Question:

^{Termite Damage on
Window Frame}

My wife & I live in a townhouse in Southern California.  Our
homeowners” association has asked all homeowners to replace their wood
patio covers with patio covers constructed of none wood materials such as
vinyl, metal or plastic in order to help prevent termite damage to our
townhouse and garage; our patio cover spans between the house and the
garage.  We have NO termites in the garage nor in the house but some
damage (limited) within the patio cover, which has been easily spot
treated. In addition to the patio covers, any fence between neighbor”s
patios that are constructed of wood and have termites present, will have
to be replaced with a vinyl or plastic coated material. Our question is:
Do wood fences and patio covers act as easy targets for termites and steer
them away from nearby houses and garages?

ANSWER   There is no possibility of directing or steering termites anywhere, they forage randomly. Fences or posts do not attract them,  the termites simply find them. If a fence and carport are attached to a house, termites can actually move into the house from the fence or carport.