How To Deal with Termites in Wood

Termites can hollow out firewood fast—store logs properly to prevent infestations.

A close-up look at termites at work

Silent assassins, destroyers, or tiny wood killers are some of the less-than-affectionate nicknames we’ve given termites. While relatively harmless on their own, colonies, which often run into the potential millions, can destroy everything in their path. Floorboards, flooring, furniture, and even that firewood you planned to use aren't safe from these indiscriminate wood eaters. Read on to learn more about dealing with termites in firewood - recognise the signs they’re around, how you can eliminate a colony, and ways to prevent future invasions.

Why Do I See Termites in Wood?

Termites feed on cellulose, which is a nutrient found in wood. They're also drawn to moisture, so if you get your wood damp, you've unknowingly invited hungry termites for a feast. While wood is sustenance for termites, they also need moisture to survive and can't easily reach wood that's kept off the ground, away from soil. That's why firewood directly on the ground is tempting for these tiny timber chompers. This article provides insights into storing firewood correctly to avoid this very issue.

What Termites Are Found in Wood?

North America is home to two types of termites: subterranean and dry wood. While both can cause insurmountable wreckage to your home and property, they inhabit different areas of the country and use different tactics to consume wood. Subterranean Termites The subterranean species are common household pests. Although not considered dangerous, an unchecked invasion can cause substantial damage. You'll know that a subterranean colony is present if you observe mud tunnels near or inside your firewood. These tunnels, which are dug underground, can span 150 feet from the colony to the food source. These insects devour wood quickly, leaving minimal evidence of their invasion. Typically, you'll only find these fast-working insects inside wood pieces connected to the soil, making it essential to keep wood stacks out of the way. Dry Wood Termites On the other hand, dry wood termites in firewood obtain all the necessary nutrients from wood and, requiring minimal moisture to survive, pose a larger threat than their counterparts. While known to consume wooden household structures, such as frames, floors, and furniture, no type of wood is safe from either species' destructive gnawing. These crafty creatures can navigate effortlessly through the tiniest crevices and wood surfaces.

Termite Colonies: Appearance and Function

Termites are fascinating and hardworking creatures, with colonies classified into four castes: the queen, soldiers, workers, and swarmers. Queen

At the top of the hierarchy, the queen's responsible for producing babies. She's roughly the size of a garden slug and much bigger than the rest of her colony. You may encounter her if you uncover a termite mound.

Worker Termites You're most likely to see working termites in the "wild". With their pale, featureless torso, they vaguely resemble larvae, but lack the same antennae and six legs.

Though unimpressive to look at, they keep the colony afloat, gathering food while caring for the queen and her eggs.

Soldier Termites

Aptly named, soldier termites protect the nest against potential threats, namely ants and other insects. These colony members are equipped with large heads and fierce-looking mandibles to fight their enemies. Swarmers

The swarmers are commonly mistaken for flying ants due to their four large wings on their backs, which are twice the size of their tiny bodies. Their colouring ranges from brown to black. Only seen at certain times of the year, swarmers are the reproductive members of their colonies. Their primary purpose is to expand the termite population. They do this by leaving the colony once it reaches total capacity to find a new mate and start a new colony.

What Are the Differences Between Termites and Common Ants?

Termites are often confused with ants, which is problematic because termites cause significantly more damage than ant colonies. These are the principal differences between the two insects. Colouring: While the colouring of the different subspecies of termites varies, they are generally lighter than ants. Remember that 'white ants’ don’t exist, so if you spot one with a strange, pale complexion, you've likely spotted a ‘worker’ termite instead.

Antenna: If the insects you observe have straight antennae, you may encounter a termite colony. On closer inspection, ants have bent antennae, differentiating them from termites.

Abdomen: Ants have a narrow abdomen, while termites are broader around the middle. Wings: Both winged ants and swarmer have the same number of wings. However, winged ants have different wing sizes, with one pair noticeably smaller than the other. Swarmer termites have both sets of wings that are the same size.

Signs That Termites Have Been in Your Firewood How can you tell if you have a termite infestation? If you're asking because you suspect you have termites, it could well be too late. Termites work silently and quickly, leaving few traces of their handiwork until the damage is advanced. However, these are the signs you can monitor for.

