Termites
Wood stacked on the ground can become infested with termites. Their presence is not usually noticed until the wood is moved during the summer or fall. Infested wood may have mud tunnels on the outside, or tunnels may be noticed if the wood is split. Termites may appear dormant during the winter months in these areas. Fire wood should not be treated with insecticides. Termites accidentally brought indoors with firewood will not infest structural wood. Their presence in firewood, piled close to the home, may warrant a home inspection for termites, however.
Wood stacked on the ground can become infested with termites. Their presence is not usually noticed until the wood is moved during the summer or fall. Infested wood may have mud tunnels on the outside, or tunnels may be noticed if the wood is split. Termites may appear dormant during the winter months in these areas. Fire wood should not be treated with insecticides. Termites accidentally brought indoors with firewood will not infest structural wood. Their presence in firewood, piled close to the home, may warrant a home inspection for termites, however.
Bark Beetles
While these pests typically aren't a concern for indoor structures, bark beetles are a large group of small beetles that may occasionally be found infesting firewood. Most are less than 1/8 inch in length and are brownish or black. These beetles and their larvae tunnel and make extensive galleries just under the bark of dead and dying trees.
Carpenter Ants
Firewood stacked on the ground for a long period of time or not allowed to dry out sufficiently can be subject to attack by carpenter ants. These large black or reddish ants may be up to 3/8 inch long. Bringing carpenter ant infested wood into the home generally will not spread the infestation inside the home. Only wood that is higher than normal in moisture content is susceptible to carpenter ant damage.
Firewood stacked on the ground for a long period of time or not allowed to dry out sufficiently can be subject to attack by carpenter ants. These large black or reddish ants may be up to 3/8 inch long. Bringing carpenter ant infested wood into the home generally will not spread the infestation inside the home. Only wood that is higher than normal in moisture content is susceptible to carpenter ant damage.
Spiders
While most spiders aren’t the worst house guests to have since they are great natural pest control, the black widow and brown recluse are most certainly not any guests you want hanging around! The brown recluse spider typically does not bite humans unless threatened. These spiders can produce painful bites and cause open sores. These spiders love to build their webs in warm, dry, and dark environments, such as piles of firewood. Similarly, black widow spiders do not seek out humans to bite; however, when they do bite, it can be extremely painful, especially for children and the elderly. These spiders spin their webs close to the ground and are most often found in woodpiles and quiet, undisturbed areas.
One thing to remember if you store your wood close to your home for convenience purposes, if you forget to move it away from your home come spring time, you could be creating a haven for all mentioned pests to easily make your home theirs. To be safe, store your wood away from your home's foundation to prevent pests from entering your home throughout the winter and spring months.
If you find any evidence of these pests in your firewood or even in or around your house, give A B Pest Control & Insulation a call. While using the fireplace during the winter months is a great option for many people, your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company wants to remind you that it’s important to properly store your firewood and check it before you bring it into your house. To keep your home pest free this winter, and all year long, give us a call!
