Termites and Wood in Aruba: What Makes Your Home Vulnerable to These Pests?
Knowing what attracts termites is key to protecting your home from costly damage. In Aruba’s warm, humid climate, termite activity is constant year-round. If you’re building or renovating, choosing the right wood is just as important as having long-term professional protection.
Termites in Aruba: A Constant, Costly Threat
Is Your Wood Choice Attracting Termites?
Termites are drawn to wood with high cellulose content and moisture. Unfortunately, some of the most commonly used materials in construction are also the most attractive to termites.
Highly vulnerable woods include:
- Pine – Affordable and popular, but highly susceptible.
- Untreated cedar – Naturally oily, yet still at risk.
- Spruce and Douglas fir – Soft and poorly resistant.
Even decorative features like baseboards and trim can become targets if made from these woods.
Stay ahead of termites and learn about their habits in our article: Termite Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction.
Best Wood Choices to Outsmart Termites in Aruba
While no wood is 100% termite-proof, some are naturally more resistant or can be treated to repel pests.
Better choices include:
- Teak and Ipe (Ironwood) – Dense, durable, and naturally resistant.
- Mahogany – Hard, beautiful, and less appealing to termites.
- Pressure-treated wood – Chemically treated to deter pests.
Tip: Make sure your treated wood meets proper standards for Aruba’s climate!
Also, learning more about their behavior can will help you figure out how to act accordingly. Read more about this here: Termite Behavior During the Festive Season: What You Need to Know.
5 Smart Habits That Help Prevent Termite Trouble
Good construction and maintenance practices go a long way: Avoid wood-to-soil contact.
- Seal cracks in foundations and around windows.
- Eliminate moisture near wood structures.
- Schedule regular professional inspections.
- Consider physical or chemical barriers during construction.
Professional Termite Control: The Ultimate Long-Term Solution
Using resistant wood helps, but professional treatment is your most reliable protection over time. At Professional Pest Control Aruba, we provide specialized treatments to protect your home from the ground up. Contact us today!