A wood fence is a cost-effective, attractive, and reliable choice to protect or outline your property. However, it also requires careful maintenance, which includes keeping it safe from insects that like to eat the material or build nests inside it. Here’s how to stop pests from damaging your fence.

How to Practice Effective Pest Control for Wood Fences 

1. Apply Paint or Sealer 

A coat of sealer can repel water from a wood fence, saving it from the rot in which insects love to hide. It also discourages pests from trying to eat the material. Reapply the sealer annually.  

If you want color for your fence, paint acts as an additional insect deterrent. The wood might need a fresh paint job every two or three years, or sooner if the existing coat is chipped or cracked. 

Even with sealer and paint, don’t let water get on the wood when it’s avoidable. Don’t set up sprinklers in the vicinity or spray the planks with a hose when you’re watering nearby vegetation. 

2. Clean Regularly 

Insects are drawn to moisture, rot, dirt, and debris, as they make cool and cozy nests. Power-wash your fence with low-medium pressure once a year to get rid of grime and mold without damaging the paint or sealer. If mold has grown extensively on any of the planks, talk to a fence contractor about getting them replaced. 

3. Minimize Foliage 

Plants add moisture and shade to any area where they grow, making them hospitable to insects. Don’t let grass, shrubs, or tree branches grow too close to your fence. Mow the lawn weekly during the warm seasons and trim shrubs and branches in late winter or early spring, when they’re dormant and easier to cut. 

4. Use Insecticide 

If the previous suggestions don’t work, opt for helpful chemicals. Boric acid is lethal for many insects but harmless to wood fences. If you’re unsure about applying boric acid or another insecticide yourself, ask a pest control company for help. 

 

If you need help repairing your wood fence after insect damage, contact All American Fence in Spencerport, NY. After nearly three decades of fence installation, they’re happy to help you preserve privacy fences made from any of the diverse materials they offer, including chain-link, vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Learn more about their services and products on their website, or call (585) 352-8370 to schedule an appointment.