How to Protect Wooden Outdoor Furniture From Wood-Boring Insects

If you have wooden outdoor furniture, take special measures to make sure it is protected from certain insects that love to eat wood. Three species of beetles -- powderpost, deathwatch and false powderpost beetles -- as well as termites, will lay eggs in the tiny cracks or holes in your wood furniture so the larvae have plenty of food to eat. With a few special products and preventive measures, you can protect your wooden outdoor furniture from wood-boring insects.

Apply a liquid pesticide (found in home improvement stores and garden centres) to the wood furniture to kill any existing eggs that may rest in tiny holes of your furniture. Follow the application directions on the pesticide packaging.

Paint or spray two or three thin, even layers of wood varnish to protect the outside of the wood from insects and the elements. Rain, snow and sunlight will weaken the wood, making it easier for wood boring insects to lay eggs in your wood patio furniture.

Remove any branches that have fallen near your wooden furniture and look for signs of wood-boring insects on any wooden structures outside, such your deck or porch. Wood-boring insects can live in dead branches will make their way to your furniture if left on the ground nearby.