How do I store cordwood in my garage without bringing in insects in New Brunswick?

Storing cordwood in your garage is generally not recommended in New Brunswick due to insect infestations, moisture problems, and fire risks, but if you must store small amounts temporarily, proper preparation and storage methods can minimize these issues.

The biggest concern with garage cordwood storage in NB is that wood-boring insects are extremely common in Maritime forests. Bark beetles, carpenter ants, wood wasps, and powder post beetles often lay eggs in standing or recently cut trees. When you bring this wood into your heated garage, the warmth accelerates the insect life cycle, and you'll soon have active infestations emerging from your wood pile. These insects then spread to your garage's wooden framing, stored items, and potentially into your house if the garage is attached.

Moisture is the second major problem with garage wood storage in NB's humid Maritime climate. Freshly cut or improperly seasoned wood releases significant moisture as it dries. In an enclosed garage, this moisture has nowhere to go, leading to condensation on walls, tools, and vehicles. The combination of wood moisture and garage warmth creates ideal conditions for mould and mildew growth on both the wood and surrounding surfaces. If your garage has a concrete slab without a vapour barrier (common in older NB garages), the wood will also absorb moisture from the concrete, staying damp indefinitely.

If you absolutely must store cordwood in your garage temporarily, here's how to minimize problems. First, only store properly seasoned wood that has been split and dried for at least 12-18 months. The wood should have a moisture content below 20% (test with a moisture meter) and should sound hollow when two pieces are knocked together. Avoid storing any wood with bark still attached, as bark harbours the highest concentration of insects and their eggs.

Create an elevated storage system using pressure-treated lumber or steel brackets to keep the wood at least 4-6 inches off the concrete floor. This allows air circulation underneath and prevents the wood from absorbing floor moisture. Stack the wood loosely with gaps between pieces for airflow, and keep the pile at least 12 inches away from garage walls to prevent moisture transfer and allow inspection for insect activity.

Install a dehumidifier or ensure excellent ventilation in your garage during wood storage periods. A small exhaust fan or through-wall vent helps remove moisture-laden air. Never store cordwood in a completely sealed, unventilated garage — the moisture buildup will create problems within weeks.

Inspect stored wood regularly for signs of insect activity: small round holes, fine sawdust piles, or actual insects. Remove any infested pieces immediately and dispose of them away from your property. Consider treating the storage area with food-grade diatomaceous earth around the wood pile perimeter — it's non-toxic but helps deter crawling insects.

For fire safety, keep cordwood at least 3 feet away from any heat sources including furnaces, water heaters, electrical panels, or vehicle parking areas. Wood storage increases fire load significantly, and many insurance policies have restrictions on storing combustible materials in attached garages.

The better long-term solution is building a dedicated wood shed or covered outdoor storage area. A simple three-sided structure with a metal roof, built 10-15 feet from your garage, provides proper ventilation while protecting wood from rain and snow. This keeps insects, moisture, and fire risks away from your garage while still providing convenient access to your cordwood supply.

When to hire a professional: If you discover an active insect infestation in stored wood or your garage structure, contact a pest control specialist immediately. Wood-boring insects can cause significant structural damage if left untreated, and some species are extremely difficult to eliminate once established.

Need help finding contractors to build a proper wood storage shed? New Brunswick Garages can connect you with local builders through the New Brunswick Construction Network.