There’s nothing better than a warm fire on a chilly evening. For many Maryland homeowners, the smell, the comfort, the tradition, of firewood season is just the routine before winter starts. But what most people don’t realize is that a single piece of wood can carry dozens of tiny hitchhikers straight into the house.
We see it every year, homeowners who do everything right still end up with an unexpected pest problem simply because firewood came inside without a second thought. If you love using your fireplace, here’s a simple tip from Womack Pest Control on how to enjoy a safe and pests-free firewood season.
Why Firewood Attracts Pests
Firewood sits outdoors for months, sometimes years. It becomes the perfect place for insects to shelter, lay eggs, or wait out the colder months. Most of the time, these insects stay put until the wood warms up indoors.
Common hitchhikers include:
- Termites
- Carpenter ants
- Beetles (including powderpost beetles)
- Spiders
- Centipedes and millipedes
- Wasps use hollow cavities to overwinter
Most of these pests don’t enter your home to cause trouble on purpose. They’re simply trying to survive. But once they’re inside, they can become a bigger problem.
How Pests Enter Through Firewood
The risk doesn’t come from burning the wood; fire kills everything inside it. The issue happens before the wood hits the fireplace.
Here’s how it usually happens:
- You bring in a large stack of wood to avoid multiple trips.
- The wood warms up by the fireplace or in the mudroom.
- Insects “wake up” and crawl out, exploring their new environment.
- Some find cracks, crevices, or quiet corners to hide.
A few bugs aren’t always a sign of a serious infestation. But with pests like termites or carpenter ants, even one chance encounter inside your home is something you don’t want to ignore.
How to Store Firewood Safely
A few simple habits can prevent most firewood-related pest issues:
Store it on a rack or elevated platform, 2”x4” boards, or use materials or sheets that prevent moisture. Wood that sits directly on soil invites termites and moisture to get in.
Storing firewood against the siding is one of the most common and preventable ways homeowners accidentally attract pests.
- Cover the top, not the sides.
Trapped moisture creates ideal conditions for insects and mold, so you may want to cover the top but not the sides. This is the simplest way to protect it from rain but still allow airflow.
- Bring in only what you’ll burn right away.
The less time wood spends indoors, the lower the chance that anything inside will become active.
This is unsafe and releases harmful fumes when burned, but it also causes insects to burrow more deeply inside the wood. Good storage practices are much safer and more effective.
Pest Signs to Watch For in Firewood
If you see any of these signs on your firewood:
- Piles of fine powder or sawdust
- Tiny exit holes
- Soft or crumbling wood
- Ants trailing around the pile
- Tunnels just under the bark
…it’s best not to bring that wood inside.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed pest control professional if:
- You suspect termites or carpenter ants in or near your firewood pile
- You’ve found insects emerging inside your home after bringing wood in
- Your woodpile is close to the house, and you’re seeing increased pest activity
- You’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is normal or concerning
A quick inspection can give you peace of mind. And if there’s a problem, early treatment is always easier and more cost-effective.
Enjoy Firewood Season, Without the Unwanted Guests
Fireplace weather should be relaxing, not stressful. With a few simple habits and a watchful eye, you can enjoy your fire without worrying about pests coming along for the ride.
If you ever have questions or think something might be wrong, Womack Pest Control is here to help. We’ve been protecting Maryland homes since 1943, and we’re committed to giving you clear and honest guidance, just solutions that keep your home safe and comfortable.
If you have concerns about pests in your firewood or around your home, we’re just a call away: 301-381-8526.