Do Wood Pallets Attract Termites? What You Need to Know Before You Store, Ship, or Build With Them
Published: November 5 2025
You’ve probably seen those sturdy, rectangular stacks of wood pallets lining loading docks, warehouse aisles, or even your backyard garden. They’re cheap, reusable, and convenient – but there’s a lingering question that haunts anyone who works with wood: Do wood pallets attract termites?
In this post we’ll break down the science behind termite attraction, examine the specific traits of common pallet wood, and give you a step‑by‑step checklist to keep your pallets (and the structures they support) termite‑free. We’ll also compare alternative pallet materials, so you can choose the safest option for your project.
1. Why Termites Care About Wood – A Quick Primer
| Trait | Why It Matters to Termites |
|---|---|
| Cellulose | Termites feed on cellulose, the main component of wood fibers. |
| Moisture content | Moisture softens cellulose and makes it easier for termites to digest. |
| Temperature | Warm environments (20‑30 °C) accelerate termite metabolism and breeding. |
| Chemical cues | Pheromones from existing colonies and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by wood can guide termites to a new food source. |
If a wooden object checks all of those boxes, it becomes a prime real‑estate location for a termite colony. But the reality is more nuanced; not every piece of wood is equally attractive.
2. What Makes a Standard Wood Pallet Different?
Most pallets you encounter are soft‑wood pallets made from pine, spruce, or fir. They are typically:
| Feature | Typical Value | Termite Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Soft‑woods (pine, spruce) | Softer fibers = easier to chew |
| Kiln‑drying | 10‑15 % moisture (often not kiln‑treated) | Still above the ideal < 10 % for termites |
| Heat‑treatment | Rare for inexpensive pallets | No death‑kill for hidden termites |
| Chemical treatment | Usually untreated or only surface‑treated with a preservative | Limited protection against internal infestation |
| Age | 1‑3 years on average (high turnover) | Younger wood has higher sugar content, more appealing |
Because many pallets are untreated and not fully dried, they can indeed provide a welcoming snack for termites—if the surrounding conditions allow.
The “Hidden Risk”
Even if your pallet looks sound, termites can tunnel through tiny cracks or enter via the nails and screws that hold the board together. Once inside, they can create galleries that are invisible until structural damage appears.
3. Environmental Factors That Amplify the Risk
You might think: “I keep my pallets outdoors; termites can’t get to them.” Not quite. Here are the three biggest external variables that turn a benign pallet into a termite magnet.
| Factor | How It Impacts Pallet Attraction |
|---|---|
| Ground contact | Pallets placed directly on soil or concrete with moisture wicking are more likely to be colonized. |
| Humidity | Areas with > 60 % relative humidity (e.g., basements, shaded patios) keep wood damp and tasty. |
| Proximity to existing colonies | Termites travel up to 200 ft (≈ 60 m) from a nest in search of food. If you store pallets near a known infestation, the odds rise dramatically. |
Bottom line: The same pallet can be safe in a dry, well‑ventilated garage but become a termite hot‑spot when stacked on a damp concrete slab.
4. How to Make Your Pallets Less Attractive
Below is a practical checklist you can implement the next time you receive or repurpose pallets.
| Action | Why It Works | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect for pre‑existing damage | Cracks = entry points for termites. | Use a flashlight; tap each board, listen for hollow sounds. |
| Elevate off the ground | Reduces moisture wicking. | Place pallets on a concrete pad, metal stand, or pressure‑treated sleepers. |
| Apply a termite‑preventive coating | Creates a chemical barrier. | Use a borate‐based wood preservative; follow label for coverage. |
| Seal all joints | Prevents termites from crawling through gaps. | Apply exterior‑grade polyurethane or epoxy to nail holes. |
| Control surrounding humidity | Drier wood = less tasty. | Install dehumidifiers in indoor storage; provide drainage around outdoor stacks. |
| Rotate stock | Shortens exposure time. | Move pallets out of storage after 6‑12 months; discard or recycle old pallets. |
By integrating at least three of these measures, you can cut the probability of an infestation by up to 80 %, according to extension research from the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service.
