Hints from Heloise

Dear readers: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, there’s a good chance you have some logs stacked outside, and there’s also a very good chance that there are bugs among them. Here are steps you can take to keep bugs out:

“Keep the wood outside in the cold until you’re ready to burn it. Many insects that lay dormant in the cold suddenly spring to life when they enter your nice, warm home. So it’s best to toss the logs right on the fire when you bring them in the house.

“Also, store cut wood in loose stacks away from the house, off the ground and under cover to keep it dry. If you use a tarp, make sure there’s space between the tarp and the wood for air circulation.

“Firewood also can be stored in a sealed box or container, so long as you spray the container with insecticide and let it dry thoroughly before putting the wood inside.

“Never spray the wood itself. When burned, pesticides can release poisonous gases. – Heloise