Bob, do they like treated lumber or does that protect against "cellular" theft? The white stuff on Ron and Doris' posts - is that for termite protection? What about the PC itself, is there some way to keep them from eating the paper? I've read a lot of people say they are using borax for mold prevention, does it help deter termites?
I'm going to have to be more careful when I am building in Montana.
Ron
From: countryatheartok <criswells.ok@sbcglobal.net>
To: papercreters@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sat, October 10, 2009 11:38:55 AM
Subject: [papercreters] Speaking of termite's
We should all be aware of the termite, if we don't take measures to keep them at bay then they will have a feast at our expense. If they can tunnel through even the hardest ground and even concrete, I guarantee they can tunnel through untreated PC and attack any untreated wood such as window and door frames, or any other kind of wood left in our walls that is not treated.
Subterranean termites are the most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States. They cause more than $2 billion in damage each year, more property damage than that caused by fire and windstorm combined.
In nature, subterranean termites are beneficial. They break down many dead trees and other wood materials that would otherwise accumulate. The biomass of this breakdown process is recycled to the soil as humus.
Problems occur when termites attack the wooden elements of human structures -- homes, businesses and warehouses. Their presence is not readily noticed because they hide their activity behind wallboards, siding or wood trim.
Several species of subterranean termites are found in the United States; they live in every state except Alaska.
Subterranean termites derive their nutrition from wood and other material containing cellulose. Paper, cotton, burlap or other plant products often are actively attacked and consumed by termites. Subterranean termites cannot digest cellulose directly. They depend on large numbers of one-celled animals (protists) living in the termite hind gut to break down the cellulose to simple acetic acid, which termites can digest. Worker termites and older nymphs consume wood and share their nourishment with the developing young, other workers, soldiers and reproductives.
Just a little food for thought.
Bob the builder
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