This makes finding food sources easier for the pests Generally, termites live in trees, lumber, soil, and wooden structures Therefore, homes are vulnerable to damage caused by termite feeding. Termites have a bacterium in their gut that allows them to eat and digest wood fibers Specifically, termites eat cellulose, which wood is made from There are other materials made of cellulose that termites will feed on including
Termites will attack and eat into wood of old and new homes. Termites not only consume wood but also inhabit it, making their food sources readily accessible They are often found in trees, soil, lumber, and wooden structures, which puts homes at risk for termite damage. Wood is a primary target, including structural timbers, flooring, wall frames, and furniture Termites prefer softer woods like pine, spruce, and redwood due to their lower density and easier digestion, but also consume untreated hardwoods such as oak, maple, hickory, and birch. In reality, termites do enjoy wood as a meal
In particular, not all wood has the nutrients the termite needs to survive Other woods may be less attractive since they are harder to bite through. Termites primarily consume wood because it is a significant source of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that is difficult for many organisms to digest However, termites possess specialized gut microbiota and enzymes that allow them to break down cellulose efficiently. Termites generally avoid certain types of wood that contain natural compounds or characteristics that are unpalatable or toxic to them.
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