How to Prevent and Get Rid of Pests in Firewood in Idaho

Firewood piles are a great resource for heating and outdoor recreation, but they’re also one of the most common sources of pest activity around Idaho homes. Wood stacked outdoors can attract ants, beetles, termites, rodents, and other pests that hide, nest, or feed in and around the pile. If firewood is stored too close to the home—or brought inside without inspection—those pests can accidentally end up in your living space.

Below is a clear, Treasure Valley-friendly guide to preventing infestations, identifying common firewood pests, and keeping your Boise-area home protected.

Pests Commonly Found in Stored Firewood

Several pests use firewood as shelter or a food source. Most are nuisance invaders once brought indoors, but a few can become a bigger issue if conditions are right near your structure.

Termites and Powderpost Beetles

These are the most concerning pests associated with firewood because they are linked to wood damage. That said, firewood pests typically don’t establish indoors unless there is ongoing moisture and favorable wood conditions.

Termites are more likely to be associated with logs stored directly on soil or stacked close to the home.
Powderpost beetles prefer wood that contains moisture or has not fully dried/seasoned.
Watch for tiny exit holes, fine powder or sawdust-like frass, and areas of wood that seem soft or deteriorated.

Beetles, Weevils, and Carpenter Ants

Other insects commonly found in firewood piles include:

Bark beetles
Wood-boring beetles
Weevils
Carpenter ants

Many of these pests remain in the wood unless temperatures rise after the logs are brought inside. Carpenter ants may also nest in damp or decaying wood stored outdoors—especially if the pile stays wet and shaded.

Why Pests Are Drawn to Firewood

Firewood attracts pests for a few simple reasons:

It provides shelter, protection, and warmth.
It holds moisture, especially when stacked on soil or covered incorrectly.
It can provide food sources for wood-associated insects.
It often sits undisturbed for weeks or months.

Wood piles positioned near vegetation, fence lines, and soil increase the likelihood of pest pressure around the stack.

How to Prevent and Get Rid of Pests in Firewood

1) Keep Firewood Off the Ground

Store firewood on a raised rack at least 6–12 inches above soil. This reduces moisture buildup and makes it harder for termites, ants, and other pests to access the wood.

2) Store Firewood Away from Your Home

Keep your woodpile at least 20–30 feet away from your home whenever possible. This helps prevent pests like termites, ants, and rodents from “bridging” from the pile to your structure.

3) Cover Wood Properly (But Allow Airflow)

Use a breathable cover that sheds rain but allows the stack to dry. Avoid wrapping the pile completely in plastic, which traps moisture and creates ideal conditions for insects and mold. A good rule: cover the top, not the sides.

4) Rotate and Burn Older Wood First

Use seasoned wood first and rotate your supply. Pests are less likely to survive in well-dried, properly seasoned firewood.

5) Bring Wood Indoors Only as Needed

Move only a small amount of wood inside at a time (enough for a day or two). This reduces the chance insects have time to warm up, become active, and spread indoors.

6) Inspect Wood Before Bringing It Inside

Before carrying wood into the house, look for:

Sawdust or powdery frass
Small holes or tunneling signs
Soft or crumbly sections
Clinging insects under bark
Signs of moisture or rot

Tip: knocking logs together outdoors can dislodge many hitchhiking insects before transport.

7) Avoid Homemade Chemical “Remedies”

Vinegar, lemon juice, soap sprays, or food scraps do not prevent wood-infesting insects and can create other problems (including attracting more pests or wildlife). If treatment is needed, use only products labeled for pest control—or call a licensed professional to avoid misapplication and unintended risks.

8) Consider Kiln-Dried Firewood

Kiln-dried firewood is processed to reduce moisture and eliminate insects during drying. If you want the lowest-risk option for bringing wood inside, kiln-dried firewood is the best choice.

When to Call a Professional

If pests from your firewood pile appear to be migrating into the home—or if you suspect termite or carpenter ant activity near structural wood—professional inspection is recommended. These issues are easiest to correct early, before moisture and wood conditions allow a bigger problem to develop.

Pestcom Pest Management can inspect firewood-related pest activity, identify the source, and recommend the right next steps to protect your home.