LOG HOMES vs. INSECTS: What to Look for

One of the first questions people ask about logtreatment; when added to water, this powdered
homes is How Much Termite Damage Do Theyinsecticide is designed to soak into the logs and
Get? Well, rest assured: log homes are no moreprotect them against insects and wood rot. After
susceptible to termites than a traditional framedthe borate treatment has dried (and before the
house. In some ways, it would be easier to spotrain washes it off), apply your stain which is toxic
possible infestation: in a stick-framed house, youand will also protect your logs from insects. To be
could have an problem for years without evenextra sure, there are additives you can add to
knowing it. The termites would be hidden behindthe stain that contain insecticides.Carpenter bees
your sheetrock, happily gnawing away atdo not like to chew through treated, painted, or
structural members, and would attack your wallsstained wood and will probably find more tasty
from the inside-out. With a log, they would mostsurfaces to attack. Keep an eye on your porches
likely start on the outside and work their way in,and fascia boards; after a few years, when the
leaving an obvious trail of sawdust or mudstain no longer looks fresh, the bees may revisit
foraging tubes.Termites thrive in a dampyour house and start making those perfectly
environment; they dehydrate when exposed toround 1/2" holes. Luckily, they are easy to treat
the air for too long. If your logs are kept dry,and once you spray and plug those holes, that
they won't be a tempting target for wood-boringparticular bee should be taken care of.Caulking
insects. On the other hand, if you have a spotbetween the log courses is another good way to
where a gutter is leaking onto the logs, or yourseal out the insects. I've actually watched a fly
door frame leaks, watch out! That damp spot isdrag a tiny leaf into a small split in our log ends.
the point of entry for insects and wood rot. Also,You just don't know what critter wants to live in
keep your air conditioner from dripping near theyour logs. Also, do not stack firewood against
foundation; this is another potential troubleyour house. Chances are very good the cured
source.In new construction, there are somewood already has insects in it, and you don't want
measures you can take to reduce the risk ofto transfer them to your pristine logs.The most
termite damage. First of all, make sure yourimportant thing to do is make an occasional
contractor does not bury any woodeninvestigation of your corners, eaves, window
construction debris under the topsoil. This is veryframes, foundation. Many infestations are easily
common on job sites, and the decomposing wooddealt with if caught early enough. Don't assume
creates a great environment for new termiteyour house will take care of itself; you, the
colonies. Secondly, make sure they install aowner, will be the first line of defense.Mercedes
termite shield below the sill plate; this is a bentHayes is a Hiawatha Log Home dealer and also a
piece of metal that creates a barrier between theRealtor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She
foundation and the wooden sill. Many townshipsdesigned her own log home which was featured in
require this by code.Before you apply the stain, itthe 2004 Floor Plan Guide of Log Home Living
would be wise to spray the logs with a boratemagazine.