Don’t bring that firewood inside just yet.

Most people with a fireplace store at least a few logs near the hearth, ready to go - and that’s a bad idea. 

The experts at Blue Chip Pest Control in St. Louis say that you should really only take wood indoors that you’re ready to throw directly onto the fire. A lot of critters take refuge in that firewood, including millipedes, beetles, spiders, and maybe even some snakes and mice. They crawl into cracks or under a loose piece of bark and settle in. Once in the house, those dormant dwellers will come to life and start to explore the new territory.

Firewood should be stored outside, preferably on a rack off the ground and away from the house. Keeping it against the house or in a garage gives wood-boring pests easy access to your home.