Wood Boring Insects and Your Deck

Summer is a time that is sprawling with new life. Flowers are blooming and bees are returning once again in order to continue their cycle of collecting honey and distributing pollen, etc. Unfortunately, some of the insects that are returning to New Jersey and its surrounding areas destroy wood as part of their life cycles. Yes, wood boring insects present a constant threat to any wood structure and summer sees these menaces returning to their destructive ways. But what types of wood consuming insects are native to our area? Here are a few of the more prolific insect varieties that you should be on the lookout for.

• Termites: Sometimes known as “white ants” termites do more damage to homes than storms, fires and floods combined. They not only damage the foundation of wood structures, they also cause cosmetic damage to fences, decks and other areas of your home. Signs of infestation include sagging floors and hollowed out wood, droppings, mud tubes on exterior walls, etc.
• Carpenter Bees: Unlike termites, carpenter bees don’t actually consume wood but they do bore holes into wood where they hibernate over the winter only to emerge in spring and summer. Signs you may have carpenter bees include yellowish stains on your deck and of course hovering bees.
  
  
• Powder Post Beetles: These pests are reddish-brown in color and have narrow, flat bodies 1/8 to ¼ inches long. Powder post beetles are common to New Jersey and lay their eggs on the surface of bare, unfinished wood.

Of course, one the best methods for dealing with these pests once infection sets in is to hire an exterminator who is experienced in detecting and destroying these kinds of insects. They can immediately determine the extent of the damage and advise you on how to prevent further infestations. However, a more sound preventative measure is to have your deck built with treated lumber that resists these kinds of nuisances. As custom deck builders in NJ, we can not only build a deck to your exact specifications, but our pressure treated decks can prevent wood boring insects from setting up shop around your home. Moreover, our NJ deck refinishing experts can mitigate any damage these pests may have already caused to your deck.
Finally, don’t let wood boring insects ruin your deck. Choose experts who can properly install a deck made of treated lumber and you will be able to enjoy it for generations.

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