Winter in Colorado is all about fires and decorations, but it also brings house intruders. When homeowners across the state bring in firewood, unpack their holiday décor, or tap into the outdoor grill, they unknowingly roll out the welcome mat for beetles, spiders, rodents, and other pests. This is an ideal shelter and a means of transport for creatures seeking warmth.
Pest control companies see a marked increase in calls during the colder months across the Front Range from Denver south to Colorado Springs, with many directly associated with the materials we bring inside, such as yards of mulch. Of course, if unexpected critters are breaking the peace of your season, expert pest control can pinpoint the culprit and help get rid of pests in Colorado Springs.
How Stored Firewood and Decorations Bring Pests Into Colorado Homes?
Firewood: Your House’s Pest Highway
Firewood, in itself, is a portable ecosystem. Stacked logs provide shelter for bark beetles, wood-boring insects, spiders, and even small rodents. More than 75 species of wood-boring beetles are present across Colorado, most of which infest firewood, according to Colorado State University Extension.
If you are bringing logs in, you are bringing their entire environment with you. Believe it or not, the warmth in your home can actually speed up the life cycle of those dormant insects, making their way out faster than they would outside.
Holiday Decorations: Forgotten Pest Motels
You know that box of decorations you have sitting in the garage or the attic all year? A hot spot for spiders, silverfish, and mice. Brown recluse spiders and black widows—both of which can be found in Colorado—are attracted to dark, quiet places.
Rodents then chew through boxes to nest in soft materials, such as fabric garlands and wreaths. According to the Denver Department of Public Health, complaints about rodents rise by about 30% during the fall and winter months, often due to people reaching into storage areas.
The Problem With Bringing Firewood Inside “Just to Dry”
One common practice among Colorado homeowners is to store firewood indoors in order to season the wood with climate-controlled air prior to burning. It sounds reasonable — dry timber catches fire faster.
The problem? You are making a nice warm home for pests. The little bugs were hibernating in the freezing temperatures outdoors but awakening to your home’s heat. For instance, powderpost beetles, carpenter ants, and termites can hatch out several days or even weeks after you bring the wood inside. They do not just stick to the woodpile when your pet pests are not being kept in your backyard.
The problem is that once you do find an infestation, it is already well established. Although it is temporarily convenient to stack firewood under a porch, the local insect residents will make sure that outdoor pests will either infest a home or become problematic to the homeowner, with pest control charges greatly exceeding the value of the firewood.
A Smart Winter Defense for Colorado Homes
When it comes to protecting your home, the best defense is a multi-layered approach. Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from the foundation of the house and above ground level. Bring just what you will burn within 1 — 2 days max. Check each log before bringing it inside — any exit holes, sawdust, or visible insects? When it comes to decorations for the holidays, replace the cardboard boxes that roaches can chew through with sealed containers made of plastic.
Saela Pest Control has served thousands of Colorado homeowners when it comes to seasonal pest prevention. They know the unique challenges presented by the state, as well as the types of pests native to the area. They can assess points of entry into your home, treat areas where pests commonly hide, and provide a tailored barrier that keeps insects and rodents where they belong — outside.