When the chilly air has you reaching for firewood, the last thing you want to deal with is a termite infestation. Termites in firewood can spread to your home’s structure, causing severe damage and expensive repairs. But understanding how to prevent, spot, and kill termites in firewood can save your home and keep you warm without worry.
Here’s everything you need to know to safeguard your firewood from these marauding pests.
What Attracts Termites to Firewood?
Well, much like us seeking our favorite comfort food and snuggly shelter on cold days, termites are drawn to piles of firewood, searching for sustenance, moisture, and sanctuary. An improperly stored stack of logs might just seem like prime real estate to these pests.
How to Prevent a Termite Infestation in Your Firewood
It’s definitely easier to keep termites at bay than to shoo them out after they’ve cozied up in your lumber stack. Here are some simple yet effective tips to keep those wood-munching freeloaders at bay:
Elevate and Isolate: Keep your firewood off the ground and away from your house. A good rule of thumb is to store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home and elevate it using concrete blocks or metal stands. This creates a buffer zone between the termites’ natural habitat and your precious wood.
Store Smart: Don’t just chuck your wood in a heap. Stack it neatly, and make sure it’s covered, but not too tightly. You want air to flow through to prevent moisture buildup, which is a termite’s dream environment. Use a tarp or specially designed firewood cover, but don’t let it touch the ground. This small gap allows for air circulation and reduces the chances of termites making their way up from the soil.
Rotate Your Stock: Use the oldest firewood first. This practice, known as ‘first-in, first-out’, ensures that wood doesn’t sit too long, becoming more attractive to termites over time. Regular rotation also gives you a chance to inspect your stock and catch any problems early.
Keep it Dry: Dry firewood is less appealing to termites. Ensure your firewood is properly dried before storing it. If you’ve just chopped or bought fresh wood, let it season for at least six months before use. Split and store your wood in a sunny, well-ventilated area to speed up the drying process. Remember, dry wood is not just unattractive to termites; it also burns better and more efficiently.
Signs of Termite Infestation
You’ve taken preventive measures, but termites can be sneaky little creatures. While they’re better at hide and seek than you might like, there are certain telltale signs that can alert you to their presence.
There are two main types of termites that you might find in firewood: subterranean and drywood termites. Subterranean termites build their nests in the soil and travel to wood sources, while drywood termites can live directly in the wood without soil contact.
Here’s how you can find if these unwelcome visitors have made themselves at home in your firewood:
Subterranean Termites
Photo Credit: Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org / Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites create distinctive mud tubes to protect themselves as they travel. You might see these pencil-sized tubes running along your firewood pile or adjacent structures.
Hollowed-out Wood: Gentle tapping on wood that yields a hollow sound suggests that termites may be nesting inside, eating away at its structure.
Visible Holes and Galleries: Keep an eye out for smooth, round holes. You might even spot tunnels carved inside the wood upon breaking it apart.
Drywood Termites
Photo Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
Frass: Drywood termites leave behind wood-colored droppings called frass, which can often be found beneath infested wood. These tiny pellet-shaped droppings are a clear sign of an infestation.
Discarded Wings and Shells: After swarming, drywood termites shed wings and nymph exoskeletons. Look for these tiny remnants around your firewood.
Surface Grooves: Irregular tunnels or grooves on the surface of wood indicate that drywood termites are present and actively feeding.
How to Kill Termites in Firewood
Killing termites in firewood requires some savvy tactics since you can’t just flood your woodpile with pesticides (unless you fancy a side of chemicals with your cozy fireplace ambiance). Here are some non-toxic yet effective methods to get rid of termites in firewood:
Burn the Infested Wood
This might seem a bit like giving up, but sometimes the best defense is a good offense. If the infestation is severe, consider burning the affected firewood to prevent the spread.
