations can appear similar to typical water damage. Laminate will blister and sag in affected areas. If inspected more closely, a hollow network of tunnels will be discovered beneath buckled areas.