Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
While we are entering the annual back-to-school season, that isn’t going to put an end to enjoying the outdoors, especially if you have a deck. Useable outdoor spaces, such as decks, are great for relaxing, or entertaining friends and family on the weekends. You may even find that you enjoy your deck even more as the cooler temperatures of fall settle in. But, one of the quickest ways to ruin your much-loved deck is a termite infestation. Termites love wood, so naturally, a deck would be a prime target. Read on to learn how termite inspectors in Cordova at AAA Termite & Pest Control can help you protect your deck against termites for years to come.
Use the right wood
If you already have a deck built, then this tip isn’t for you. But, if you are considering having a new one built or adding one to your home for the first time, then pick the right wood. Any wood used for decking should be either a hardwood or pressure-treated wood because termites are less likely to mess with these types.
Keep moisture out
When wood becomes excessively wet, such as from leaks or low spots that retain water, it is likely to become weak and rotten over time. This attracts termites because it is easy for them to eat the wood when it is soft. If possible, make sure that your deck dries out after it rains, and ensure there are no leaks. But also, it could mean that you need to have some trees trimmed back to allow sunlight to shine on your porch to dry it after a good rain.
Maintain your deck
As if you don’t already have enough on your plate, but your deck needs maintenance too. Be sure that you keep it stained and sealed, or painted if you prefer. This helps protect the wood against the elements, making it less likely to rot. Also, if you notice any cracks or bad areas of wood, replace those as soon as possible. If any pest infestations are apparent, get those checked out and taken care of too.
Termites can cause severe damage to a deck very quickly. You may not notice anything at first, but that is because termites burrow into wood, digging tunnels throughout the boards. This can damage the integrity of the deck, making it unsuitable for use, or even downright dangerous.
Here is what to look for to determine if you might have termites:
- Piles of discarded wings
- Sawdust
- Holes in deck boards
- Weak spots
- Mud tubes along any portion of the deck or your home’s foundation
If you happen to notice any of these signs, contact our Cordova termite control specialists at (901) 737-7378. We can conduct an inspection to determine if you have termites or not, and then provide necessary treatment to get rid of them. Also, annual termite inspections can help ensure that you don’t have to deal with termites ruining your deck, or your home! We provide termite and pest control services to homes and businesses in Cordova and Memphis, Tennessee.