How To Prevent Infestation of Firewood Pests

Fall and winter are great times to stay inside, warmed by a cozy fire. But bringing firewood into your home can potentially bring a variety of new pests into the warm environment of your living room. We all want our homes pest-free when the cool weather hits, right? that includes bringing them inside yourself! Some bugs love wood just as much as you do in your fireplace. Here are some tips on identifying critters and how to prevent infestation of firewood pests.

Be on the Lookout For These Firewood Bugs

There are a few well-known insects that could track their way into your home through firewood. Here are some major ones to be on the lookout for:

1. Termites
Termites love to invade wet firewood, so keeping your wood dry and properly stored can go a long way in preventing these pests. They also prefer wood that touches the ground so they have access to their tunnels - which makes tarps, shelving, and storage a must.

2. Carpenter Ants
Creases in the wood make a nice little bed for carpenter ants to nap in as you bring them into your home. Be on the lookout for these tiny bugs before you carry in those extra logs.

3. Beetles
Even if beetles are present in only a small portion of your woodpile, they will spread their eggs to the whole bundle! To keep your family and home safe, thoroughly inspect any firewood before burning it.

4. Wasps and bees
Wasps and carpenter bees are more than happy to lay their eggs in dry firewood during the winter months. Be on the lookout for any small nests lurking in the cracks of your firewood.

How To Prevent Infestation of Firewood Pests

Preventing insects from infesting your firewood is a lot easier than trying to get rid of them later. Make sure that you're not doing anything to create an atmosphere that would be beneficial for those annoying little guys before putting it away for the season. Here are some firewood storage ideas to prevent infestation of firewood-loving pests:

1. Make sure your wood is elevated using non-wooden materials such as cinderblocks, plastic pallets, or bricks.
2. Your firewood should be stored away from your home. If it is too close, bugs may be able to climb the walls of your home and straight inside.
3. If your wood is already outdoors, keep it away from trees and bushes. This can stop pests in their natural habitat from attaching to your firewood.
4. Never stack your wood indoors. Instead, burn what you bring in right away, and trick back outside if you need more.
5. Keeping your firewood dry can help deflect pests. However, remember to check your wood regularly, as not all bugs are attracted to just moisture.

Seeing Some Firewood Bugs?

Looking for more pest control advice for the winter months? Best Home & Property Services are here to help you ensure your new home is pest free. Think you may have a pest problem? Give us a call at 1-800-638-7048 or get a FREE QUOTEright online!