Termites have a reputation for eating wooden furniture, support beams, wallpaper, and other items that contain cellulose. For this reason, it's recommended for homeowners to invest in termite control to prevent major property damage. However, these pests can also be drawn to your outdoor spaces—especially any stacks of firewood leaning against your house. Here's a guide to help you keep termites away from your home's firewood supply. 

What Should You Do if Termites Have Infiltrated Your Firewood?

To determine if termites have made their way into your firewood, tap on the logs to see if they feel hollow. You might also hear a clicking sound as the pests consume your firewood. Mud tunnels on the ground are other common signs of termite activity, as the insects build the structures and use them as passageways to get to and from their food source without detection. If you notice any of these signs of pest activity, look inside the house as well to see if the infestation has spread. 

A termite control provider can help you eliminate the infestation. The professional will first relocate the infected wood. The logs can either be disposed of or put in a wooded area away from your property. The insects will then gravitate to other food sources, such as nearby fallen branches. After the firewood is gone, the exterminator will conduct a termite treatment on the soil. This will eliminate any of the insects traveling underground. 

How Can You Prevent Future Problems?

Making adjustments to how you currently store firewood should help you avoid future termite infestations. First, chop damp logs into smaller pieces to expedite the drying process. Since termites breed in cool, damp places, they'll be less attracted to dry wood. Next, stack the wood on top of a metal, brick, or cinder block platform. Termites won't eat these materials, and it will be hard for them to reach the elevated piles of wood. 

To be on the safe side, you should still store the wood away from the house and other buildings. You can also put a black plastic tarp over the wood. Sun shining down on the plastic will heat the material, which will keep the firewood underneath dry and pest-free.

If you suspect you have a termite infestation, contact the professionals at Cox Termite & Pest Control in Savannah, GA, for help. In addition to termite control, the crew will also keep roaches, ants, fleas, rodents, and bed bugs away from your property. Learn more about how the team will assist you online, and call (912) 236-2503 for an appointment.