Having termites in your home or office can be stressful and expensive. One of the smartest ways to reduce risk is by understanding which woods attract termites the most and which are naturally more resistant.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
Why termites eat wood
The types of wood termites love (and avoid)
How fast termites eat wood
Which wood is termite-proof
Practical prevention tips from Termite Specialist Singapore
Why Do Termites Eat Wood?
Termites survive by consuming cellulose, an organic compound found in wood, paper, and plant-based materials. Decaying wood is particularly attractive because it’s easier to digest.
In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, damp wood becomes even more vulnerable, making local homes and furniture prime targets. Learn more about the basic termite instincts that drive their feeding behavior.
Can Termites Smell Wood?
Yes. Termites are naturally drawn to chemical odors released from plant-based materials. This helps them detect food sources underground or within walls. NC State Extension highlights that their sense of smell plays a critical role in locating cellulose-rich sources.
How Termites Eat Wood
Termites use strong mandibles (jaws) that work like pliers and scissors combined. They scrape, soften, and splinter wood into small fragments, then swallow them. Inside their gut, specialized bacteria break down cellulose into energy.
This process is slow but relentless. Left unchecked, a termite colony can cause severe structural damage without being immediately visible. To spot early activity, check our guide on how to check for termites.
Types of Wood Termites Prefer
Not all wood is equal when it comes to termite damage. Below are the most attractive woods to termites:
Untreated Softwoods, especially springwood
Untreated Hardwoods, though softer woods are preferred
Gumtree, a natural habitat for termites
Dry, smooth wood such as flooring, baseboards, and furniture
Particle board, especially when damp or swollen
Paper-based materials such as plasterboard lining
Woods Termites Eat Sometimes
Cedar, which has some resistance but can be attacked when old
Cypress and Redwood Heartwood, more durable but not invincible
Teak, naturally termite resistant but costly
Plywood, vulnerable unless pressure-treated
Woods Termites Rarely Eat
Bamboo, which has a hard outer shell that deters termites
OSB (Oriented Strand Board), which is cement-bonded and resists infestation
Pressure-treated lumber, which contains chemicals that act as a barrier
Expert Tip: In Singapore renovations, using pressure-treated wood for outdoor decking or structural framing is highly recommended to avoid termite attacks.
How Fast Do Termites Eat Wood?
A single colony can eat through a 2×4 timber (about 30 cm) in roughly six months. A large colony may compromise an entire house structure in 10 to 15 years.
This makes early signs of termite detection critical to prevent costly repairs.
What Termites Do to Wood
Unlike visible gnaw marks, termite damage often happens inside the wood. Signs include:
Hollow-sounding timber
Mud trails or soil inside cracks
Gouges along the grain
Weak or sagging wooden structures
Because the damage is often hidden, a professional termite inspection is the only reliable way to confirm infestation.
Do Termites Eat Old or New Wood?
Both. Termites don’t differentiate. What matters is the cellulose content. Old wood, being weaker, is easier for termites to consume.
Which Wood is Termite-Proof?
Pressure-treated wood provides the best protection.
Bamboo, cedar, and redwood heartwood are more resistant, but not completely safe.
If you’re considering long-term protection, check out termite baiting treatment in Singapore for added safety.
Do Termites Only Eat Wood?
No. Termites attack any cellulose-rich material, including:
Books and cardboard
Paper lining in walls
Certain fabrics
They will even chew through plastic or thin metal barriers if wood lies behind them. To understand the extent of the problem, see what termite damage looks like.
How to Prevent Termites Eating Wood
Practical steps for homeowners in Singapore:
Remove rotting wood or tree stumps near your property
Avoid stacking firewood against exterior walls
Fix leaks and damp areas quickly
Minimize use of mulch in gardens
Use termite-resistant or treated wood in renovations
Schedule a professional termite control in Singapore yearly
Conclusion
Almost any wood is vulnerable to termites if left untreated. While some woods offer natural resistance, prevention and professional monitoring remain the safest strategies.
At Termite Specialist Pte Ltd, we’ve been protecting Singapore homes and businesses for over 13 years. Our experts can quickly assess your property, recommend the right wood treatments, and apply proven solutions to keep termites away.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us protect your property before the damage starts.
Related Questions (FAQ)
Can termites eat through aluminum?
No. Termites cannot digest or bite through aluminium or other metals.
Can termites chew through plastic bags?
Yes, but only to reach food behind them. Plastic itself offers no nutrition.
very helpful!!
Thank you 🙂
Thanks…