When Your Backyard Turns into a Wildlife Resort
You built your deck for morning coffee and weekend BBQs, right? Probably not for raccoons, wasps, and woodpeckers to crash the party. But for the local wildlife, your deck is prime real estate. It’s got cozy corners, warm wood, and leftovers from last night’s cookout. To them, you’re not the homeowner, you’re the landlord who never checks the lease.
This post digs into why decks are such pest magnets, how material and design choices can make a big difference, and how decks built by Reliable Exterior Solutions are designed to stand up to nature’s most persistent tenants.
Why Decks Are a Wildlife Magnet
Decks provide everything critters crave: shelter, warmth, and easy meals. Small gaps between boards, soft wood, and hidden spaces underneath create the perfect setup for uninvited guests.
Ants and termites thrive on untreated wood or areas where moisture collects, quietly eating away at your investment. Wasps and birds love rafters, railings, and light fixtures (i.e. anywhere they can nest safely out of reach). Squirrels and raccoons, on the other hand, turn the dark space under decks into five-star lodgings, especially when they find scraps of food or gaps in the skirting.
The real issue isn’t really the wildlife, it’s actually the deck itself. Poor ventilation, exposed fasteners, or warped wood practically roll out the welcome mat. Over time, even small infestations can lead to structural damage, odor buildup, and a lot of homeowner frustration.
According to the University of Kentucky’s College of Entomology, untreated or unsealed wood is particularly susceptible to pest damage, as it traps moisture and provides a steady food source for termites and carpenter ants.
Smarter Materials, Smarter Deck Design
Here’s the good news: the battle against wildlife can often be won before the first board is laid. Traditional wood decks look great, but they’re porous, prone to warping, and a favorite snack for insects. Modern composite and PVC decking, on the other hand, resists moisture, doesn’t splinter, and keeps bugs from burrowing in.
Reliable Exterior Solutions specializes in designs that outsmart pests from the start. Their builders use:
- Hidden fasteners that eliminate gaps where ants and spiders sneak in.
- Custom underdeck enclosures that seal off the underside and keep out rodents and birds.
- High performance composite decking that won’t rot, crack, or invite termites to dinner.
These smart design choices also pay off in the long run. Composite materials require far less maintenance and save homeowners on both pest control and repair costs over time.
Your Deck Defense Plan: Keeping Critters in Check
Even the toughest deck benefits from a little routine defense. Here’s a homeowner-friendly checklist to keep nature where it belongs:
Sweep and Seal: Clear crumbs and debris regularly, and reseal exposed wood to keep moisture and insects out.
Inspect Often: Look for chew marks, droppings, or tiny holes, which are clear signs that something’s nesting nearby.
Keep It Dry: Check for proper drainage and airflow under your deck; standing water attracts mosquitoes and carpenter ants.
Light Smart: Swap bright white bulbs for amber LEDs to reduce flying insect activity.
- Seasonal Check-ins: After storms or heavy use, tighten loose boards and repair any soft spots before pests move in.
A deck that’s properly built, sealed, and ventilated not only looks better but stays safer and pest-free year-round.
Take Back Your Deck
Nature will always test your outdoor spaces, but with the right materials and maintenance, you can win the war without calling in an exterminator every season.
A beautiful deck shouldn’t double as a wildlife condo. With durable, low-maintenance craftsmanship from Reliable Exterior Solutions, a TrustDALE-certified partner, you can enjoy your outdoor space exactly as it was meant to be: peaceful, durable, and all yours.