Properly preserve and protect wood to prevent termites

Dr. Reid Ipser, Director of Technical Services, Nisus Corp.

Feeding and damage from termites is correlated with the moisture content of the wood, the amount of decay of the wood, and environmental conditions of the potential infestation site. Termites are often found in wood that has been slightly decayed.

Furthermore, termites eat decayed wood faster and prefer it over sound wood. Decayed wood promotes digestion; it increases foraging and is correlated with larger colonies with larger workers. Soil provides moisture and can be a proponent of wood decay. Thus, preserve the wood properly to prevent termite intrusion and associated decay.