As the weather cools and cozy nights by the fireplace call your name, it's easy to get lost in the crackle of burning wood and the smell of campfire nostalgia. But before you haul that first log inside, let's talk about something a little less romantic: how your firewood could be a five-star resort for pests.
Don't worry! The Pest Nerds at Greenix are here with hot tips on proper firewood storage, as well as fall pest control tips, so you can stay warm, not infested.
1. Stack the Odds in Your Favor: Firewood Storage Basics
When it comes to storing firewood, location is everything. Keep your wood pile at least 10 feet from your house (sorry, garage stackers). Storing your firewood outdoors and off the ground (~18 inches off the ground, to be specific) prevents rodents and insects from calling it home.
Lay down pallets or a firewood rack to elevate the logs, allowing air flow to circulate underneath. This helps your wood dry properly and prevents rot and mold from taking over, which often attracts pests.
2. Don't Invite Dinner Guests (a.k.a. Pests)
Termites, spiders, rodents, and insects all see stored wood as prime real estate. Keep your woodpile far from walls, soil, and foundation cracks to stop pests from using it as a launching pad into your home.
Never store firewood indoors for long periods. Doing so gives any lurking bugs a first-class ticket to your kitchen. Instead, bring in only what you'll burn within a day or two.
Pro tip: Rotate your wood piles so the oldest, driest wood gets used first. This keeps your pests, mold, and decay problems to a minimum.
3. Keep It Covered, Not Smothered
Your firewood pile needs protection from rain and snow, but covering it completely can trap moisture and bacteria... basically a pest paradise. Use a tarp or roof structure that shields the top while leaving the sides open for airflow.
Avoid storing wood in full shade or tight structures where airflow is restricted. Think of your firewood storage setup like a well-ventilated shelter. It needs to breathe to evaporate moisture and stay in top burning shape.
4. Let It Breathe: The Secret to Seasoned Wood
Freshly cut logs are considered "green" because they're still full of moisture, and too much moisture means less heat and more smoke when you burn them. That's why seasoned wood is the gold standard.
Stack your wood so air can flow freely through the pile, and give it at least six months of drying time. For the overachievers, kiln-dried wood offers the perfect moisture content (below 20%)—ideal for clean, efficient burning and fewer creosote deposits (that tar-like stuff that happens after burning wood) in your chimney.
5. Choose Your Wood Wisely
Not all wood species burn the same. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple burn hotter and longer, while softwoods like pine or spruce burn fast and can produce more smoke (and that pesky creosote buildup).
If you're purchasing firewood, look for kiln-dried or seasoned logs from reputable sources. Avoid green wood; it'll hiss, smoke, and make you regret your life choices...
6. Bonus Tips from the Pest Nerds
- Store wood in a shed with a raised floor to prevent direct contact with soil.
- Keep your stacks a few feet from any walls or structures to avoid giving pests easy access.
- Check for bark beetles, termites, or borers before bringing wood inside.
- Avoid storing decorative firewood indoors for long periods. Pests love to hide in these cozy spots.
- Keep the space around your pile clean to reduce pest food sources and hiding spots.
Stay Toasty, Not Buggy
Your firewood is meant to keep you warm, not attract a house full of uninvited guests. Proper stacking, airflow, and storage can make all the difference between a relaxing winter fire and a full-blown pest party.
If you find your woodpile buzzing, scurrying, or webbing more than it should, it's time to call in the Pest Nerds at Greenix. We'll make sure your cozy winter stays that way.
