Wood Decay Attracts Termites

By Author: mal brewer
Total Articles: 2
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It may seem that termites live in a very isolated world, sealed in their mud tubes and living underground. The truth can be very different; termites live symbiotically with special gut bacteria that aid in the tough digestion of wood fibres. Certain species actually farm fungi. Fungus in general is a chief ally of the termites, breaking down tough timbers and providing protein in their diet.

Timber affected by wood decay is more attractive to termites than sound wood. Generally termites will prefer situations where wood decay fungus is established if they are presented with the option.

Wood decay fungi species have their growth rate accelerated in damp situations. This is one reason we encourage you to keep showers in good condition, wood decay will often get started in nearby window and door trim. Where this happens you can bet the bottom plate and lower sections of studs in the wall behind the shower are suffering too. Enticed by the moisture and decay gases the termites won’t be too far behind.

Decay problems can be especially severe in subfloor situations with insufficient drainage and/or ventilation. ...
... We have seen cases where the floor appears almost snow white on the low underside as we crawl through. Apart from the obvious concerns about termites and damage to flooring, these cases also promote the growth of mould and other unhygienic undesirables such as cockroaches. Termites and cockroaches are far more closely related than termites and ants, it should be no surprise that the two thrive in similar conditions. Think of termites as highly organised, wood eating cockroaches if you like (its more accurate than the misnomer 'white-ants').

Many fence post failures are as much a result of wood decay fungus as they are from termite damage. Keeping fence posts free of the ground my mounting them on a metal stirrup is a very sensible idea. Keeping the posts and fence battens free of soil contact will greatly reduce the effect of wood decay and reduce the ability of termites to detect them. You will get twice the life expectancy out of your fence.

Timber retaining walls will inevitably get wood decay and probably termites as well. Use bricks, blocks, concrete or any other non-susceptible material instead. Treated timber will only last a little longer than regular sleepers but nowhere near as long as the non-timber alternatives.

A good coating of paint can prevent wood decay from establishing in exposed timbers. This is one reason why it’s important to maintain queen slanders and other timber homes, once its rotten it loose significant strength that cannot be regained. Replacement will be the only option. The same goes for patios, posts and other attachments. Wood decay can make a serious falling hazard out of the pergola with no termites involved.

Contact our office for a thorough termite inspection today!