Firewood Storage Mistakes That Invite Termites & Ants Before Spring in Lake of the Ozark, MO

Homes around Lake of the Ozark face a unique challenge when winter ends. As temperatures rise and the soil warms up, termites and ants become active much earlier than many homeowners expect. One of the most common sources of early spring pest problems is firewood—especially when it’s stored incorrectly.

Firewood piles create the perfect hiding place for wood-destroying insects, and if they’re stacked too close to your home, pests can easily move into walls, crawlspaces, or decks. Understanding how firewood storage impacts pest activity is essential for lake-area homes.

Why Firewood Attracts Termites & Ants in Lake Homes

Because the Lake of the Ozark region stays humid even in winter, firewood often remains damp for long periods. This makes the woodpile an ideal habitat for termites and carpenter ants.

• Moisture: Lake humidity, melting snow, and winter rain keep firewood damp, attracting subterranean termites.
• Shelter: Stacked logs offer warmth, insulation, and dark hiding places.
• Direct soil contact: When firewood rests on dirt, termites can access it immediately.
• Natural decay: Rotting wood supports termite and ant colony expansion.

These conditions remain active even in late winter, making February and March high-risk months for wood-destroying insects.

Firewood Storage Mistakes Lake-Area Homeowners Commonly Make

1. Storing Firewood Against the House or Deck

Keeping wood next to the home provides a direct bridge for termites and carpenter ants. With many lake homes built on piers or decks, pests can easily access structural wood without being noticed.

2. Leaving Firewood on Bare Soil

Soil around the lake often holds moisture. When logs sit directly on the ground, termites can feed undetected from below.

3. Storing Firewood Under the Deck

Many lake homes have raised decks or boat docks with storage space underneath. While convenient, this creates a warm, sheltered area perfect for termite activity.

4. Keeping Too Much Wood for Too Long

Large piles remain untouched for months, giving Carpenter ants and termites time to nest and expand their colonies.

5. Allowing Logs to Stay Wet All Winter

Between lake humidity and winter precipitation, uncovered wood absorbs moisture. Damp logs attract pests faster than dry ones.

6. Ignoring Rotten or Damaged Logs

Termites prefer soft, decaying wood. Leaving rotten pieces in your stack encourages infestation.

Safe Firewood Storage Tips for Lake of the Ozark Homeowners

1. Keep Firewood at Least 20–30 Feet From the Home

Distance helps prevent termites and ants from bridging into the structure.

2. Elevate the Woodpile

Use racks, blocks, or pallets to keep wood off the ground and improve airflow.

3. Cover Only the Top of the Woodpile

Protect the wood from rain and snow while keeping moisture from being trapped inside.

4. Store Firewood Away From Decks, Boat Houses & Crawlspaces

These areas are highly vulnerable to hidden termite activity.

5. Rotate the Stack Regularly

Use older pieces first to prevent long-term pest nesting.

6. Bring in Only a Small Amount at a Time

Never store large quantities indoors—termites may emerge once the wood warms.

Signs Termites or Ants Are Moving From Firewood to Your Home

• Termite mud tubes near the foundation or deck posts
• Soft, hollow, or crumbling firewood
• Winged swarmers emerging on warm winter days
• Carpenter ants traveling along siding or dock beams
• Frass (wood shavings) around the woodpile

When to Call a Professional

Firewood-related pest problems can spread quickly—especially in lake homes with wooden support structures or elevated decks. If you notice insects in your woodpile or suspect movement toward your home, a professional inspection can prevent major damage.

Plank Termite & Pest Control provides reliable termite and ant prevention for homes throughout Lake of the Ozark, MO.

Call 573-368-3333 to schedule a firewood inspection or request spring pest protection today.