How termites digest wood?

Answer 1

It seems that there are many different species even among termites.

Where as some do not eat much wood at all, others seem to have a feast on wood.

A program I saw on National Geographic said that they grew their own mushroms in their houses, and that was their primary diet.

It varies how efficient their digesting-system works on cellulose.

Some are in fact dependent on bacterial parasites in order to get energy out of cellulose.

Various species prefer leafs and half rotten wood. Other species again prefer the fresh stuff. I do not think it matter much whether your garden furniture is softwood or hardwood regarding the right species of termites.

I am however sure the hardwood would last slightly longer.

Answer 2

Termites do not like to eat wood that isnâ??t made of 100 percent wood, including composite materials. They also dislike types of Malaysian wood, as well as pressure treated wood.

Answer 3

Umm... First of all how come your question was "Do termites eat new wood or new wood?"?? If your referring to old and new wood I think they eat both.

Answer 4

They have special enzymes in their stomachs.

Answer 5

Not all types of termites like wet or damp wood. The dampwood termite makes its home in damp, decaying wood.

Answer 6

No they don't.