"No Bugs in My Firewood!" — Think Again. What You Should Know Before You Buy in Northeast Ohio
- Michelle Persolja
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
The Truth About Bugs in Firewood: Why Claiming Bug-Free Doesn’t Actually Mean Pest-Free
If you’ve been shopping for firewood locally, you’ve probably seen sellers promising “no bugs” or “bug-free wood.” Sounds perfect, right? Who wants creepy crawlers in their firewood? But here’s the truth — unless firewood is heat-treated, there’s no way to guarantee it’s completely pest-free. Even the best naturally seasoned wood can harbor insects, eggs, or fungi you won’t see from the outside.
Here’s what every homeowner should know about bugs in firewood — and why the “no bugs” claim can be misleading.
What “Seasoned” Really Means
Naturally seasoned firewood is air-dried over time, typically for 6–12 months or more, depending on the species and size of the logs. This process lowers the wood’s moisture content, making it burn hotter and more efficiently.
However, seasoning only affects moisture. It does not eliminate insects, larvae, mold, or fungi hiding inside the wood. Bugs like ants, beetles, or termites can survive inside the wood or under bark. Eggs and larvae can remain dormant until conditions are right. So even if the wood looks clean on the outside, it may still harbor tiny residents.
The Problem with “No Bugs” Claims
Many local sellers advertise their firewood as “bug-free.” While well-intentioned, this can be misleading. Just because a piece of wood looks clean doesn’t mean it’s free of pests. Visual inspection is limited — insects, eggs, and fungi can be invisible to the naked eye, hiding under bark or deep inside the log.
Marketing “no bugs” can create unrealistic expectations for customers. Understanding what’s realistic helps homeowners store and burn their wood safely, without frustration.
What Actually Kills Bugs and Mold: Heat Treatment
The only way to reliably kill pests in firewood is through heat treatment. The USDA and other agencies define certified pest-free firewood as wood that has been heated at the core to at least 140°F (60°C) for one hour or more. This process eliminates insects, eggs, and fungi, preventing the spread of invasive species like the emerald ash borer.
Naturally seasoned wood is safe and effective to burn, but it is not disinfested. Heat treatment is a controlled, scientific process — something local sellers don’t provide unless they specifically sell heat-treated wood.
Why It Matters for Homeowners
For most homeowners, bugs in firewood are more of an inconvenience than a danger. The bigger concern is spreading invasive species by moving untreated firewood. Buying heat-treated firewood from a reputable supplier ensures your wood is properly seasoned and safe to burn, while keeping pests from spreading to other areas.
The Rising Threat of the Spotted Lanternfly in Ohio
The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect that has become a serious concern in Ohio’s forests, fruit crops, and landscapes. Here’s what you should know:
SLF has been designated a destructive plant pest under Ohio law, triggering increased inspection and movement restrictions. Ohio Department of Agriculture+1
The insect lays eggs on hard surfaces: on and inside firewood, tree bark, and more. Moving firewood from an infested or quarantine area to a new area risks introducing SLF populations.
For homeowners, this means buying locally sourced or heat treated firewood is the safest way to protect your home and community from invasive pests.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to firewood, honesty matters. Naturally seasoned wood is an efficient choice — but “bug-free” is a misleading claim unless it is heat-treated. At The Firewood Co., we focus on quality and trust. Give your home and family peace of mind with
our heat-treated firewood — pest-free, safe for your home, and ready to burn perfectly all season long.
Stay warm,
Nick & Michelle Persolja
The Firewood Co.
37859 Stevens Blvd
Willoughby, OH
Seasoned & Kiln-Dried Firewood Always in Stock!
We proudly serve Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Summit, Medina, Portage, Trumbull, Ashtabula, and Mahoning Counties.
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