Do Termites Only Eat Wood?

Termites are infamous for their appetite for destruction. Mention the word “termite,” and most people immediately picture chewed-up wooden beams, hollowed framing, and costly repairs. But here’s a question that comes up more often than you might expect: do termites only eat wood?

The short answer is no—but the long answer is far more interesting (and more important for homeowners and property managers). Understanding what termites actually eat, and why, can help you better protect your structure and avoid unpleasant surprises.

What Termites Really Feed On

Despite their reputation as wood-eating machines, termites aren’t after wood itself. What they truly crave is cellulose, an organic fiber that gives plants their structure. Wood happens to be rich in cellulose, which is why it’s such a popular target—but it’s far from the only option on the menu.

Cellulose is found in a wide range of natural and processed materials, many of which exist in and around homes. Termites don’t care if cellulose comes in the form of a sturdy oak beam or a soggy cardboard box in the crawlspace. If it’s edible (to them), it’s fair game.

Why Termites Can Digest Cellulose

Most animals—including humans—can’t digest cellulose on their own. Termites, however, have a biological advantage: they rely on symbiotic microorganisms (bacteria and protozoa) living in their digestive systems. These microorganisms break down cellulose into usable nutrients.

This relationship allows termites to extract energy from materials other pests can’t touch, making them incredibly efficient recyclers in nature—and incredibly destructive invaders in buildings.

Common Materials Termites Eat Besides Wood

Paper and Cardboard

Paper products are essentially processed wood pulp, meaning they’re loaded with cellulose. Cardboard boxes, paper bags, books, and stored documents can all become termite food sources. This is why storing cardboard directly on garage floors or in basements can increase risk.

Drywall (Yes, Really)

Drywall itself isn’t very nutritious for termites, but the paper backing absolutely is. Termites will often tunnel through drywall to reach wood framing, eating the paper layer along the way. This is why infestations can go unnoticed for long periods—damage may be hidden behind walls.

Insulation Materials

Certain types of insulation, especially those containing paper or plant-based components, can be attractive to termites. While termites won’t eat fiberglass itself, they can tunnel through it and consume any cellulose-based binders or facings.

Flooring and Carpeting

Carpet fibers are usually synthetic, but the backing, adhesives, and padding may contain cellulose-based materials. Termites may damage these components, particularly when flooring is installed directly over concrete slabs with moisture issues.

Fabrics and Textiles

Cotton, linen, and other plant-based fabrics contain cellulose. While termites won’t typically infest clothing closets like moths do, stored fabrics in damp or undisturbed areas can be damaged if conditions are right.

Landscaping Materials

Mulch, wood chips, tree stumps, and even buried roots are all cellulose-rich food sources. These materials can support termite colonies close to structures, increasing the likelihood of an infestation spreading indoors.

Materials Termites Do Not Eat

While termites aren’t picky, they aren’t miracle workers either. Some materials are safe from their appetite:

• Metal

• Plastic

• Glass

• Concrete (mostly)

  
  

That said, termites can still tunnel through or around some of these materials to reach food sources. Concrete cracks, expansion joints, and utility penetrations are common entry points, even though the concrete itself isn’t edible.

Do All Termites Eat the Same Things?

Not exactly. Different termite species have different preferences and behaviors, although cellulose remains the common denominator.

Subterranean Termites

These are the most destructive and widespread species. They live in soil and travel through mud tubes to reach food sources. Subterranean termites feed on wood, paper, and other cellulose materials, often starting from the inside out.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites live directly inside the materials they infest and don’t require contact with soil. They prefer dry, sound wood but can also infest furniture, framing, and decorative wood elements.

Dampwood Termites

As the name suggests, dampwood termites prefer high-moisture wood, such as decaying logs, water-damaged framing, or poorly ventilated crawlspaces. They’re less likely to infest well-maintained homes but thrive where moisture problems exist.

Why Moisture Matters More Than Food

If termites had a ranking system, moisture would be tied for first place with cellulose. Even the most cellulose-rich materials won’t attract termites if conditions are too dry.

Leaky pipes, poor drainage, clogged gutters, condensation, and inadequate ventilation all create environments where termites thrive. In many infestations, moisture problems are the real root cause, with food sources simply sealing the deal.

What This Means for Homeowners

Understanding that termites eat more than wood changes how you should think about prevention. It’s not just about protecting framing—it’s about managing conditions.

Key prevention strategies include:

• Reducing moisture around the foundation

• Keeping cellulose materials away from the structure

• Storing cardboard and paper off the ground

• Maintaining proper ventilation in crawlspaces and attics

• Sealing cracks and entry points in foundations

  
  

And of course, regular professional inspections are critical. Termites are experts at staying out of sight while they dine.

The Bottom Line

So, do termites only eat wood? Not even close. Wood is just the most obvious—and expensive—item on a much longer menu. Any material containing cellulose can be a potential food source, especially when combined with moisture and limited disturbance.

Termites aren’t trying to destroy your home out of spite; they’re just following their stomachs.

Unfortunately, their idea of a balanced diet often overlaps with the structure you live in. Knowing what attracts them—and why—puts you one step ahead in keeping your property protected.

After all, it’s better to learn about termite diets from a blog than from a repair invoice.