As the temperatures start to drop, you’ll probably want to get the most out of the last remaining summer days in your backyard. Be it relaxing in your favorite lounge chair with a daily coffee, or working remotely outdoors, you’ve probably spent time buying the right garden furniture for your yard.
In particular, quality wooden furniture has become a popular option for yards, patios and decks, with many often splashing out to create the perfect outdoor haven. But, did you know your wooden furniture might be attracting unwanted pests to your yard?
According to experts, homeowners often make this one common mistake when placing their yard furniture, which creates the perfect environment for termites. These tiny bugs are much harder to spot (compared to others), yet can cause serious, structural damage to your furniture. (Not sure if you have these nasty critters? Here are 7 telltale signs you have termites).
Luckily, we’ve got an expert to reveal the one yard furniture mistake that can attract termites and how to prevent an infestation.
Don’t make this common yard furniture mistake
“The biggest mistake homeowners make is placing wooden furniture directly on grass, soil, or any surface where moisture accumulates,” explains Dale Smith, Founder of Fence Guru. “This constant contact between wood and damp ground creates ideal conditions for both termite attraction and mold growth.”
When furniture sits directly on grass or soil, it absorbs moisture from below while also being exposed to weather from above. This is especially common in climates where humidity, rainfall, and morning dew create consistently moist conditions. Often, these create the perfect environment for termites to thrive.
“Wood is naturally porous, which means it acts like a sponge when it's in constant contact with damp surfaces,” explains Smith. “The timber absorbs moisture through the legs and base, creating internal dampness that weakens the wood structure and makes it irresistible to pests.”
These destructive insects need moisture to survive and are naturally attracted to wood-to-soil contact points. When wooden furniture legs rest directly on earth or wet grass, they create what Smith calls “termite highways,” which are direct access routes that can eventually lead pests toward your home's structure.
Top tips to prevent termites in your yard
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to avoid a potential termite infestation in your yard.
1. Elevate furniture with risers or platforms
If you don’t have a suitable, dry surface or patio area, you can elevate furniture with purpose-built risers, concrete pavers, or treated timber platforms. By elevating just a few centimeters off the ground, this will prevent direct contact with the soil, reduce moisture, and allow adequate airflow underneath while preventing direct soil contact.
2. Apply quality wood sealants
Another preventative measure is to apply a protective coating to all wooden surfaces. Before the wet season hits, reseal timber surfaces, check that furniture risers are still effective, and replace any covers that have deteriorated.
"A good quality wood sealant acts like a protective barrier,” adds Smith. “It prevents moisture absorption while still allowing the wood to breathe naturally. Reapply annually for best results.”
Additionally, before buying new yard furniture, consider treated or resistant wood options. “Treated pine or naturally resistant woods like teak require less maintenance and stand up better to moisture challenges,” he says.
3. Install weatherproof covers
Perhaps the easiest and inexpensive prevention is to cover yard furniture during fall and winter months.
“Protective covers during wet seasons or when furniture isn't in use significantly reduce moisture exposure,” Smith says. “Choose breathable materials that prevent condensation buildup while blocking rain and dew.”
What’s more, always remove any seat covers, cushions and soft fabrics after use, and place in an airtight, weatherproof storage box.
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More from Tom's Guide
- How to get rid of termites in your home
- 7 things that are attracting pests to your home
- 5 things not to do when repelling pests, according to experts
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