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There’s nothing quite like the cozy crackle of a fire, whether you’re relaxing around the backyard fire pit after a long summer day or warming up by your wood stove on a chilly Tennessee night. Fires have a way of bringing people together and slowing things down in the best way. But if you’re not careful with how you store your firewood, you could be inviting a few unwelcome guests to the party—like termites, spiders, or even rodents.
Let’s break down how to store firewood safely, so you can enjoy those flames without worrying about bugs tagging along.
Why Do Bugs Love Firewood So Much?
Firewood might look like just a pile of wood to us, but to many pests, it’s the perfect home—or worse, a buffet.
Shelter: Bugs love the small spaces and crevices in stacked firewood. It’s the ideal place to nest, lay eggs, and hide out. Spiders, ants, beetles, and even mice think it’s paradise.
Food: Some pests—like termites and wood-boring beetles—see your firewood as dinner. If it’s unprotected, they’ll happily dig in.
Moisture: Damp wood attracts moisture-loving insects like termites and earwigs. If your wood sits outside and soaks up rain or dew, you might be giving pests the perfect place to settle.
Best Practices for Firewood Storage
Here’s how to keep your firewood pile from turning into a pest resort:
Keep It at a Distance
We get it—you don’t want to walk too far for wood on a cold night. But stacking firewood right up against your house, garage, or shed is like rolling out a welcome mat for pests. If bugs or rodents move into the wood, it’s only a short trip to sneak into your home.
Pro tip: Keep your firewood at least 20 feet away from your home or any structures. Further is even better, if you can manage it.
Elevate That Stack
Firewood sitting directly on the ground is easy pickings for bugs that live in the soil, especially termites. Since termites don’t love being out in the open, they’ll go straight from the dirt into your stack if it’s in contact with the ground.
Stack firewood at least 6–12 inches off the ground using a firewood rack, concrete blocks, or treated pallets.
Give It Space
Don’t crowd your firewood up against anything—fences, sheds, even trees. Keeping a bit of open space around your pile helps reduce hiding spots and prevents pests from using nearby structures as a bridge into your home.
How to Stack Firewood to Deter Bugs
Yes, how you stack your firewood actually matters. Here’s how to do it right:
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Stack it loosely to allow air to flow (this helps dry it out and discourages bugs).
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Always use a sturdy rack—never stack directly on the ground.
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Rotate your logs—use older wood first to keep pests from settling in.
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Avoid stacking wood under low-hanging branches or in thick vegetation.
More Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your Firewood
Want to be extra safe? Add these simple habits to your routine:
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Only bring inside what you plan to burn right away.
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Give logs a good shake or knock to remove dirt or hitchhiking insects.
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Store firewood in a dry, covered area like a woodshed or under a vented tarp.
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Never spray bug spray on your firewood; they can release harmful fumes when burned.
Common Firewood Pests to Watch Out For
Here are a few critters you might find hiding out in your firewood:
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Termites: Love eating wood. Enough said.
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Carpenter Ants: Don’t eat the wood, but they’ll tunnel through it to build their nests.
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Spiders: Love a quiet, dark spot to build webs and lie in wait.
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Rodents: Like to make cozy nests in firewood stacks.
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Earwigs & Centipedes: Prefer moist, shady hiding spots between logs.
Can You Store Firewood Indoors?
Tempting, we know. Especially when it’s freezing outside. But indoor firewood storage comes with risks.
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Only bring in a small amount—just enough for your fire that evening.
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Avoid large indoor stacks that sit for days or weeks.
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Use a container or rack to keep it off the floor and contained.
Signs of a Pest Problem in Your Firewood
Before you carry in that log, take a quick look for these signs of trouble:
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Crumbly or hollow logs → might mean termites.
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Tiny holes or sawdust piles → likely beetles.
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Droppings, webs, or tunnels → rodents or spiders may be present.
If you notice any of these, it’s safest to burn the log quickly or discard it outside, well away from your house.
When to Call in the Pest Experts
If you’re seeing pest activity around your firewood, or worse, signs they’ve made their way into your home, it’s a smart move to call in a professional. Some pests, like termites or carpenter ants, can cause serious damage if left unchecked, which is why we offer several home pest control plans. From Perimeter Plus to Complete Care, we've got you covered!
All-American Pest Control can help identify what you’re dealing with and give you expert advice on next steps. We’re here to help you protect your home, your family, and yes—even your firewood pile.
Let’s Keep the Pests Outside
Grabbing a few logs shouldn’t come with a side of bugs. If you want to make sure your firewood is stored right, and your home is protected from any sneaky pests, get in touch with our team. We’ll take a look, answer your questions, and help you enjoy those cozy fires—pest-free.
Contact All-American Pest Control for a free home evaluation.
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Gladeville, Laguardo, Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Norene, Rural Hill, Statesville, Tuckers Crossroads, Watertown, Green Hill, Greenvale, Belinda City, Harbor View, Indian Lake Farms, Hurricane, Langford Farms, Beckwidth, Old Hickory, Mount Juliet City Center, Lakewood, Cedar Creek, and the entire Greater Nashville area.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule online!