How to Treat Firewood With Termites
Termites are a common problem here in the Pacific Northwest, and they can cause significant damage to wooden structures even within a matter of weeks. Though many homeowners take care to prevent termites from coming indoors, there’s one vulnerable part of the property that a lot of people overlook: the firewood pile.
Not only is firewood a feast big enough to sustain even the largest of colonies, but it also provides these pests with a direct path to other areas of your house. To keep your space termite-free, it’s crucial that you regularly check your firewood for signs of termites and take quick action if you notice these pests.
How to Tell If Your Firewood Has Termites
Termites can be difficult to spot, but they leave behind signs of their presence. Knowing what to look for will help you identify an infestation before it is able to grow or spread to other areas of your home. Keep an eye out for these signs that your firewood has termites:
- Discarded wings
- Damaged wood
- Mud tubes
- Frass
If you suspect that there are bugs in your firewood, it’s best to have a professional inspect it as soon as possible. Qualified technicians like those at Antworks Pest Control have the tools and expertise needed to determine the extent of your infestation and implement effective exclusion efforts.
What to Do if Your Firewood is Infested
If you notice that your firewood is swarming with termites, you will want to act fast. The first step you should take to prevent the pests from spreading is to move the infested wood away from any other wooden structures. Putting physical distance between the termites and your home will keep them from causing more damage. Though more space is always better, we recommend placing any infested wood a minimum of 20 feet away from your house.
Once the termites are at a safer distance, contact a professional to treat the infested wood and inspect for other affected areas. Termites are tricky pests that can be easy to miss, especially since they spend most of their time boring deep into wood. A qualified technician will be able to ensure the rest of your property is safe by identifying even the smallest signs of a lingering infestation. They will also have the equipment needed to safely and effectively eliminate termites from any salvageable wood using techniques such as solarization, heat, or chemical treatments.
How to Prevent Future Infestations
Termites are wood-loving pests that will seek out cellulose wherever they can. If your firewood is vulnerable to infestations, you will likely see these pests again. Thankfully, termite prevention doesn’t have to be terribly time-consuming or difficult, even for your firewood. Follow these steps to keep termites out of your wood:
- Store firewood away from your home: Though it’s never fun to deal with termites in your firewood, it’s far worse to encounter them in your house. Keep your firewood at least 10 feet away from any wooden structures on your property to avoid some potentially costly or dangerous damages.
- Keep the wood covered and dry: Termites thrive in moist environments. Especially here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s best to keep your firewood under a shelter to protect it from the rain. To promote air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, also try stacking the firewood in the same direction.
- Store your firewood off of the soil: Damp soil not only causes excess moisture and potential rot, but it also makes it easy for termites to access the wood. Surfaces like asphalt or concrete are best, but you can also lay a tarp down or slightly elevate the wood on sticks to keep it off the ground.
- Invest in regular inspections: Routine termite inspections are the best way to protect your entire property from these pests long-term. During an inspection, a trained technician will carefully examine each area of your home – including the firewood pile – for vulnerabilities or early signs of an infestation.
Get Termite Extermination Services
At Antworks Pest Control, we understand the importance of protecting your home and property from termites. Our team of trained professionals can help you identify and eliminate termite infestations in your firewood, as well as take steps to prevent future infestations. As a family-owned and locally operated company, we take pride in delivering exceptional services that will keep your property protected from even the most persistent pests. Contact us today to get your free estimate!
