What Insects Are Hidden In Your Firewood

news shield

As winter arrives and the weather becomes colder, most people will begin stocking up on firewood in preparation for the long winter ahead. And, as the nights get colder, there’s nothing like lighting the log burner to keep warm in the evenings. Have you considered what insects your seemingly innocuous firewood might be carrying into your home?

Insects In Firewood

Spiders, carpenter ants, bugs, and other gross creepy crawlies can and do live in firewood. Thankfully, most of these insects hibernate during the winter, but when brought indoors in the form of firewood and tinder, the dryness and warmth of our homes may fool them into believing spring has come unexpectedly. As a result, these insects become more active, which can be a nuisance and cause firewood pest control.

Firewood that has been acquired from dead trees are likely to be home to an array of wood-boring beetles or woodworm. Once in your home, the warmer temperatures can activate the larvae and cause a serious insect problem. Left to their own devices they will happily move into hardwood floors, furniture, windowsills and other household structures and furnishings, causing significant damage.

How To Store Firewood To Avoid Pests:

Split the wood and stack it in tidy piles that are well covered, at least 8 inches off the field, and no more than six feet tall.

Make sure it’s dry! The less hospitable the wood is to rodents, the drier it is.

The logs should be stored in a way that allows for quick rotation, so the oldest, driest logs are used first.

If you’re storing firewood indoors, just carry in enough for one day and store the rest outside.

Before carrying the firewood inside, shake or knock the logs together outside to dislodge any insects.

Know where your firewood came from and don’t buy it if it looks like it came from a dead tree.

What Are The Signs Of Firewood Infestation?

Look for exit holes as this could be an indicator of wood-boring beetles. “Frass” – or fine powdery sawdust to you and me – is a strong clue of a beetle infestation.

Pest Control Near Me

Pests can cause serious problems to your property and reputation. Terminate Pest Control has been established for over 20 years, so you can have complete confidence that we will handle any firewood pest control. We operate from two branches covering Cornwall and Brighton. Our affordable and effective services will deal with your problem quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, our services are discreet, and we visit at a suitable time to suit your schedule. To arrange a pest control technician in your area, contact us for a swift response.