While all pests don’t cause structural damage, their holes can destroy your wood fence.
Pests can be found everywhere if they are not taken care of and preventative measures are not taken. But when you aren’t near something every day, it can be hard to see that pests have invaded your property. Unfortunately, wooden fences are vulnerable to many different types of pests because of their natural appeal. But how can you tell what pests are destroying your fence? Well, that’s where we come in!
Termites
These bugs can be found in every state in the nation except for Alaska. Although they are more prevalent in the south, the “termite belt” stretches across the southeast from Virginia to Texas. Which means your Washington, DC fence is vulnerable to these tiny terrors. To tell if you have termites, take a screwdriver and test the wood. If your screwdriver can easily slide into the wood or if you hear a hollow sound while tapping on the wood, your fence might have termites.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are common in all regions of the nation. They prefer unfinished wood but can also make nests into finished wood. These bees use their stingers to drill holes into the wood in order to lay their eggs. If you see them hovering near the eaves, decks, or fence, you might have bees nesting nearby. Unlike termites, these pests do not cause structural damage from drilling holes in the wood. But their holes are nearly two inches in diameter which could let moisture into the wood.
Powderpost Beetles
These beetles are not music to your ears. They are found in all regions and use the wood to lay their eggs in cracks, crevices, and wood pores. The larvae feed on the wood after hatching. If you see pinhead size holes in your wood along with a powdery substance, you might have adult beetles. The peak time for beetles to emerge is between May and August. These beetles are fond of soft woods like pine, spruce, and fir. But Lyctid powderpost beetles attack only hardwoods like oak, ash, and maple.
You can avoid damage to your fence with proper maintenance. Start by purchasing a pressure treated wood fence. As this seal wears away, regular maintenance of washing and reapplying sealants can help keep pests away from your fence. You can also help by keeping your yard clear of any wood that is not sealed. If you do find any of these pests in your wood, call an exterminator right away to help get the infestation under control.
Hercules Fence of Washington D.C.
At Hercules Fence, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of several fence styles throughout the Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina areas. Residential fencing provides a welcoming appearance to complement your home. Our sales team can offer you many selections to choose from to accommodate your privacy, semi-privacy, and decorative needs, and our professionals use only the highest quality materials to install your fence at a price that is reasonable and affordable.
We also specialize in commercial fencing to keep your business safe and secure while also looking professional and welcoming. To get started with your residential fence for your home, call us today at 1-800-883-3623. You can also visit our contact page to find a full list of our locations and phone numbers.
