Your automatic gate system is at the mercy of Mother Nature. As such, it’s vulnerable to bugs and other pests, which can compromise its functionality and integrity. Here are a few tips for identifying and managing pests near your automatic gate.

Signs Your Automatic Gate May Have a Pest Problem

Although often overlooked, insects and pests can wreak havoc on the electrical components of your gate system. For example, the slime trails left behind by snails and slugs can destroy your gate’s circuit board by causing moisture buildup. Spiders can cause similar issues with their webs and ant nests can corrode circuitry. In addition, mice are notorious for chewing through gate wiring.

Here are three signs your automatic gate may have pests:

1. Mysterious obstructions. If your gate is constantly detecting obstructions, even though the path seems clear, small animals or insects may have taken up shelter near your sensors. This could cause your gate to think there’s an obstruction, preventing it from seamlessly opening and closing.
   
   
2. Faulty mechanisms. If your gate is continuously having connectivity issues or has become unresponsive, there’s likely an electrical issue. This could be caused by insects nesting inside the control box or rodents chewing through wires and weakening the connection.
3. Physical damage. If you have a wooden gate, keep an eye out for soft, rotting wood. This could be an indication that termites, ants, or other critters have taken up residence in and around your gate. In addition, cocoons, fecal matter, and nests around your gate are often a sign you have unwanted guests.

Getting rid of pests can be a daunting task. If you’re not comfortable investigating the issue on your own, it’s best to call in a pest control professional.

How To Keep Pests Away From Your Residential Gate

If you want to keep insects and vermin at bay, here are five things you can do to ensure your gate remains pest-free:

1. Clear the area around the gate. To avoid attracting unwanted critters, ensure there aren’t any large shrubs, heaps of rotting wood, piles of firewood, or pools of standing water near your automatic gate.
   
   
2. Use a pesticide. As an extra precaution, spray an outdoor pesticide around your gate operator in the spring to keep critters from damaging the mechanisms. You can also place a few mothballs inside the gate operator housing to deter pests over an extended period of time.
   
   
3. Apply Q30. This product is a protective spray film that can be used to seal your gate operator’s circuit board and other electrical connections. It safeguards against moisture and rust and prevents short circuits. The film can be peeled off and reapplied as often as necessary.
   
   
4. Re-stain or reseal the wood. If you have a wooden gate, it’s important to regularly touch up the protective paint, stain, or varnish to ensure it remains sealed and won’t become vulnerable to pest infestations.
   
   
5. Conduct regular spot checks. It’s a good idea to be proactive and periodically spot check your driveway gate to ensure you catch any pest issues before they become infestations. Check corners, nooks, crannies, and areas low to the ground for any signs of insect or animal activity.

In addition, it’s a good idea to set up a yearly maintenance appointment with a professional to keep your gate free from pests and performing at its best.

Sign up for Planned Maintenance

At Creative Door Services^TM, we can help extend the lifespan of your automatic gate system with our planned maintenance program. Once you sign up for it, you can expect one of our expert technicians to regularly come to your home and inspect every aspect of your gate to ensure it remains in good working order.

Automatic Gate Specialists in Western Canada

If you’re having issues with your residential gate system, the experts at Creative Door Services^TM can help. We offer comprehensive automatic gate repair, replacement, and maintenance services. In addition, we carry a variety of high-quality parts and accessories to improve the functionality and reliability of your gate.

Contact us today for more information or a free quote at any one of our eight locations. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.