It’s a practical solution if you’re planning an outdoor bonfire. For an indoor fireplace, though, be cautious and only use wood you’re sure is termite-free to avoid bringing it into your home. Just make sure you’re doing it safely and legally. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the warmth knowing you’re reducing your termite troubles.
Heat Treatment
If you’re a fan of “kill it with fire” but want a safer route, heat treatment is your go-to. This method involves heating the infested firewood to a temperature that termites cannot survive.
You can use a commercial kiln or, for a simpler DIY approach, tightly wrap the wood in black plastic and place it in direct sunlight for several days. The internal temperature needs to reach at least 120°F to effectively kill the termites.
Freeze Them Out
Termites can’t stand the extreme cold any more than extreme heat. If you have a small amount of infested wood, try freezing it. Wrap the wood in plastic and stick it in a freezer for a few days, and the cold temperatures will kill the termites. This method is perfect for small-scale infestations or individual pieces of wood.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is your friendly neighborhood termite assassin. It’s a natural, non-toxic powder that cuts through their exoskeletons and dehydrates these tiny timber munchers to their demise. Just sprinkle the stuff around your firewood and on any areas where you suspect those squatters might be hiding.
Remember, though, diatomaceous earth isn’t selective; it cuts through just about any insect that crawls over it. So, while you’re dealing a sharp blow to the termite population, make sure you’re not harming beneficial insects in your garden.
Physical Removal
Sometimes, old-fashioned elbow grease is what’s needed. Inspect each piece of firewood. If you find termites, brush them off or shake them out. This method is time-consuming and not 100% effective, but it can reduce the number of termites in your firewood pile.
Natural Predators
Believe it or not, nature has its way of controlling termite populations. Birds, nematodes, and other insects are natural predators of termites. Encouraging these creatures in your yard can help keep the termite population in check. This is a more passive approach and works best as a supplementary method alongside other termite control strategies.
Insecticide Treatment
While we generally advise against using chemicals, there are some safer insecticide options available for dealing with termites in firewood. Opt for a borate-based insecticide, which is less harmful to the environment and humans. Borate is a naturally occurring mineral that acts as a poison for termites.
Apply it directly to the wood surface. This will not only kill existing termites but also prevent future infestations. However, remember that treated wood should not be used for indoor fires due to the risk of harmful fumes.
FAQ About Termites in Firewood
Are termites in firewood a problem?
Yes, termites in firewood can be a problem as they might spread to other wooden structures in or around your home. It’s especially risky if the firewood is stored against your house or inside it.
Can you smoke out termites?
No, smoking out termites is not an effective or safe method. Termites are resilient and can hide deep within wood, making it difficult for smoke to reach and eliminate them effectively. Additionally, attempting to smoke out termites can pose significant fire and health risks.
How long does it take for termites to damage firewood?
The time it takes for termites to cause noticeable damage to firewood can vary. In ideal conditions for the termites, damage can become apparent within a few months. Regular inspection and proper storage can help prevent significant damage.
Can termites bite humans?
Yes, termites can bite humans, but such incidents are extremely rare. Their primary focus is on consuming wood and cellulose-based materials, not biting humans or animals. If a termite does bite a human, it’s usually not a cause for concern as their bites are not poisonous, do not transmit diseases, and are generally harmless. Any resulting irritation or itching from a termite bite is typically mild and can be managed with simple home care.
The Path to Termite-Free Warmth
Don’t let termites turn your cozy fireside dreams into a nightmare. By being proactive and taking the necessary steps, you can reclaim your firewood and protect your home from these wood-chomping intruders. Remember, safeguarding against termites is not just about dealing with an existing problem; it’s about preventing future invasions as well.
But sometimes, even the most tenacious DIY efforts need a professional touch. If the battle against termites in your firewood feels like it’s getting out of hand, we can connect you with the best termite control companies near you that can assess the situation, advise on the most effective treatment plan, and eliminate the infestation for good.
Main Image Credit: ApisitWilaijit / Canva Pro / License
