Firewood is a staple in many Arkansas homes during the winter months, providing warmth and comfort. However, improperly stored firewood can become a hotspot for insects, including termites, ants, and beetles. Understanding how to protect your firewood ensures your home remains pest-free and your heating supply stays safe to use.
Why Firewood Attracts Pests
Insects are naturally drawn to wood, especially when it is damp or stacked near a structure. Termites can infest firewood, carrying their colonies close to your home. Carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles also find stacked wood an ideal habitat. Over time, pests can move from the firewood into your home, creating a costly infestation that could have been prevented.
Moisture is a major factor in pest attraction. Firewood stored directly on the ground can absorb water, encouraging mold and decay, which in turn draws insects. Even wood kept under a shelter can retain moisture if airflow is poor. Warm indoor temperatures during winter further increase the risk of pests migrating from stored firewood to nearby structures.
Best Practices for Protecting Stored Firewood
Proper storage is essential to protect both your firewood and your home. Here are some key steps:
- Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home’s foundation – Storing firewood too close to your house gives pests a convenient bridge to enter your home. Termites and ants can easily travel from stacked wood to nearby siding or foundation walls. Keeping wood a safe distance away reduces the likelihood that insects will move indoors while still giving you easy access to your supply.
- Stack wood in small, elevated piles using pallets or racks to improve airflow – Elevating firewood off the ground improves air circulation, which helps wood dry properly and reduces moisture that attracts pests. Small, organized stacks also make it easier to inspect each log for insects or signs of decay. Avoid piling wood directly on soil or concrete, as this encourages mold growth and makes the pile more attractive to insects.
- Cover the top of the pile with a tarp or shed roof while leaving sides open for ventilation – Covering firewood protects it from rain, snow, and ice while still allowing airflow through the sides. Proper ventilation prevents moisture from becoming trapped, which can otherwise lead to rot and create ideal conditions for termites, beetles, and other wood-dwelling pests. A simple tarp or a small shed-style cover works effectively if airflow is maintained.
- Rotate older wood to ensure it is used first and does not sit long enough to attract pests – Using older wood before newer pieces helps prevent logs from sitting too long and becoming infested. Inspect each log as it is moved to the front of the stack, checking for small holes, sawdust-like frass, or other signs of insect activity. This practice not only maintains your wood supply but also reduces the chance of a small problem turning into a major infestation.
Following these steps reduces the chance of termites, ants, or beetles moving from firewood into your home, and minimizes decay that can invite additional pest problems.
Inspecting and Treating Firewood
Before bringing firewood indoors, inspect each piece carefully for signs of pests. Look for small holes, sawdust-like frass, or insects crawling on the wood. If any signs of infestation appear, it’s best to remove the affected wood from your storage area. For long-term protection, consider treating outdoor firewood piles with pest control solutions designed to deter termites and other wood-inhabiting insects.
Professional Pest Prevention
While homeowners can take many precautions, professional support ensures your firewood storage does not become a pathway for pests. West Termite offers targeted inspections and treatments for properties with stored wood, helping prevent termite and insect migration into your home. Our experts can assess vulnerable areas, recommend storage solutions, and apply treatments to keep your firewood and home safe.
Protect your home this winter by managing firewood the right way. Call West Termite today to schedule an inspection or learn more about preventing pests from entering your home through stored wood.
