Fences are not considered part of a structure and are often excluded from termite inspections. Most termite reports include a note or disclosure stating this limitation. In escrow inspections, only gates that are physically attached to the home are included; perimeter fencing is not.

While fences are frequently ignored, they can be ideal breeding grounds for drywood termites and shouldn’t be overlooked.

One reason fences are excluded is their size and location—fences can be extensive and are often shared with a neighbor. Another reason is regulatory. In San Diego, the termite industry is governed by the California Structural Pest Control Board, which does not classify fences as part of a structure. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: an infested fence, just steps from a home, is often left untreated.

It’s true that termites can originate from almost any wood source—tree stumps, dead branches, firewood, planters, you name it. Because of that, it may seem pointless to worry about termites in a fence. Add in the complication of shared ownership, where one neighbor may hesitate to pay for a treatment that benefits both sides, and fence infestations are easy to ignore.

Since termite inspectors typically do not inspect fences, monitoring them becomes the homeowner’s responsibility. In some cases, over-the-counter termiticides can be effective because termites have less area to escape and avoid the treatment.

If you’re on a termite warranty that includes regular inspections, it’s a good idea to scan your fence beforehand. If you find one or two active areas, an inspector or technician may be willing to address them during a visit.

I’ve treated entire fences for a fee. Not every company will—but why stay quiet while your fence is being slowly destroyed? Even if you’re not concerned about termites spreading to your home, fences have value and aren’t cheap to replace.

If your fence has visible termite activity and your current termite company won’t help, contact California Termite. We’re smaller, more flexible than large termite companies, and—most importantly—we’re here to help.