How Do I Protect My Timber Fence from Termites?

To protect your timber fence from termites, you need to use naturally resistant or treated timber, add chemical or physical barriers, and keep up with regular maintenance.

Timber fences are a popular choice in Australia for their natural look, but they’re also highly vulnerable to termite attack. That’s why combining different protection methods is the most effective approach.

In this guide, we’ll break termite prevention into three key phases: before installation, after installation, and ongoing protection. That way, you can keep your wooden fence looking great and standing strong for years.

Before Installation: Build Termite Resistance into Your Timber Fence

If you’re building a new timber fence, the best time to protect it from termites is right at the start. Choosing the right materials and installation methods can significantly affect the lifespan of your fence.

Here’s how you can set your fence up for long-term protection.

1. Choose Termite-Resistant Timber

Termites have wood preferences. Pick woods that naturally deter them, or ones with chemical treatment for extra protection:

Hardwoods like Ironbark, spotted gum, and forest red gum are highly durable and naturally termite-resistant.
Softwoods like cypress pine, redwood, and cedar have natural oils that deter termites, though they may not last as long as hardwoods.
Pressure-treated timber is affordable, widely available in Australia, and protected against rot, fungi, and termites.
Other resistant woods, such as teak and cypress, are also sound choices.

2. Install with Separation from Soil

Avoiding direct timber-to-soil contact is one of the simplest ways to keep termites out:

Use concrete or metal post anchors to raise the timber off the ground.
Leave at least a 50-mm gap between palings and soil.
Coat in-ground posts with bitumen or use heat-shrinkable sleeves.
Add a gravel base for drainage, or use steel posts with timber rails and palings.

3. Create Termite Barriers

These extra barriers add another layer of protection:

Physical barriers: Sleeves, gravel, and concrete footings.
Chemical barriers: Liquid termiticide applied around post holes before installation.
Preventive borate treatment: Coat all timber before assembly for long-term defence.

After Installation: Protect Your Timber Fence Against Termites

After installing your timber fence, the real work begins: protecting it from termites in the long run. Termites can be elusive, but with the right combination of treatments and proper maintenance, you can make your fence much less appealing.

1. Apply Protective Coatings and Treatments

Adding a protective layer to your fence keeps termites out while also guarding against rot and moisture.

Borate preservatives: Use a borate-based product on exposed timber. Borate is safe for use but lethal to termites, providing long-lasting protection once sealed into the wood.
Seal and paint: Use an oil-based primer followed by a termite-resistant paint or stain. This technique blocks moisture and creates a barrier that pests don’t like. Some paints even contain built-in ingredients that help prevent termites.
Targeted sprays: For localised infestations, sprays containing bifenthrin act fast and create a chemical shield. Always follow safety directions.
Liquid termiticides: Treat the soil around fence posts with liquid termiticides for stronger protection. Some products can be DIY, but the most effective ones often require a licensed professional.

2. Adopt Smart Fence Care Habits

Your day-to-day choices also play a big role in keeping termites away:

Keep firewood, mulch, and garden beds at least a few feet away from the fence line.
Enhance drainage by using gravel as a base and ensuring footings are sloped to prevent moisture accumulation in the soil.
Trim plants and vines so they don’t touch the fence.
Add metal capping on posts and rails to reduce water absorption.
Consider bait stations or schedule pest inspections every 1 to 2 years in high-risk areas.

Ongoing Protection: Maintain Your Timber Fence to Prevent Termites

Protecting your fence doesn’t stop after installation. Ongoing care is the key to spotting problems early and keeping termites under control for the long term.

1. Conduct Regular Inspections

A quick check each month helps you catch termite activity before it gets serious:

Look for mud tubes, small holes, or bubbling paint.
Tap the wood with a screwdriver handle. If it sounds hollow, termites may be inside.

2. Install Baiting Systems

Bait systems work by targeting whole colonies, not just individual termites:

How it works: Termites eat cellulose baits laced with a slow-acting termiticide, then carry it back to the nest.
DIY or pro: Professional systems are strongest, but DIY options are available.

3. Consider Professional Barriers

In high-risk areas, professional help may be your best defence:

Professionally installed chemical soil barriers protect your fence line.
A pest controller may also install physical barriers or mesh stop termites before they reach timber.
If you see active termites, always call a pest control professional.

Protect Your Timber Fence Today

Protecting your timber fence from termites isn’t a one-time job. It’s about smart building choices and regular care.

Using resistant timbers, adding barriers, and installing treated posts initially provides a strong foundation. Ongoing measures, like inspections, protective coatings, proper drainage, and trimmed vegetation, help keep termites away in the long term.

Consulting a timber fence expert can also guide you on the best materials and installation methods for long-lasting protection. Call That’s Fencing on 0452 280 559 or contact us online for assistance.

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