Choosing Termite-Resistant Building Materials for Californian Homes

Wood is easily susceptible to termites—that’s not a secret at all. Termites just love to munch on wood. That is why when choosing building materials for your home, you need to make sure that they are termite-resistant.

However, avoiding wood for building your home is never an option. You will always have them, whether you are using them on your kitchen cabinet, sofa, or crawl spaces. The best defense to have is to treat the wood you will to become termite-resistant.

8 Termite-Resistant Building Materials You Can Use

While no material is completely immune to termite infestation, some materials are naturally more resistant to termites than others. Here are 8 construction materials that are generally less prone to termite damage:

1. Concrete

Termites cannot digest the minerals in concrete, making it a completely unappealing and unusable food source for them. Concrete is a popular choice for foundations, floors, and walls due to its durability and resistance to various elements, including termites. However, it’s important to note that termites can still find their way into structures through other materials or vulnerabilities in construction.

2. Metal

Termites are not attracted to metal and usually avoid it. Steel, aluminum, and other metals are commonly used for beams, framing, roofing, and various structural elements, making them naturally termite-resistant choices.

3. Glass

Glass is another material that termites do not consume. While glass is not a primary structural material, it can be used in various parts of a building, contributing to a termite-resistant design.

4. Plastic and PVC

Plastic materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), are generally not appealing to termites. These materials are used in various construction applications, including pipes, decking, and insulation.

5. Stone

Natural stones, such as granite, marble, or basalt, are not attractive to termites. Using stone in construction, particularly for foundations and exterior elements, can help deter termite infestations.

6. Fiber Cement Siding

This material combines the aesthetics of wood with the durability and termite resistance of concrete. It is made from a mixture of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. While the cellulose attracts termites, the cement’s presence makes it impossible for them to burrow and feed.

7. Brick

Similar to concrete, brick is also made from inorganic materials that termites cannot digest. Its durability and fire resistance make it a popular choice for exterior walls, fireplaces, and chimneys.

8. Treated Lumber

Wood is not always susceptible to termites. As long as they are treated, wood can still serve you well. Treated lumber undergoes a pressure treatment process where chemicals are infused into the wood fibers, making it toxic and unpalatable to termites. Treated lumber is commonly used for framing, decks, fences, and other outdoor structures.

It’s crucial to note that while these materials may be less susceptible to termite damage, the overall vulnerability of a structure depends on the entire construction system and the specific conditions of the building site. Additionally, some construction practices, like maintaining proper drainage and ensuring a termite barrier during construction, can further reduce the risk of termite infestation. Regular inspections and preventive measures are essential to protect structures from potential termite problems.

Seek Help from Termite Control Expert

If you suspect that you have termites in your home, it is important to contact a professional pest control company for an inspection. Early detection and treatment can help to prevent extensive damage to your home.

Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate or prevent termites through our QualityPro-certified termite control treatments. Learn more about our Termite Control Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.

Call us at 800-901-1102 to schedule a FREE termite inspection/estimate.