Installing a wood fence adds a classic look and feel to your yard and home, and the variety of options and prices makes finding the right wood fence a breeze. But unlike a fence made from a metal such as aluminum, a wood fence is subject to the dangers of every homeowners’ worst nightmare: termites. Installing a wood fence can add that final touch to your yard and home, so maintaining it by checking for and protecting against termites is imperative.
What are Termites, and How Can They Harm My Fence
Termites are a pretty well known issue in just about every corner of the world (besides Antarctica). The small white bugs feast on wood and other dead plant material, usually hiding themselves behind a thin layer of wood to keep out of sight of predators and exterminators. These little bugs can cause some big problems. It’s estimated they cause around $1.5 billion in damage in the southwestern United States annually.
How to Tell if Your Fence is Damaged
In order to tell if your wood fence has been affected by termites, you’ll need to do a close inspection. Look for holes boring into the wood, or use a hammer to tap the wood fence and listen. Since termites eat the wood beneath the surface, the fence will sound hollow when tapped.
How to Prevent Termite Damage
Be sure to check your wood fence often during the spring and summer months, as termites thrive in warm, moist weather. If you notice any signs of damage, contact a professional to treat the affected area and remove the termites before the damage gets out of hand.
Let Hercules Fence Help with Your Wood Fence
At Hercules Fence, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of several fence styles throughout the Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina areas. 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.