What Do You Need to Know About Deck-Destroying Pests?

Protect Your Deck From Termites

According to the National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) PestWorld website, termites are responsible for over five billion dollars' worth of property damage annually. These wood-destroying pests prey on home structures such as wooden window frames, doorways, and decks.

While the common subterranean termite typically lives underground, it can move upwards (into whatever structure is above the nest) in a search for food. Even though termites enjoy wood, they may also feast on other cellulose-containing products. On your deck, these could include outdoor carpeting or canvas and cardboard products.

Signs of a termite infestation include swarming (winged adults), mud tubes in nearby soil or wood, or a grayish-brown film on damaged surfaces. If you suspect your deck has a termite issue:

• Inspect the area. Look for the tell-tale signs of an infestation. Even though obvious deck damage is a potential sign, it could also signal a different type of pest problem. Mud tubes and swarming are more reliable red flags.
• Contact a pest control professional. Termite control is not a do-it-yourself job. You need the expertise and experience of a qualified exterminator to eradicate the outdoor colony and restore your deck.
• Schedule ongoing maintenance. Avoid a re-infestation with routine pest control services. The exterminator can also check for additional issues in your home (if the termites move into the interior structure).
  

Along with pest control, assess the deck itself for structural damage. A severe infestation could put your deck in danger. After the exterminator eliminates the pest problem, repair the deck to restore its structural integrity.

Protect Your Deck From Carpenter Bees

Termites aren't the only threat to your deck. Even though carpenter bees don't eat wood as termites do, these pests can cause deck damage. The carpenter bee drills into wooden surfaces and tunnels into the building material.

What should you do if you suspect carpenter bees as your pest problem? A carpenter bee invasion requires:

• Proper identification. These one-quarter to one-inch long pests look like other bees — minus the yellow abdominal markings.
• Specific signs. Look for round, smooth holes in your wooden deck. These marks are depressions the bees drill into the wood.
• Professional pest control. A DIY pest control strategy may not safely eliminate carpenter bees. Call a professional exterminator to identify the bees and remove the infestation.
  

Like termites, carpenter bees can cause structural damage to your deck. This also requires serious attention after the initial extermination. If you have concerns about a re-infestation, schedule routine pest control services.

Protect Your Deck From Carpenter Ants

Carpenter pests include more than just bees. The carpenter ant is a common culprit behind deck-related pest problems. This ant (like the carpenter bee) doesn't eat wood products. Instead, it destroys wood to use it as its nest.

According to NPMA's PestWorld website, carpenter ant colonies can top 50,000 individual members. If you think your deck has a carpenter ant invasion:

• Inspect the deck. Signs of a carpenter ant infestation include noticeable worker ants and swarmers (winged ants) and sawdust or wood shavings.
• Look for moisture. Along with the ants and their leftover sawdust, you may notice moist or rotten wood areas. While the ants don't cause moisture problems, they prefer damp wood.
• Call a professional. Again, pest problems require professional help. An exterminator can identify the ants and eliminate the colony.
  

Schedule routine carpenter ant control services to decrease the risks of another invasion or infestation.

Do you need a professional extermination service? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.