Timbers are classified on their ability to resist termite attack, choose carefully!
Large termite gallery on a Cypress Pine Stud. Cypress is considered a Class 1 Natural durability class timber.
There certainly is merit to building with termite resistant timbers, as you can see in this picture.
The termites had completely eaten out a masonite sheet that was used as the boarding material, however, due to the durable nature of the cypress pine frame and boards, these were not affected by the termites.
Choosing a material when building which is naturally resistant to termite attack will pay off in the long run. Generally, these materials are also resistant to other forms of natural decay, so you end up with a better building as a result.
Whilst a nuisance, the homeowner who had the problem pictured above, did not have to spend large sums of money replacing structural timbers, it definitely pays off in the long run!