Why – when termites eat at wood (mainly studs in a house) – do they leave the outside in almost pristine condition? Why not eat it all?

Question

Why – when termites eat at wood (mainly studs in a house) – do they leave the outside in almost pristine condition? Why not eat it all?

In: 1

Answer 1

They prefer to be inside the wood for protection – they’re nearly blind and usually flightless so not the most formidable warriors against much larger predators. They do have some mean jaws for other insect interlopers though.

For construction lumber the outside may also be chemically treated, making it tougher and unpalatable for the little bastards.