Storing firewood isn’t just about throwing logs into a pile. Doing it right keeps away pests, mold, and the headaches that come with them. Properly stored firewood also burns better, saving you time and trouble down the line. If you want to keep your home safe and your firewood clean, here’s how to avoid common pitfalls.
1. Pick the Right Spot
Location matters. If you stack your wood directly against your house, you’re inviting bugs and moisture issues to move right in. Place the pile a few feet away from walls to minimize pest problems. Choose a spot with decent drainage and sunlight, so the logs can naturally air out instead of sitting in damp conditions.
2. Keep It Off the Ground
Wood piles that sit on bare earth can soak up moisture and become a magnet for termites, ants, and other critters. Use pallets, bricks, or a proper firewood rack to elevate your logs. This setup lets air circulate underneath and prevents that bottom layer from rotting.
3. Stack Loosely
Tight stacking traps moisture, and that creates the perfect environment for mold. Space your logs so air can flow between them. If you have multiple rows, leave a gap of a few inches between each row. Good airflow speeds up the drying process and discourages fungus growth.
4. Cover the Top, Not the Sides
A tarp or piece of roofing can shield the top of your pile from rain or snow. But don’t wrap the wood entirely—doing so locks in moisture. Keep the sides open to let the wind and sun do their work. If you live in a particularly wet climate, consider a simple lean-to or a woodshed with open sides.
5. Use Seasoned Wood
Green or partially dried wood is a playground for mold. It’s also more appealing to bugs looking for a moist home. Aim to burn wood that’s been seasoned (dried) for at least six months—or invest in kiln-dried logs. When you buy or cut your own firewood, let it air out in the sun before stacking it long-term.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Routinely check your stack for signs of insects or rodent activity. If you see termites or carpenter ants, remove the infested logs immediately. Avoid spraying chemicals directly on the wood you plan to burn indoors. Instead, relocate that problem wood outside, away from the rest of the pile.
7. Keep Wood for Burning, Not Nesting
Firewood piles can become nesting grounds for small critters. Mice, rats, and snakes may move in if the wood is rarely disturbed. Rotate or restack occasionally. This habit breaks up any nesting attempts and gets older wood on top so you can burn it first.
8. Indoors vs. Outdoors
It might be tempting to store a large pile of wood inside for convenience, but it’s best to keep only what you’ll burn in the next couple of days. Storing big stacks indoors can introduce pests and lead to mold issues, especially if the wood isn’t fully dry. Bring in small amounts as needed and monitor for insects.
9. Routine Checks
A quick walk-around now and then can save a lot of trouble later. Look for mold spots, musty smells, or evidence of bugs. If you catch a minor issue early, you can move or isolate affected logs before the problem spreads.
Final Thoughts
Storing firewood safely is about controlling moisture and keeping pests at bay. Leave some breathing room, elevate your logs, and only cover the top. By giving your wood proper care, you’ll enjoy cleaner burns, fewer critters, and peace of mind knowing mold won’t be sneaking into your house. When you do bring logs indoors, keep the quantity small so you’re not hosting any unexpected guests or growing unwanted fungus.