Protecting Your Timber Deck From Termites

Your deck is the perfect hub for family gatherings and parties with friends. But, like most wooden structures, it is vulnerable to termite action.

A simple solution would be to contact a top pest control company and conduct an annual termite inspection. Even better, you can form an efficient termite barrier and cut off any access they might have to your building.

In addition, you can add certain design elements to keep the nightmare of a termite infestation at bay. Here, we will discuss all the steps you can take to defend your new timber deck from termites.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

What Causes Termite Infestation?

Before delving into the details of timber deck protection, knowing what causes termite infestation is essential. Your home contains several entry points, such as wall cracks and gaps, through which termites enter.

Termites often build their nests below or outside the building and sometimes next to a source of moisture inside your home. If not maintained adequately, your deck becomes susceptible to subterranean termite infestation that could easily chew through the wood.

Usually, the deck is more vulnerable to infestation if it isn’t elevated off the ground using posts. It also becomes an ideal route for termites to enter your house.

Efficient pest control services can help locate vulnerable zones and seal them off. We’ll talk more about it later, but let’s check out ways to prevent your decking timber and house from termites.

How Do You Protect Wood Decking From Termites?

Termites can wreak havoc on your decking, completely decomposing the wood. As you know, wood decking and staining are time-consuming jobs, and you do not want termites chewing the fruit of your hard work.

While pest control is effective, it is costly. Therefore, the best way to prevent an infestation is to take adequate measures to keep termites at bay.

This section will examine steps to protect your home, including timber piers and decks.

1. Pick Termite-Resistant Timber

The Building Code Of Australia (BCA) recommends using termite-resistant timbers for deck construction.

Usually, externally treated timber with low moisture content makes for excellent decking material. It wards off termites and, if installed per building standards, can prevent damage and decay, especially when compared to untreated wood.

Some treated timber materials include jarrah, cypress, grey ironbark, and coast grey box. That said, most pressure-treated or hardwood variants work wonders to keep pests at bay. So, we suggest looking at termite-resistant materials.

2. Keep Your Deck Free Of Moisture

One of the best ways to keep termites away is to create a less hospitable environment. Termites need food (cellulose-based debris) and moisture to flourish. Carefully cleaning your deck and removing wood chips, leaves, and scraps of wood will not allow them to access food sources.

Ensuring proper drainage, fixing leaks and sealing waterline gaps will block moisture.

In particular, if you have spas installed on decks, they can pool water around them. So, always inspect the timber near the spas and check for water damage. This can help protect the area from becoming a hot spot for pests.

3. Be Mindful Of The Construction

You can add some aspects at the outset to prevent the decking from pest infestation. For instance, you should leave a sufficient gap between the deck and the ground as it helps encourage airflow.

We recommend using metal stirrups to raise the timber blocks off the ground. Not only does it keep termites at bay, but it also provides support to your structure.

Besides, if you are pouring fresh concrete against an existing slab, we recommend applying TERM-Seal, a paint-on product that seals off the cracks in the concrete. This way, termites won’t be able to make their way to the decks, and if they do, visible mud trails will facilitate early detection.

4. Minimise Breaks And Joints

For efficient decking protection, build sufficient barriers and strip footings.

Building a physical barrier will allow early detection of termites during an inspection. Besides, footings are integral as they help minimise breaks and joints, thereby removing pest entry points.

Form A Proper Pest Management Plan

When you are designing your timber deck, call a licensed pest controller. They will guide by suggesting a suitable deck layout and different termite barriers. If you follow their advice, you can get the required level of protection, and your decking will be termite-resistant.

But that’s not enough. To protect your deck from termites in the long run, you must maintain it by applying paint and high-quality sealant. In addition, you should eliminate all risk factors around the outdoor deck, like cracks and holes where termites often rest.

Also, you need to hire a reputed pest control company. They inspect and repair any damage to the structure and integrate essential elements that protect the deck against termites.

Most pest control services offer annual termite inspections. But, if your home is in a high-risk zone, we recommend contacting a pest controller who offers a biannual deck inspection.

Protecting Wood From Termites Naturally

You can protect your deck from termite activity using sand or treated cedar mulch. Sand forms a barrier and prevents termites from coming up from the ground.

Cedar mulch contains oils and resins that prevent the termites from eating the wood, and they leave your deck alone. In addition, you can spray pesticides such as borate on wood before priming and painting, as it is one of the best termite repellants.

Looking After Your Decking Timbers

You need to call a reputed pest control company for efficient termite management. There are several ways of doing so.

For one, you can search online for reviews and references. You can look up pest controllers and whether they specialise in deck management. While at it, check their expertise in the field and whether they provide their services at your address. And don’t forget regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your deck in good condition and preventing access for termites.

As with the wood you use for your deck, you will need to take care of it, and the best way to do that is by contacting a professional company. If you need assistance repairing your deck in Sydney, contact our Final Touch Carpentry & Construction team. From building a deck to replacing damaged deck boards, our team have a termite-proof solution for you!

That’s all for now!