Proper firewood storage is essential to keep pests at bay and ensure your wood burns efficiently when needed. When pests infest firewood, they can cause accelerated deterioration and uneven burning, along with an increased risk of infestations. Knowing what to look out for and what steps to take to avoid pests can help protect your home and your firewood.

Why It Is Important to Protect Stored Firewood

Firewood burns best when it’s well-maintained, which means keeping it free of pests. While pest-infested firewood might not seem like an issue at first, it can cause problems. Infested firewood can introduce pests into your home, leading to widespread infestations and potentially extensive damage. Common pests to be on the lookout for include termites, ants, beetles, and roaches. Common pests to watch for include termites, ants, beetles, and roaches. These pests often leave behind signs such as:

• Tunnels, sawdust-like debris, or small holes, which may indicate wood-boring beetles or termites.
• Insect larvae on or beneath the bark, a strong sign of infestation, even if no live insects are visible.

Other pests, such as rodents, can seek cover in firewood and find their way into your home when you bring wood inside. It’s crucial to check over firewood to avoid the risk of pest infestations. When firewood is outdoors, it’s possible for pests that overwinter to seek shelter in it. This essentially means they will spend the winter hunkered down or even dormant, then emerge in the spring.

Choose the Right Location for Your Firewood Stack

Selecting an appropriate location for your firewood stack is a vital step in preventing pest problems. Ideally, your firewood should be stored at least 20 feet away from your home or any other structures. This distance helps reduce the risk of infestations from pests like termites and rodents, and deters the likelihood of them migrating from the woodpile into your home.

Be sure to choose a location that is sunny and dry. Moisture attracts pests, so storing your firewood in a well-ventilated, sunny spot will help keep it from holding moisture. The drier wood will be less appealing to bugs and other invasive critters seeking a place to hide from the winter weather.

Elevate Your Firewood off the Ground

Keeping your firewood elevated off the ground is essential to prevent moisture accumulation and reduce the risk of pest infestation. Use a firewood rack, pallets, or concrete blocks to lift the wood at least 6 inches off the ground. This elevation ensures good air circulation, which keeps the wood dry.

Elevating the wood also makes it harder for ground-dwelling pests, like termites and ants, to access it. Creating just a small amount of space between the ground and your firewood goes a long way for prevention.

Cover Your Firewood Properly

While it is important to keep your firewood dry, covering it entirely with a tarp or plastic sheet can trap moisture and attract pests. Instead, cover only the top third of the woodpile, leaving the sides exposed for ventilation. This method allows moisture to escape while protecting the wood from rain and snow.

Ensure that the cover is securely fastened to prevent it from blowing away in strong winds, which can expose your firewood to the elements. You can also use ground anchors for your tarp, which will work to secure it in place and provide cover while creating space on the sides, pulling it away from the pile to allow air flow.

Maintain Proper Air Circulation

Proper air circulation is crucial for keeping your firewood dry and pest-free. When stacking your wood, arrange it in a crisscross pattern to allow air to flow freely through the stack. This arrangement helps the wood dry more quickly, making it less attractive to pests. Avoid stacking firewood too tightly or against a solid wall, as this can restrict airflow and lead to moisture issues.

If you notice any signs of pests, take immediate action to remove the affected wood. Regular pest inspections will help you stay ahead of potential pest problems and ensure your firewood remains safe to use. The tips we outlined here can help, but it’s essential to call a professional pest control company when you suspect a problem.

Local Professional Pest Control

When you have a pest problem, taking swift action can be the difference between a minor issue and a major infestation. Most pests can multiply quickly, and some, such as termites, can cause extensive damage to your property.

Contact Eagle Pest Services at (866) 281-1822 or complete our pest services form to schedule an estimate or inspection. Our expertly trained pest control technicians are equipped with the knowledge and experience to handle all of your pest concerns.