It’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to wooden fences. They have a timeless charm, and arguably greater visual appeal than metal. In fact, its visual appearance is so charming that most vinyl fences mimic it.
Still, one of the drawbacks you might have to contend with if you choose to install a wooden fence is pests. Keep in mind that the vast majority of wood used for fencing projects has been pressure treated and is naturally resistant to insect damage. Still, here are some pests you should look out for.
Here are some pests you might have to contend with if your wooden fence isn’t pressure treated.
Termites
If you bring up pests that can damage wood, the first thing that comes to many people’s minds is termites. You may have seen a depiction of termites voraciously consuming wood in animation. Of course, these depictions are hyperbolic, but make no mistake: termites can do an extraordinary amount of damage to wooden fences.
Making matters worse is that termites tend to live in extremely large colonies. This means that you’re never dealing with just a termite or two. You probably have an infestation.
Horntail Wasps
Don’t be fooled by the name of this pest; they aren’t actually wasps. That said, they definitely look like them. Not only do they look yellow and black, but they also have a large protrusion from the base of their abdomen that looks just like a stinger.
These bugs don’t sting you, but they can still be a nuisance. Exit holes made by horntail wasps tend to stand out starkly on stained or painted wood. As far as pests go, these are relatively benign. They won’t cause too much damage, but the holes they make can be unsightly.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants earn their name because of their habit of nesting in wood. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood. But they do chew through it to build their nests. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell these pests apart from termites. They can come in a wide range of colors and even have wings.
Since carpenter ants don’t eat wood, your best way to notice an infestation would be to look out for the piles of wood shavings they leave behind. Generally speaking, they have the easiest time infesting wood that has already begun to rot.
The Solution?
If your wooden fence is victim to one of these pests, it may be too late for pest control to do any good. There is a decent chance that you will need to invest in a partial fence replacement r new fence entirely.
If you want to guarantee that you will never have to contend with such pests again, you might want to consider using a different fencing material. In this day and age, there is an abundance of great options, such as steel or aluminum.
If you’re in love with the appearance of wooden fences, consider vinyl as a fencing material. Judging by the looks, you might not be able to tell the difference. And it is completely impervious to issues such as rot and insects.
Contact Hercules GSA Today!
Whether you need a commercial or a high-security fence, Hercules Fence GSA can do the job for you. We have been providing professional, quality service since 1955 and work to uphold our reputation every day. We have locations across the Maryland and Washington Metropolitan area and are ready to cater to your fencing needs. Give us a call at (410)-799-1555 or contact us online. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest for more updates.
