🔧 HOW-TO

How to Store Firewood to Prevent Pest Infestations

Improperly stored firewood introduces bark beetles, termites, ants, and mice into homes. The 5 rules of pest-safe firewood storage.

⏱️ 1 hour setup 💪 Easy

🧰 What You'll Need

Firewood rackTarp or coverAx or hatchet

📋 Steps

1
Store firewood at least 20 feet from any structure
The single most important rule. Firewood stored against the foundation is a pest expressway into your home. Bark beetles, termites, carpenter ants, and mice all move from firewood into adjacent wood structures.
2
Elevate firewood 6+ inches off the ground
Use a firewood rack or pallets. Ground contact creates moisture, attracts termites and moisture-seeking insects, and provides rodent harborage. Elevation also improves drying.
3
Bring in only 1-2 days' supply at a time
Don't stack firewood indoors. Bring in only what you'll burn in 24-48 hours. Insects in firewood are dormant in cold storage but activate quickly in a heated home.
4
Stack firewood bark-side up
Bark facing up sheds rain and promotes drying. Drier wood is less attractive to bark beetles, termites, and moisture-loving pests. Wood kept outdoors in rain and contact with soil is highest risk.
5
Inspect each log before bringing inside
Before bringing firewood indoors, quickly check for: bark beetle holes (tiny round holes in bark), ant activity, wasp nests in hollow sections, and mouse nesting material in the stack. Don't bring infested wood inside.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use the firewood you have — rotate stock seasonally rather than letting wood sit for years (the longer wood sits, the more insect-infested it becomes)
  • Never treat firewood with insecticide — this is dangerous if burned indoors and ineffective long-term
  • Kiln-dried firewood (marked 'KD') has much lower pest risk than green or air-dried firewood

💰 Cost to Fix This Problem

ApproachTypical CostBest For
DIY materials only$25–$75Mild or early-stage infestations
Professional service (one-time)$150–$400Active infestations or when DIY has already failed
Ongoing service contract$400–$800/yrPrevention and long-term peace of mind

Costs vary by region, property size, and severity. Get at least two quotes before hiring.

✅ How to Know It's Working

Pest control success is measured in weeks, not days. Here's what to look for:

💡 Monitoring tip: Place sticky traps in corners and along walls before you start treatment. Counting catches weekly gives you objective data on whether the population is declining.

👷 When to Call a Professional

DIY is appropriate for small, contained infestations caught early. Call a licensed professional when:

⚠️ Rule of thumb: If you've spent more on DIY materials than a professional visit would cost, it's time to call.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply a perimeter spray correctly?
Spray the exterior foundation from ground level up 12-18 inches, plus 12-18 inches of ground outward. Also treat all entry points: door frames, window frames, and pipe penetrations. Use a pump sprayer with bifenthrin at label rate.
How often should I reapply?
Bifenthrin provides 60-90 days of residual protection. Heavy rain and sunlight degrade it faster. Most homes benefit from quarterly application in spring, summer, and fall.
Is perimeter spray safe for plants along the foundation?
Pyrethroids have low phytotoxicity but are highly toxic to bees. Avoid spraying flowering plants and apply in early morning or late evening when pollinators are inactive. Direct spray onto foundation and soil, not plant foliage.
Can I do perimeter spray myself?
Yes. Consumer-grade bifenthrin concentrate and a pump sprayer is all you need. The technique is straightforward. The main advantage of professional service is consistent scheduling and expertise identifying vulnerable entry points.
📚 Sources: EPA Termite Guide · NPMA Termite Info
Published: Jan 1, 2025 · Updated: Apr 7, 2026