5. Alternative Pallet Materials – Are They Safer?
If termites are a serious concern for your project, consider swapping wood for a material that termites simply ignore.
| Material | Pros | Cons | Termite Susceptibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (HDPE) pallets | Waterproof, lightweight, recyclable | Higher upfront cost; may warp under heat | None – termites cannot digest plastic |
| Metal (steel) pallets | Extremely durable, fire‑resistant | Heavy, prone to rust if not coated | None – insects cannot eat metal |
| Composite (wood‑plastic) pallets | Balanced weight, some water resistance | Still contains wood fibers (small termite risk) | Low – limited cellulose |
| Pressboard (particle board) pallets | Cheap, uniform size | Very porous, high moisture absorption | High – strong termite attraction |
If budget permits, plastic pallets are the most termite‑proof option. However, many industries still rely on wood because of its cost‑effectiveness and ease of repair.
6. Real‑World Scenarios: When Pallets May or May Not Be a Problem
Scenario A – DIY Garden Planter
You’re building a raised garden bed using reclaimed pallets. The beds sit on soil, receive daily watering, and stay in direct sunlight.
Risk assessment: High – moisture, ground contact, and soft‑wood combine to create an ideal termite buffet.
Mitigation: Treat the pallets with a borate solution, line the interior with a waterproof barrier (e.g., landscape fabric), and raise the bed on concrete blocks.
Scenario B – Warehouse Shipping Dock
Your business stores pallets on a concrete slab, covered by a roof with good ventilation. The pallets are turned over every two weeks and never sit on the floor for more than a few days.
Risk assessment: Moderate – no direct ground contact, low humidity, but soft‑wood still present.
Mitigation: Use heat‑treated pallets (HT) or apply an on‑site spray of termiticide. Rotate stock regularly.
Scenario C – Home Garage Storage
You keep a stack of pallets against a wall, never touching the floor, in a climate‑controlled garage (temperature 18‑22 °C, RH ≈ 45 %).
Risk assessment: Low – the environment is dry and the pallets are isolated.
Mitigation: Minimal – occasional visual inspection is enough.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Do all termites eat wood pallets?
No. The most common household pests—subterranean termites (e.g., Reticulitermes spp.) and drywood termites—both feed on cellulose, but each prefers different moisture conditions. Subterranean termites need contact with soil moisture, while drywood termites can survive in drier wood. A pallet in direct ground contact mainly attracts subterranean species; a dry, elevated pallet may attract drywood termites if the wood is sufficiently moist.
Q2. How can I tell if a pallet already harbors termites?
Look for mud tubes on the surface (subterranean termites), frass (dry, granular droppings) near galleries, or tiny wings from swarmers. Use a screwdriver to probe for soft spots; a hollow sound often indicates internal tunnels.
Q3. Is kiln‑drying enough to prevent termites?
Kiln‑drying reduces moisture to < 10 % and can kill many insects, but not all termite eggs or larvae. For absolute protection, the wood must be heat‑treated (minimum 56 °C for 30 minutes) or chemically treated with a termiticide.
Q4. Can I reuse a pallet that was previously treated with a chemical termiticide?
Yes, provided the treatment is still effective and the surface hasn’t been heavily abraded. Follow the manufacturer’s re‑application schedule. Keep in mind that some chemicals have a limited lifespan (often 2‑3 years).
Q5. Are there any DIY termiticide options that are safe for indoor use?
Boron‑based products (e.g., Borax, disodium octaborate) are considered low‑toxicity for humans and pets when applied according to label instructions. They penetrate wood and disrupt termite digestion. However, avoid using harsh petroleum‑based termiticides indoors without professional guidance.
Q6. How long does it take for termites to cause visible damage to a pallet?
Subterranean termites can consume 2–5 lb of wood per year, while drywood termites eat 0.5–2 lb per year. Visible damage (splintered boards, holes) typically appears after 12‑24 months of continuous activity, but structural weakening can begin earlier.
Q7. Should I replace all wooden pallets with plastic ones in a termite‑prone region?
If you manage a large inventory or store pallets long‑term in a high‑risk zone (e.g., Gulf Coast, humid climates), switching to plastic pallets can be cost‑effective in the long run. Evaluate life‑cycle cost, considering the higher upfront price versus the expense of ongoing termite inspections and treatments.
8. Bottom Line – Your Action Plan
- Assess the environment – moisture, ground contact, and proximity to existing colonies.
- Inspect each pallet for damage or signs of infestation before use.
- Apply a preventive treatment (borate, heat‑treated, or approved termiticide).
- Elevate and ventilate pallets wherever possible.
- Consider alternatives (plastic or metal) for long‑term storage or critical structures.
By taking these steps, you’ll keep the humble wood pallet from becoming a secret termite hideout, protect your property, and get the most value out of every pallet you touch.