Of Termites and Teak: Do They, Or Do They Not Eat It?
One of the oft-quoted benefits of investing in teak wood furniture has practically become common knowledge by now: termites simply do not like teak. If teak is resistant to the little buggers (or, at least, the little buggers typically avoid it), then that means teak furniture is termite free and we will never ever have to worry about it, right?
I think you see where I’m going with this.
The truth is that termites WILL eat teak wood if they must, even if that particular gustatory experience isn’t especially pleasant for them. It’s sort of like trying to feed your kids nothing but asparagus for a week: eventually, they’ll cave and eat the stuff, even as they protest “but you can’t make me like it!”
Frequently Asked Questions: Termites & Teak Furniture
They prefer not to—but will if they must. Teak is not a guaranteed termite-free material. Termites typically avoid it, but hunger can push them to eat it anyway. Don’t assume teak is “termite proof”; plan basic protections to stay ahead.
Sapwood is targeted; heartwood resists better. Termites generally attack the sapwood, not the heartwood used in most teak furniture. Even so, simple precautions help preserve your furniture’s beauty and longevity.
Schedule a yearly termite inspection. Ask inspectors to examine not only the house but the surrounding property—fences, nearby trees, and other structures—so any local activity is found and handled before it spreads.
Yes—use a “sacrificial” piece of wood. Keep a moist, dead hunk of wood in the yard, placed well away from your teak. If termites arrive, this more appealing food source can draw them first.
It can—but with cautions. Organic orange oil’s citric acids can irritate or kill termites. However, it’s flammable and often short-lived, with effectiveness measured in weeks. Use carefully and don’t rely on it alone.
Yes—resistant doesn’t mean invincible. Teak’s reputation is deserved, but vigilance matters. Combine inspections, smart placement, and simple deterrents to keep your furniture safe for years.
Inspect, decoy, and cautiously treat. Book annual inspections (house and yard), set a sacrificial wood decoy away from teak, and consider orange oil as a short-term aid. A little preparation prevents costly surprises.
It’s better to learn this now than to find out the hard way later, like many garden furniture and boat owners have.
Generally speaking, termites will attack the sapwood but not the heartwood of teak (heartwood is what most teak furniture is made from), but it’s still a good idea to take some precautions to insure your furniture’s continued beauty and longevity.
It's like Coupon Night at a Vegas buffet! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
So, what can we do to keep termites away from our lovely furniture?
1.) Get an annual termite inspection. But make sure, when the inspectors come to survey your home, that they check the area AROUND your house as well as the structure itself. If they notice any termite activity in a nearby tree or the fence that lines your front yard, for example, they should note it and act accordingly.
2.) Have a “spare” hunk of wood somewhere in your yard away from your teak furniture. This wood should be somewhat moist, but dead. In case termites do make their way to your home, this more appealing option will be their first choice for feasting on.
3.) Organic orange oil can be applied to your furniture. The citric acids in orange oil irritate and can kill termites. However, be careful: many experts suggest that orange oil can be quite flammable, and may only be effective for a matter of weeks before the effect wears off.
With a little vigilance and some preparation, you can guarantee that your teak furniture will be safe from termites forever. Don't let a termite attack happen to your beautiful teak!
About This Article
This article was written by Mike Bowman, a freelance writer, journalist, and outdoor afficianado. He wrote this article on behalf of Patio Productions. Check out the Patio Productions Facebook Page for more content updates and fascinating articles from around the web!
