Firewood Storage Mistakes That Invite Termites & Ants Before Spring in Rolla, MO

Winter in Rolla brings cold nights and plenty of firewood use. But as temperatures begin to warm before spring, improper firewood storage can create the perfect bridge for termites and ants to reach your home. These pests thrive in woodpiles—especially when they stay damp, stacked too close to the house, or left untouched for long periods.

Understanding the most common firewood storage mistakes can help you protect your home from early-season pest activity.

Why Firewood Attracts Termites & Ants

Woodpiles provide everything termites and ants love: food, moisture, cover, and stable shelter. As conditions warm up, pests become more active and often migrate from firewood to the structure of your home.

• Moisture: Wet logs create ideal conditions for termites and carpenter ants.
• Wood-to-ground contact: Termites easily enter logs directly from the soil.
• Lack of disturbance: Stacked firewood is rarely moved, allowing colonies to grow unnoticed.

These factors make firewood one of the most common — and overlooked — pest attractants before spring in Rolla.

Firewood Storage Mistakes That Invite Pests

1. Storing Firewood Directly Against the Home

This is the most dangerous mistake. When wood touches the house, it gives termites and ants a direct pathway indoors. Foundation cracks and siding gaps make it even easier for pests to gain access.

2. Stacking Wood Directly on the Ground

Wood stored on soil absorbs moisture and creates a perfect habitat for termites. Even dry wood can become infested if left on the ground through winter.

3. Keeping Firewood Too Close to the Entry Door

Many Rolla homeowners stack firewood near porches or entry doors for convenience. Unfortunately, this makes it easier for ants to crawl indoors, especially as temperatures warm.

4. Leaving Wood Uncovered All Winter

Rain, snow, and freeze–thaw cycles cause logs to stay damp well into spring, attracting subterranean termites and moisture-loving ants.

5. Storing Too Much Wood at Once

Large piles remain untouched for months, giving pests time to build colonies. Smaller, rotated piles are safer and easier to inspect.

6. Not Removing Old, Rotten Logs

Rotting wood is a magnet for termites. Leaving decaying logs in the pile increases the risk of infestation spreading to your home.

How to Store Firewood Safely in Rolla, MO

With proper practices, you can enjoy your firewood without inviting pests into your home.

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

This greatly reduces the chance that termites or ants migrate into the structure.

2. Elevate the Woodpile

Use a firewood rack, pallets, or concrete blocks to keep logs off the soil. This improves airflow and reduces moisture.

3. Cover Only the Top of the Firewood

A partial cover protects wood from snow and rain but still allows ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

4. Rotate and Inspect Your Firewood

Use older logs first and periodically shift the stack. Moving the pile discourages pest colonization.

5. Store Only What You Need for the Season

Keeping smaller amounts reduces the time wood sits untouched and lowers the risk of termites and ants nesting.

6. Keep Porch or Indoor Wood to a Minimum

Bring in small amounts of wood at a time—never store large quantities indoors.

Signs Termites or Ants Are Moving From Firewood to Your Home

• Ant trails leading from woodpiles toward the home
• Wood dust, frass, or hollow-sounding logs
• Winged ants or termite swarmers near windows or doors
• Moisture-damaged or weakened firewood
• Mud tubes near foundation walls

When to Call a Professional

If you notice activity around your firewood—or signs that pests are migrating toward your home—it’s important to schedule an inspection before spring brings a full infestation. Termites especially can cause structural damage quickly once they access the home.

Plank Termite & Pest Control provides year-round termite and ant prevention for Rolla, MO homeowners.

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