How do termites primarily damage wood structures?

Termites primarily damage wood structures by consuming cellulose within the wood. Cellulose is the organic polymer that provides structural support in plant cell walls, and it makes up a significant portion of wood. Termites have specialized enzymes and microbes in their digestive systems that allow them to break down cellulose and extract nutrients from wood. This feeding behavior weakens the structural integrity of wooden components in buildings, leading to potential collapse if the infestation is severe enough and left untreated.

While creating tunnels in the wood, constructing nests, and covering wood surfaces with mud are behaviors exhibited by some termite species, these actions stem from their need to consume cellulose and maintain their colonies. However, the primary damage arises from the actual consumption of the wood itself, which is why the focus on cellulose consumption directly ties to the most significant impact they have on wood structures.