Many people heat their homes partially or completely with firewood. Using wood stoves and other implements to heat your house can save you on your energy costs, but there are some worries that go along with this home heating method. Some homeowners wonder whether they may inadvertently bring termites into the home and suddenly require termite service when they carry in the firewood for the fire.

Subterranean Termites Live in Ground

But this worry is not something to lose sleep over. That's because subterranean termites live in the ground. When they get away from their home in the soil they cannot survive. If any termites are trapped in the firewood you bring into the house, they won't be capable of survival because they can't reproduce without the queen of the colony. Even so, it is not a good idea to store firewood inside because other bugs like ants and beetles can come in with the wood. Only bring in what you are ready to use at that time.

Outside Storage of Firewood

To reduce the risk of inviting termites into your home, store your wood pile away from the house. Some people stack their wood piles next to an outside wall of the home because it is a convenient place for storage and allows easy access when they run outside to grab another bundle. The trouble is that storing the pile right next to the house may invite termites wandering through the pile to discover the house itself and gain access.

Store your wood piles away from the house. There is little risk of termite infestation from your firewood if you store it at a distance from the home. Even firewood that gets infested most likely will not cause a problem inside, since any trapped termites will die inside.