DIY Builds
Photo by invisiblepower Pexels Logo Photo: invisiblepower

Should I spray my firewood for bugs?

Avoid the Pesticides Do not spray your firewood pile with pesticides — ever. Even if pests are overtaking the pile, applying pesticides could cause them to burrow deeper into the wood. And if you do end up burning the wood, the pesticides will release harmful chemicals that could be a health risk.

What do you call a garage without walls?
What do you call a garage without walls?

Garages may have doors and other openings on one, two, or even all four sides. However, those doors close to create an entirely enclosed box....

Read More »
What is the cheapest roof design?
What is the cheapest roof design?

Generally, a gable-style roof with asphalt roofing shingles is one of the most affordable roofs you can build on a residential home. Asphalt...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

After you’ve chopped wood to build a fire — or picked up wood on your way home from work — there aren’t many more relaxing activities this fall than lounging on your couch as you sip a hot beverage in front of a warm fireplace. Until the pests invade. As much as you enjoy the crackling of a good fire from the comfort of your home, pests enjoy it just as much. The culprit for this invasion? Firewood. As winter begins to knock at your door, check out 6 ways to keep pests out of your firewood (and out of your home!). 1. Keep Your Distance When the temperature drops and you’re set on relaxing by a warm fireplace, it’s temping to place the firewood pile close to your home — or even inside your home. Don’t do it. Pests love to hide out in wood piles, and keeping it close to your abode is an open invitation for pests to enter. Pests such as carpenter ants love to crawl inside firewood, and if these baddies reach your home, serious, costly damage can result. 2. Cover it Up Protecting firewood from every element is going to help keep it dry. Wet firewood attracts insects, so it’s important to let wet wood dry out to keep the pests away. If you’re struggling to fight the elements, place a tarp or cover on your firewood. 3. Don’t Stay Grounded It’s going to be difficult to keep firewood dry when it’s lying on the ground. Instead, place it on some sort of support or firewood holder. If you have some extra lumber or cinder blocks around your yard, you can easily transform the materials into a place to store your firewood. Or, you can buy a structure that’s specifically designed to hold firewood. 4. Don’t Play Favorites If you’re always using the wood you place on the top of the stack and refilling the pile before you reach the pieces on the bottom, the aging, unused firewood could make a snazzy new home for pests. By rotating the pile and using all the wood on a regular basis, you’ll lessen the risk of pests infesting the stack. 5. Avoid the Pesticides Do not spray your firewood pile with pesticides — ever. Even if pests are overtaking the pile, applying pesticides could cause them to burrow deeper into the wood. And if you do end up burning the wood, the pesticides will release harmful chemicals that could be a health risk. 6. Make Two Trips It’s convenient to bring in extra wood for the fires you’re planning to light today and later this week. It’s also a great way to invite pests inside. Leaving wood lying around your home could result in a dozen ants crawling around your kitchen. Avoid the problem altogether by only bringing in what you need and take another trip later in the week when you need more firewood. If your firewood has brought unwanted guests into your home, call Plunkett’s Pest Control to help you get rid of the pests. We have over 100 years of experience and trained professionals that will provide you with top-quality service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Do you need handrails on both sides of ramp?
Do you need handrails on both sides of ramp?

Handrails are required on both sides of ramps with a rise greater than 6″. The Standards do not require lower handrails serving children except at...

Read More »
What can I use instead of mothballs?
What can I use instead of mothballs?

Make your own natural, moth-repelling sachet with a sheer, stiff fabric, such as organza, or wrap whole cloves in tissue paper and hang them in...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

How much is a 30 ft truss?
How much is a 30 ft truss?

Average Roof Truss Price by Size and Pitch Span (feet) Common Price Range* 10 $30–$50 20 $60–$80 24 $75–$95 30 $90–$110 5 more rows

Read More »
How much would it cost to build a 8x12 shed?
How much would it cost to build a 8x12 shed?

The average cost of a wooden storage shed is around $1,680, or $17.50 per square foot, for an 8×12 storage building you build yourself. $2,880 if...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Which lasts longer concrete or asphalt?
Which lasts longer concrete or asphalt?

concrete Overall, the difference between asphalt and concrete driveways is that asphalt is less durable than concrete. With proper maintenance, it...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Can I put an Airbnb in my garden?
Can I put an Airbnb in my garden?

Check with your local planning authorities to make sure that you're allowed to host short-term rentals in your area, as some locations have...

Read More »