The Gross Reason You Should Avoid Stacking Firewood Against The Walls Of Your House

When you need to run outside and grab some firewood, it might seem ideal to have it stacked against your house. After all, you're trying to stay warm! But this is the last place you should be stacking it for very important reasons — one of which is pretty gross. Stacks of firewood make great shelters for insects and rodents, which can cause all kinds of issues. Instead of giving them an invitation, you should avoid this mistake that attracts pests to your home.

Insects like carpenter ants and termites love wood, and could be living in the cut pieces even before you stack them. By creating a pile against your house, you're putting your structure at risk of infestation. Termites will happily move from the logs to feeding on the wood of your home — and, as many know, getting rid of termites can be quite stressful, oftentimes requiring professional help.

They aren't the only things that could be living in your firewood pile either. Pests like beetles, spiders, and mice can take over too — so keeping it away from your home can help you avoid a headache later. Plus, you'd be avoiding a fire hazard as well. This is especially vital if you reside in an area that's at risk of wildfires, as embers could cause the pile to go up in flames, putting your property in danger.

Instead of stacking wood against the exterior of your home, it's recommended that your pile should be at least 30 feet away from the structure. While this might seem a little far, it's better than having a hotel for pests right outside your door. When creating the pile, make sure that it's off the ground, using things like pallets, racks, or cement blocks as the bottom layer. To help keep creatures at bay, rotate the wood and make sure that it's stacked loosely.

You should also cover the pile to ensure it's protected from the elements. A tarp can make a good cover, but just make sure to keep the sides open to allow air flow. If you want to get creative, you can even keep firewood dry in your yard with a DIY storage rack. Pick what works best for you when it comes to safely building a woodpile, just make sure it's not against your house. When unwanted guests like insects and rodents don't check into your residence, you'll be happy with the decision.