Do Termites Eat Pressure Treated Wood? Here’s What Every Homeowner Should Know

Many homeowners believe that pressure treated wood provides full protection against termites — but that’s only partially true. If you’ve been wondering, “do termites eat pressure treated wood?”, the experts at Attack Pest Management are here to clear up the confusion and help you defend your home the right way.

Is Pressure Treated Wood Termite Resistant?

Yes — but only to a degree. Pressure treated lumber is infused with chemical preservatives during manufacturing to help resist decay, fungi, and insect attacks. However, is pressure treated wood termite resistant forever? Unfortunately, no. Over time, exposure to moisture, soil, and air can reduce the wood’s protective barrier. Cracks, cuts, or improper installations can allow termites to bypass the chemical defenses and begin tunneling into the core.

If you're relying on treated wood alone, you may be at risk. Here’s what happens if pests are not controlled — even with preventive measures in place.

Termites and Treated Wood: What You Should Know

While pressure treated wood is less appealing to termites, it doesn’t stop them altogether. In fact, termites and treated wood are not strangers. When a colony is large or desperate enough, they’ll:

• Tunnel around the treated area

• Exploit cracks in the wood

• Attack nearby untreated wood

• Continue expanding underground

If you see signs of mud tubes or hollow-sounding beams near treated wood, it’s time to act. Learn when to call a pro — and what DIY can’t fix.

Cedar and Termites: Is It a Safe Choice?

What about cedar? Many believe this wood is naturally termite-repellent — and it’s true that cedar contains oils that deter some insects. But that doesn't mean it’s termite-proof. Cedar termites (specifically drywood species) can still infest cedar if conditions are right, especially in aged or moisture-compromised wood.

No matter what material you use, wood termite damage is still a threat if your home doesn’t have an active protection strategy. Learn how termite infestations disrupt daily life and why early action is key.

Best Practices for Treated Lumber

When using termite treated lumber, follow these guidelines for maximum protection:

• Avoid cutting or drilling into treated wood (seal any cuts immediately)

• Never place treated wood directly on soil without a barrier

• Combine treated wood with a soil treatment or bait system

• Inspect regularly for signs of tunneling or mud tubes

And after treatment, it’s important to know how to maintain your home properly. Here’s how long after pest control you can clean without disrupting the treatment effectiveness.

When to Take Action

Treated wood can slow termites down — but it won’t stop an established colony. If you suspect any activity, your best bet is to use the best termite treatment available and combine physical materials with professional pest control solutions.

🛡️ Trust Attack Pest Management for Complete Termite Protection

Still wondering if termites will eat your treated lumber or cedar? Don’t leave it to chance. Let Attack Pest Management inspect your property and apply the right treatment plan to eliminate the threat at the source.

👉 Schedule your termite assessment now at Attack-PestControl.com or call 626-915-1111— because treated wood alone isn’t enough.