How to Prevent Pests From Invading Your Cedar Deck

Cedar decking is highly popular with homeowners for its looks, durability, and insect-deterring properties. However, the Northwest's rainy climate guarantees pests will eventually seek refuge under your deck, and cedar's natural pest resistance isn't foolproof. By planning ahead and making the area less attractive to pests, residents can help prevent an infestation and prevent long-term damage to their deck. Following are five pest-prevention measures for cedar decking homeowners can take.

Secure the Foundation
Cedar decks should always be built on a foundation layer slightly above the ground. If the deck foundation is directly on soil, ants, termites, slugs and other insects will work their way onto the decking. Cedar posts will crack over time, and termites will burrow into these cracks and begin destroying the decking. Residents can prolong the life of their deck posts by building a secure foundation. However, leave enough crawl space for future maintenance to your deck.

Limit Underdeck Access
Although it's not possible to completely obstruct access to the area beneath your cedar deck, homeowners should limit it as much as possible, particularly for larger pests like squirrels, skunks, opossums and rats. A great way to prevent your underdeck area from becoming infested is to install deck skirting. Lattice, cedar boards or various other materials can block off the underdeck, and even improve the look of your deck. Tightly seal all entry points and corners, and leave a small access door for future cedar decking maintenance.

Prevent Moisture
Moisture buildup often attracts pests to your cedar decking, because it provides an ideal feeding and breeding ground for many insects - not to mention increases the risk of dry rot. Hence, it's necessary to ensure your deck has proper drainage and ventilation. To ventilate your deck and help moisture evaporate, correctly space the boards of your deck. To keep water from pooling beneath your deck, lay down some landscaping fabric covered with gravel. Also, you can install underdeck drainage systems to collect and divert water away from your deck. Finally, keep all gutters near your deck unclogged.

All-Natural Deck Defense
You can employ natural defenses to prevent pest infestations in your deck. Did you know certain plants repel insects and other creatures? Try planting a small garden near your cedar decking filled with local plants that have pest-repelling qualities. You could also consider installing a pergola on your cedar decking and hang pest-repelling plants from it. You can find more information on native local plants with pest-deterring properties on the web or at your library.

Although cedar decks are naturally resistant to fungus, insect, and weather damage, it will eventually begin to degenerate and give way to a pest intrusion. The solution is to keep up with routine maintenance and plan for long-term pest control. You can keep any pest problems under control, before they get out of hand, by following these basic guidelines.

For all of your Vancouver cedar deck needs, visit the website of Rick's Custom Fencing & Decking. They have the most experienced decking contractors and the best prices on decking supplies.