Is your wood fence in danger of termites? Keep them away with these tips!
After installing a beautiful new wood fence from Freedom Fence & Deck, you want to maintain its appeal and structural integrity. One of the primary threats to wood fences is termites. These insects feed on wood and can quickly cause structural damage, impair the appearance of your fence, and put you at risk for infestations throughout your property. If you want to know how to spot these insects and prevent termites in your wood fence, follow these essential tips.
Are Termites Eating Your Fence?
There are a few signs you can look for that indicate termites are invading your wood fence. Look for:
- Mud Tubes: Look for pencil-sized tubes running along the exterior or interior of your fence.
- Wood Damage: Termites feed on the wood from the inside out, leaving behind a thin layer of veneer intact while hollowing out the insides. Tap on the fence posts to check for hollow or soft wood.
- Discarded Wings: Winged termites shed those wings after mating. If you find discarded wings near your fence it may indicate termites.
- Frass or Termite Droppings: These resemble small wood-colored pellets or sawdust. Look for piles near your fence.
- Sagging or Buckling Wood: Termites weaken the struggle as they tunnel through the wood fence, which can lead the fence to sag, buckle, or lean. Check for changes in fence alignment.
If you do not have termites in your fence, you can follow the tips below to keep them away from your beautiful wood fence.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regular fence inspections and maintenance when needed are the first steps in preventing termites in your wood fence. You can look for problems when examining your fence and call for professional inspections if you suspect a larger issue is developing. Regular inspections include the following:
- Routine Inspections: Inspect the wood for hollow sounds, mud tubes, frass, and other visible signs of damage.
- Repair Moisture Issues: Termites are drawn to moisture, as it provides them with an appealing environment. Repair leaks or drainage issues near your fence to prevent moisture buildup that attracts termites.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal up cracks that can be entry points for termites. Use caulk or sealant to fill these openings and prevent termites from accessing the wood fence.
- Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact: Direct contact between your wood fence and soil creates an ideal termite environment. Ensure your wood fence does not come into direct contact with the soil. You can use concrete or metal bases to elevate the fence posts above the ground.
Environmental Changes That Prevent Termites In Your Wood Fence
In addition to regular inspections, you can prevent termites from entering your wood fence by changing your environment. The following tips can help reduce the likelihood of termites creating a home in your fence:
- Proper Landscaping: Maintain a gap between your fence and vegetation like bushes or trees. This prevents direct contact between the fence and plant material.
- Remove Wood Debris: Remove wood debris from your property, including dead tree stumps or decaying wood. These materials attract termites.
- Ventilation and Sunlight: Ensure proper ventilation and sunlight around your fence. Termites thrive in dark and humid environments, and providing adequate airflow and sunlight can keep them away.
- Termite-Resistant Mulch: If you use mulch near your fence, use termite-resistant varieties like cedar or cypress. These types of mulch are less attractive to termites, so keep them away from your fence.
These preventative measures can keep termites away from your wood fence and preserve your Freedom Fence installation’s beauty and structural integrity.
Upgrade Your Home and Reach Out to Freedom Fence Today
Whether you want a brand new patio in the spring or want to install a beautiful new wood fence, Freedom Fence and Home has the expertise, competitive prices, and professional service you need. Freedom Fence and Home has over 50 years of fencing experience in the Baltimore County area, Harford County, Essex, White Marsh, and Bel Air area, and we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best customer service experience possible. To see examples of our work and pick the right backyard feature for your home, explore our website. To get started on planning your project, give us a call at (443) 271-6841, or visit us online. For more information, tips, and updates about Freedom Fence and Home, follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.