There's something undeniably comforting about a crackling fire in December. In Metro Atlanta, where winter brings crisp mornings and chilly evenings, fireplaces quickly become the heart of the home. We stack firewood on the porch, bring in armfuls of logs, and enjoy the warmth that fills the room. It feels cozy, familiar, and harmless.
But that firewood stack outside your door—or the bundle you just carried into your living room—might be hiding a surprise.
Firewood is one of the most overlooked sources of winter pest issues for homeowners. Termites, carpenter ants, spiders, beetles, and wood-boring insects often use firewood as shelter, food, or a place to overwinter. Once inside, these pests can spread into structural wood, mantels, trim, and other vulnerable areas of your home.
If you're using a fireplace this winter, understanding the risks can help protect your home. And that's where BREDA Pest Management comes in.
This guide breaks down the most common firewood pests Atlanta GA homeowners should watch for, how they spread, and the steps you can take to keep your home safe, warm, and pest-free all season long.
Why Firewood Attracts Winter Pests
Firewood sits outdoors for weeks or months before it's ever burned. During that time, it becomes a natural habitat for pests seeking:
Warmth
Moisture
Shelter
A food source
Insects and rodents burrow into bark, hide in cracks, or tunnel beneath the outer layers of wood. When you bring logs inside, even for a short time, you may be unintentionally delivering these pests straight into the home.
Once indoors, they may migrate from the woodpile to:
Baseboards
Mantels
Window trim
Door frames
Attic joists
Built-in shelving
Hardwood floors
This is where small problems can grow into costly ones.
Homeowners often assume these pests die off once the wood dries or heats up, but many survive long enough to start exploring. This is why Atlanta indoor fireplace pest risks rise sharply in December and January.
The Most Common Firewood-Related Pests in Atlanta
Termites
Termites are rarely active on split firewood during hot summer months, but winter is a different story. Firewood stacked directly on the ground absorbs moisture, making it a perfect environment for termite colonies.
If termite-infested wood is brought too close to the home—or worse, stored indoors—the risk of spread increases dramatically. Termite prevention Atlanta winter is not just about treating the soil; it's about managing the materials you bring inside.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants don't eat wood the way termites do, but they tunnel through it to create nests. Firewood stored outdoors for long periods is an ideal target.
Once indoors, carpenter ants may move into soft or damp structural wood. Effective carpenter ant control Atlanta homes require begins with proper firewood handling and early detection.
Wood-Boring Beetles
Powderpost beetles, bark beetles, and longhorn beetles commonly infest firewood. They bore into logs and emerge indoors after warming up.
These pests are a major reason why searches for Atlanta GA wood-boring insect removal increase every winter.
Spiders
Spiders make their homes in stacked woodpiles, and winter firewood use brings them indoors. While most are harmless, no homeowner wants an unexpected guest crawling across the hearth.
Spiders also indicate other insect activity, since they tend to follow their food sources.
How Pests Spread From Firewood to the Home
It only takes one infested log to introduce a problem.
When firewood is stored too close to the house or left stacked against exterior walls, pests can easily bridge the gap and move into the foundation or crawl space. If firewood is brought indoors and left near the fireplace for days, pests can migrate into walls or trim.
This is why pest control for firewood storage Atlanta is such an important winter topic.
The most common pathways include:
Foundation cracks
Gaps under exterior doors
Warped siding
Chimney access points
Unsealed utility lines
Attic overhangs
Firewood baskets or decorative indoor storage
Homeowners often assume pests are coming from the outside—or even the attic—when the real source is the stack of logs beside the fireplace.
Indoor Fireplace Areas: A Prime Winter Hotspot for Pest Activity
Your fireplace mantel, built-ins, window casings, and decorative trim are all highly attractive to overwintering insects. These indoor wood structures offer warmth, darkness, and protection.
BREDA's Atlanta fireplace pest inspection process focuses not just on the firewood itself, but on the entire surrounding area.
When you schedule an inspection, BREDA will assess:
Termite or carpenter ant vulnerabilities
Wood-boring insect damage or exit holes
Moisture conditions attracting pests
Structural risks around mantels, trim, and built-ins
Chimney gaps or entry points
BREDA uses advanced technologies, including infrared cameras, to detect pest activity behind walls or inside trim.
These tools allow our technicians to identify hidden problems long before they become expensive repairs.
Safe Firewood Practices to Prevent Indoor Infestations
Managing firewood properly is a critical step in winter pest control Atlanta homeowners can implement immediately.
Here are the best winter practices to reduce the risk of pests entering your home:
Store Wood 20-30 Feet Away
Keeping wood piles at least 20-30 feet from the house prevents pests from moving directly from the woodpile into your foundation or siding.
Keep Firewood Off the Ground
A firewood rack prevents moisture buildup and makes the wood less hospitable for termites and carpenter ants.
Bring In Only What You Plan to Burn
Never store firewood inside for days at a time, even in the garage or mudroom. Indoor wood storage is one of the biggest contributors to Atlanta indoor fireplace pest risks.
Burn Older Wood First
Seasoned, dry wood attracts fewer insects. It's less likely to harbor pests and burns more cleanly.
Inspect Every Log
Before carrying wood indoors, knock pieces together to shake out hidden insects. Look for small holes, sawdust-like frass, or soft spots that indicate pest activity.
When to Schedule a BREDA Inspection
You should consider calling BREDA if you notice:
Tiny holes in stored firewood
Sawdust piles near the hearth
Carpenter ants emerging from wood baskets
Beetles on walls or windows near the fireplace
Soft or damaged wood around mantels or trim
Unusual scratching sounds in nearby walls
Spiders consistently appearing near the hearth
These signs often point to firewood-related pest activity.
BREDA is widely known for best Atlanta pest inspection services for wood structures, especially during the winter months. With advanced training and industry-leading tools, BREDA technicians can identify early signs of damage and provide clear, proactive solutions.
Why BREDA Is the Right Choice for Fireplace and Winter Pest Concerns
BREDA Pest Management is trusted by Atlanta homeowners because our methods are precise, technology-driven, and designed to protect homes long-term.
When you choose BREDA for Atlanta home pest control for termites and ants, you receive:
Infrared camera inspections that detect hidden activity
Moisture assessments around wood structures
Customized pest prevention plans
Family-friendly treatment options
Expertise in invasive and overwintering wood pests
Clear explanations and actionable recommendations
BREDA's approach is built on accuracy, prevention, and homeowner education. Our inspection process helps you understand exactly what's happening around your fireplace and indoor wood structures, and how to stop small problems from becoming larger ones.
Make This a Warm, Safe, and Pest-Free Winter
December is the perfect month for cozy fires, but it's also peak season for firewood-related pest issues. With the right storage habits and a trusted pest control partner, you can enjoy your fireplace without worrying about what might be hiding in the next log you bring indoors.
If you want peace of mind about your indoor fireplace setup or wood storage habits, BREDA is here to help. A warm home is one of the best parts of winter. Make sure it stays welcoming for your family—and not for pests.
If you're tired of wondering what the pests in or around your home are doing and just want them gone, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to protect your home and keep it protected—no matter the circumstances. Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
