How to Prevent Termite Damage to Your Wood Fence

Mar 17, 2016 | Fences

Wood fence provides safety and security from both environmental hazards and potentially dangerous intruders. However, despite all of these qualities, wood fence is vulnerable termite damage. Termites can move from stumps and trees to your fence without a thought. After all, it’s all just wood and a source of food to these pesky insect invaders. In order to prevent termite damage to your wood fence and preserve its integrity and beauty, take these important steps.  

how to prevent termite damage to your wood fence

Do you know how to prevent termite damage to your wood fence?

Know The Signs Of Termites

According to the national pest association, termites cost American homeowners more than $5 billion in termite damage every year. In order to prevent this, you must know the signs of infestation and damage. Recognizing them early is key. Check your fence for small flying insects around your fence shedding wings. Often they live inside the wood and can be hard to spot. These critters do, however leave fecal pellets as a tell tale sign. They also leave unexplained cracks and visible holes, with the exact type of termite damage depending on the type of termites. Subterranean termites eat soft wood along the grain, leaving behind a honeycomb pattern. Drywood termites, on the other hand, are diggers that leave termite damage in the form of tunnels in your wood.  

How To Prevent Termite Damage to Your Wood Fence

Treated wood fencing is almost invisible to termites, while untreated wood invites them. It is also important to check up on your fence regularly to ensure it’s not harboring termites. Things such as leaks, mulch, moisture, heavy shrubs, plants, and stagnant water can also be a huge draw for termites and lead to potential termite damage, so keep these things away from your wood fence. As wood is an organic material, it can be more prone to decay and infestation than other types of fencing, such as vinyl. Vinyl fencing is one hundred percent termite proof, even if lacks the rustic charm and soul of the classic wood fence.  

Get In Touch With Excel Fencing And Decking Today

Excel Fencing and Decking has been proud to service Harford County since 1998, giving you the very best in custom built decks, fences, and home remodeling. If you’re interested in having a top-quality deck installed then give us a call. Our dedicated teams of deck professionals have the know-how and expertise to repair or install any kind of decking. Call us at 410-803-9499 or fill out a contact form and one of Excel’s representatives will contact you promptly.

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