Damaged Wood Termites eat from the inside out, making it challenging to detect them until there's advanced damage. Tap on a piece of wood or material to test for an invasion. If it's hollow, termites are likely present! Mud Tubes Termites, specifically subterranean termites, construct mud tubes connecting their colony to their food sources, typically wood structures.  These mud tubes can be recognised as cracks in wood and the nearby ground. To determine the presence of termites, examine your wood and scout for mud tubes - these can extend for several feet. However, several creatures - like beetles and ants - create similar mud mounds and constructions, so for a clearer indication of termites, you'll have to open up the wood for a closer look. Presence of Flying Termites (Termite Swarmers) Swarmers leave the nest searching for a mate to form a new colony. Observing these creatures or finding their discarded wings shows that termites are present in large numbers. This is a cause for concern. A possible termite infestation is now well-established. Professional assistance may be required to address the issue. Frass Frass is what termites leave behind after tunnelling and eating wood. While it's indeed faecal matter, those unfamiliar with the signs may mistake it for wood shavings due to its delicate and powdery texture. Clicking Termites may be silent workers, but they're loud eaters! Place your ear near your firewood, and if you hear a distinct clicking sound, these may be worker termites churning through the wood.

Interestingly, soldier termites also make noises, not out of satisfaction with consuming food, but if threatened. Depending on the species, they might bang their heads against wood or vibrate their bodies as a defense tactic against detected danger. Hearing the distinctive sounds of munching, vibrations, or head banging? It's time to inspect your wood and consider pest control options. What Should I Do if I Find Termites in Firewood?

Finding termites in your firewood can feel like a disaster, but are they such a huge threat? The answer depends on the scenario - termites aren't nearly as indestructible as we often give them credit for. In cut firewood, for example, a group of termites can't survive long. Separated from their underground colony and without access to water, they may eventually die naturally. However, err on the side of caution to prevent a widespread breakout in your home. Avoid making these common mistakes when handling firewood. Don't Store Firewood Inside It might be time to reconsider if you store firewood inside your home. Wood is a natural food source and shelter for many bugs, including the dreaded termite. Bringing home an infested wood bundle may cause a multi-insect home invasion, not just of termites. To avoid this, keep your firewood outside, well away from entryways to your home, and only bring it in if you plan to burn it straight away. If you have termite wood to burn, consider using it for an outdoor bonfire. Don't Use Old Wood Old firewood may be damp or waterlogged by rainfall or snow, attracting termites. If your wood has passed its prime, discard it rather than risk using it. How Do I Prevent Termites in Wood?

These valuable tips and tricks prevent the potentially devastating consequences of termite-riddled wood. Elevate Your Wood I can't stress this enough: The risk of finding termites in your firewood increases if you store it in piles on the ground, with access to moist soil. Avoid Stacking Your Wood Against Your House Or Other Buildings  Elevating your firewood might not be enough to prevent a frenzied attack committed by termites. Another mistake is resting wood against the walls, offering termites easy access to your home. Chop Your Wood Into Smaller Pieces Moist and shaded areas are breeding grounds for various pests, including termites. If your wood is damp, chop it into smaller lengths for quicker drying. To further aid drying and prevent moisture buildup, leave spaces between the wood when stacking. Throw Away Damp Wood  If your wood is damp and won't dry, it's better to throw it away than try to use it. As we've said, various bugs thrive and breed in moist, dank, and dark areas. Store Your Firewood Off The Ground Place your firewood atop bricks, cinder blocks, or similar sturdy materials, roughly 15 centimetres above the ground. Signs That Your Termite Infestation Is Spreading The risk of termites spreading using infested firewood is low but not zero. Here's how you can identify their presence in your home. Stuck Windows and Doors People may overlook the signs of termite-infested wood, attributing warped wooden structures - like window and door frames- on age or weather. However, dry wood termites tend to trap moisture through tunnelling and eating, resulting in swelling or misshapen wooden structures. Peeling And Bubbled Wall Paint Bubbling or blistering paint is another sign of termite damage from extensive tunneling. Hollow-Sounding Wood Knock on your home's walls, doors, floorboards, and other solid woodwork. A hollow echo instead of a firm thud could indicate severe termite damage. Have this checked out immediately for peace of mind! What Are the Best Ways to Alleviate a Termite Problem? What are your next steps if you discover termites? There are various ways to address the situation, with options ranging from humane methods that encourage relocation to eco-friendly killing methods. As a last resort, strong chemicals, when handled responsibly, may be used for extermination. If in doubt, call up the pest control for assistance! No-Kill Methods for Displacing Termites Read on for ideas on techniques to ward off termites without harming them. Remove the Food Source: The best line of defence against termites is to remove their food source, which, as we've discussed, includes keeping wood off the ground, away from walls, and discarding seasoned wood.  Rely on Sunlight: Termites live in darkness, so sunlight can sometimes serve as a natural deterrent. Consider leaving firewood bundles in direct sunlight. After a couple of days, the colony will likely clear off in search of a more appropriate dwelling. If natural sunlight isn't available, try artificial lighting instead. Remove Mulch: While mulch containing wood may enrich your soil, it will also attract hordes of termites. Opt for wood-free alternatives of mulch instead - for instance, leaves or rubber.

