Firewood stacked near your home is an open invitation for a number of pests. It's one of the most common pest control mistakes homeowners in Midlothian, Prosper, and throughout North Texas make—often without realizing it.
When it's cold outside and we're using our fireplaces, we understandably want convenient access to our firewood. Nobody wants to trek across the yard in freezing temperatures to grab a few logs. Stacking wood next to the house, on the porch, or against an exterior wall just makes sense during the winter months.
But as a long-term solution? That firewood needs to be kept at a distance.
Why Firewood Attracts Pests
Stacked firewood creates the perfect habitat for a wide variety of pests. The logs provide shelter, moisture, and hiding spots that insects and rodents find irresistible.
Common pests that make their homes in firewood include:
- Termites
- Carpenter ants
- Spiders
- Beetles and borers
- Roaches
- Mice and rats
- Scorpions
Once these pests have established themselves in the firewood pile next to your house, the next step is predictable: they make their way inside your home. That exterior wall they're stacked against? It has cracks, gaps, and entry points. The warmth radiating from your house during cold weather draws them in even faster.
What started as a convenient place to store firewood becomes a superhighway for pests directly into your living space.
The Simple Fix
If you want to help control the pest population within your home this year, don't leave firewood stacked next to your house any longer than necessary.
During the coldest months when you're actively using your fireplace, keeping a small amount nearby for convenience is understandable. But as soon as it starts to warm up and you're done using the fireplace for the season, get that wood moved.
The recommended distance is at least 20 feet from your home, and the wood should be elevated off the ground if possible. This simple change removes a major pest attraction from your home's immediate perimeter.
For homeowners across Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Prosper, spring is the perfect time to relocate that firewood stack. The weather is warming up, fireplace season is ending, and pests are becoming more active. Don't give them a launching pad right next to your front door.
Prevention Is Easier Than Treatment
Dealing with a termite infestation or carpenter ant colony is expensive and stressful. Preventing them from getting established in the first place is much easier. Something as simple as where you store your firewood can make a significant difference in your home's pest pressure throughout the year.
Watch the video below to learn more about why firewood storage matters for pest prevention.
For professional pest control in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
