Timber fencing is a generally beneficial type of feature if you are looking for something to provide a natural aesthetic with a range of options in terms of styles. When it comes to having a wooden feature on your property, however, there are different considerations that come with it. These considerations include the different issues you will want to look out for and how to prevent them. For timber fencing, this can include dealing with termites.
Ways to Keep Termites from Your Timber Fence
Termites are one of the biggest issues that can happen to timber fencing. No matter what type of wood you choose for the fencing, it is essentially a feast for these critters. How do they gain access to your fencing?
From the use of termite tubes made of mud to cross distances over non-wood articles like concrete, steel and brick then accessed from the ground level. While treating your wood can certainly help, the following methods are also additional options you can take for extra protection:
Use The Right Wood and Remove Nearby Wood
If you have yet to install your timber fencing or are looking to replace it with a new one, you will want to consider termite-resistant fence materials. These types include redwood, yellow cedar, Laotian teak, and tallowwood. Given that they can also tend to be rare, you also have the option to choose plank or pressure-treated wood. Otherwise, you will want to have any old or nearby wood materials removed as a safety measure.
Transplant Heavy Shrubs or Install Repellant Plants
Aside from different types of wood, big bushes and heavy shrubs can be another thing to attract them. Thus it is advised them to either have them removed or transported to another area. If you still wish to have plants around your fencing, flowers are an option so long as you watch out for how much water gets to the fencing.
Not satisfied with either of these options? Then you can go for having termite-repellant plants. Some plants that you can select include species of catnip and vetiver grass. For something more colourful you can choose marigolds, hot chilis, or even garlic. One other benefit that comes with this option is that it also helps keep aphids, moles, and fruit tree borers from your yard.
Clear Away Mulch and Sources of Moisture
Another source of food for termites would be mulch. If there is any near your fencing, termites can use it as a way to transition into the wood. As an alternative to mulch, you will want to consider landscaping rocks. In addition to this, you will want to check your property for sources of moisture and remove them to help safeguard your wood fencing against an infestation. This is because damp areas and standing water make for an ideal environment for termites to come in.
Apply Borate-Based Wood Preservative
Before you consider any treatments or staining of your timber fencing, you will want to have a borate-based wood preservative applied. A borate-based wood preservative is a type of solution that comes as a powder to be mixed with water or as an already mixed liquid ready to be applied.
Aside from applying this before having your fence either painted or stained, it is advised to have it fill the post hole with a borate-based solution before putting it in the post for added protection. This will result in both the surrounding soil and the wooden post absorbing the solution to prevent termites from gaining access to your fence.
Use Oil-based Primer and Stain Along with Termite Repellant Paint
The best way to ensure full termite prevention for your timber fencing is the proper finishes. When it comes to applying stains or primers, you will want to use oil-based types. An oil-based primer can act as a second layer of protection for the material. As for the oil-based stain, the oil soaks into the wood and makes the fibres unpalatable to termites. It is advised that before applying stain, use a wood sealer both as a termite repellent and to stabilize the wood pores for even stain coverage.
With termite-repellant paint, it is a recommended finish for your timber fencing. As a type of paint that is infused with termite-resisting chemicals that discourage termite infestation, the number of coats needed for proper protection may depend on the maker’s instructions.
Why Have Caboolture Fencing Help With Your Timber Fencing
Having your timber fencing termite-proofed can be done as a DIY project if you wish. However, if you are looking to have quality materials and results for your fencing, a professional service group is the option to go for.
With Caboolture Fencing, you can gain a team of professionals who can provide a range of reliable services to meet any fencing needs. Whether it be having quality and pest-resistant timber fencing installed or having existing fencing improved, you can look to Caboolture Fencing to provide quality options. Call our fencing experts today to see how we can help!