Utilise Physical Barriers: Installing physical barriers is another non-toxic method for reducing unwanted pests. With its weight and density, crushed granite is popularly used to block a termite's passageway. Non-Toxic Methods To Remove Termites Store-bought chemicals or pesticides might effectively eliminate your termite infestation. Still, they pose serious health and safety concerns - from skin irritations to accidental poisoning, especially for young children and animals. Use these affordable DIY techniques and household items to combat your termite problem while keeping your family safe. Salt Fill a jar with equal parts water and salt. Then, fill a syringe with the salty water and squirt the solution into the affected areas. The salty fluid can destroy singular termites on contact. However, it's unlikely to reach deep within colonies. The liquid by itself might not be enough to eliminate your termite problem. Additionally, the homemade solution can cause much damage since the mineral is harsh on wood, the material you hope to save from a termite attack! Borates Typically used to produce washing detergents, borates contain harmful ingredients for termites. Opt to sprinkle the powder at the infected site or mix the powder with water and spray. For optimal effectiveness, reapply regularly every couple of months or until your termites disappear. While efficient in pest removal, treating your termite problem using borates isn't wholly safe, nor the best solution for all cases. Health issues can arise if ingested or inhaled, so wear gloves when handling borates. Beneficial Nematodes Harmless to humans, nematodes are microscopic worms that are natural predators of various garden pests, including termites. A nematode will target and enter a host, i.e., a termite, take over its body, and release toxins to kill it before using the carcass to reproduce, creating more tiny insect-killing helpers to remove unwanted pests in the future. It's a little gross but effective! Nematodes can be bought at most garden supply stores. However, please note that UV rays harm nematodes, so releasing them in the soil at dawn or dusk is best. Wet Cardboard  Termites are drawn to two things: water and cellulose. Lure them out by wetting cardboard with water and leaving pieces lying around.  Soon enough, you'll find termites feeding on the soggy cardboard. Once you've collected a small army of the species, burn the cardboard and repeat the process. What Are the Best Pesticides to Use on Termites? While there are various types of pesticides to combat your termite problem effectively, they should be handled with care. If you’re unsure about their correct application or concerned about using them around children or pets, consider using safer, non-toxic alternatives. Better yet, consider reaching out to professionals for the best resolution. Do you feel confident about handling pesticides? Read on for the most effective chemical solutions to eradicate your bug problem. Chemical Termite Barriers A termite barrier is a treated zone - applied to soil or around your home's foundation - that disrupts a termite's natural path and prevents them from accessing their colony. Without this access, a singular termite won't last too long. There are two ways that termites are impacted by the barrier: by direct contact, which kills them instantly, or indirectly, where the poison spreads through the colony. Three common chemicals within termite barriers include Fipronil, Imidacloprid, and Bifenthrin. While effective, when ingested, the side effects are harmful. As always, take care while handling the product and carefully follow the instructions. Termite Baiting Termite baits combine materials that attract termites, such as paper, cellulose pellets, wood flakes or cardboard, with slow-release insecticides. For bait to be effective and enticing to termites, you'll need to use the correct bait materials, which may include materials found in nature, like tree stumps or wood. Using a slow-acting pesticide rather than one that works quickly is also crucial, as leaving behind dead or dying termites will only deter other colony members from 'taking the bait', so to speak. Unlike traditional chemical barriers, small amounts can wipe out an entire termite population. This targeted approach reduces pesticides released into the soil and their impact on non-targeted organisms. When to Call in the Professionals Advanced termite infestations are often detected when the damage has been done. DIY projects are unlikely to be effective at this late stage and could worsen the situation. Depending on the severity of your infestation, a pest control company may employ a combination of techniques to eliminate these pests from your yard and property. However, for severe infestations, fumigation might be necessary. Termite or structural fumigation involves encasing your property with a tent and releasing professional-grade gas in the space. These gases penetrate deeply into cracks and areas where insects like to hide. Please note that fumigation is not a DIY project and should only be administered by licensed pest experts. Recap: What to Do With Termite-infested Wood Termites aren't your typical pests. To remove them, especially an entire colony, is exceptionally challenging. Our article discussed a wide variety of things, including the following. Termites love water and wood, and the two combined are kryptonite for these tiny yet highly destructive creatures. Damp or improperly stored wood provides them with the ideal breeding ground. Prevent an infestation by storing firewood in dry, well-ventilated environments inaccessible to termites. Termites are tricky to distinguish from other insects, particularly ants. However, the two species' key features include differently shaped antennae, colouring, abdomen, and more. How can you tell if termites have invaded your firewood? Telltale signs include mud tunnels, hollowed wood, the presence of swarmers ( the winged variation of termites), termite droppings (frass), and audible clicking sounds. Finally, there are various ways to remove termites, including incorporating physical barriers using non-toxic methods to eliminate colonies and pesticides. A combination of techniques may be used to remove the unwanted pests successfully.