Wood Deck and Porch Termite Treatment

The deck ledger board — the horizontal member that attaches the deck to the house framing — is a critical inspection priority. This member is typically embedded against the house framing, is exposed to weather, and is often in direct or near-direct contact with soil at grade level. Both drywood and subterranean termites frequently attack ledger boards.

Deck post bases are a primary subterranean termite entry point. Steel post bases that keep wood off concrete are the standard best practice, but older decks often have wood posts directly embedded in soil or set on concrete with minimal height clearance.

Wood deck framing (joists, beams, blocking) can develop drywood infestation in the enclosed cavity beneath the deck surface — particularly in covered or partially enclosed deck assemblies where frass doesn't fall away visibly.

Treatment for deck-specific termite activity: Termidor soil treatment around post bases for subterranean activity, orange oil injection for drywood infestation in accessible deck framing. Ledger board replacement may be required if structural damage is present.