November 2025 - Magazine - Page 18
Mi n i str i es
OUT of TIME
Places you sHouldn9t store Firewood
Storing firewood sounds simple until you realize how many places make the problem worse.
Moisture, pests, and airflow all play a part in how your firewood holds up4and stacking it in
the wrong spot can ruin a whole season9s worth.
If you want wood that burns clean, safely, and efficiently, you9ve got to be smart about
where it lives. Here are the spots you need to avoid, no matter how convenient they seem.
Right Against the House
It might seem handy to keep firewood
stacked right outside the back door,
but it9s a magnet for termites, ants, and
other pests. Once they9re in the pile, it9s
only a short trip into your walls. Stacking
wood directly against the house also
limits airflow, which keeps it from drying
out properly.
If you want it close, give it a little
breathing room. Leave at least a few
inches between the stack and any siding, and always keep it off the ground.
Inside the House (Long-Term)
Bringing in a couple logs for the night is fine, but long-term indoor storage is asking for trouble. Firewood carries bugs, mold spores, and moisture4even when it looks dry. The longer it
sits inside, the more time pests have to spread.
Only bring in what you9re going to burn in the next day or two. Keep the rest outside where
it can breathe and continue seasoning.
