| One of the first questions people ask about log | | | | Before you apply the stain, it would be wise to spray |
| homes is How Much Termite Damage Do They Get? | | | | the logs with a borate treatment; when added to |
| Well, rest assured: log homes are no more susceptible | | | | water, this powdered insecticide is designed to soak |
| to termites than a traditional framed house. In some | | | | into the logs and protect them against insects and |
| ways, it would be easier to spot possible infestation: | | | | wood rot. After the borate treatment has dried (and |
| in a stick-framed house, you could have an problem | | | | before the rain washes it off), apply your stain which |
| for years without even knowing it. The termites | | | | is toxic and will also protect your logs from insects. |
| would be hidden behind your sheetrock, happily | | | | To be extra sure, there are additives you can add to |
| gnawing away at structural members, and would | | | | the stain that contain insecticides. |
| attack your walls from the inside-out. With a log, | | | | Carpenter bees do not like to chew through treated, |
| they would most likely start on the outside and work | | | | painted, or stained wood and will probably find more |
| their way in, leaving an obvious trail of sawdust or | | | | tasty surfaces to attack. Keep an eye on your |
| mud foraging tubes. | | | | porches and fascia boards; after a few years, when |
| Termites thrive in a damp environment; they | | | | the stain no longer looks fresh, the bees may revisit |
| dehydrate when exposed to the air for too long. If | | | | your house and start making those perfectly round 1 |
| your logs are kept dry, they won't be a tempting | | | | 2" holes. Luckily, they are easy to treat and once |
| target for wood-boring insects. On the other hand, if | | | | you spray and plug those holes, that particular bee |
| you have a spot where a gutter is leaking onto the | | | | should be taken care of. |
| logs, or your door frame leaks, watch out! That | | | | Caulking between the log courses is another good |
| damp spot is the point of entry for insects and | | | | way to seal out the insects. I've actually watched a |
| wood rot. Also, keep your air conditioner from | | | | fly drag a tiny leaf into a small split in our log ends. |
| dripping near the foundation; this is another potential | | | | You just don't know what critter wants to live in |
| trouble source. | | | | your logs. Also, do not stack firewood against your |
| In new construction, there are some measures you | | | | house. Chances are very good the cured wood |
| can take to reduce the risk of termite damage. First | | | | already has insects in it, and you don't want to |
| of all, make sure your contractor does not bury any | | | | transfer them to your pristine logs. |
| wooden construction debris under the topsoil. This is | | | | The most important thing to do is make an |
| very common on job sites, and the decomposing | | | | occasional investigation of your corners, eaves, |
| wood creates a great environment for new termite | | | | window frames, foundation. Many infestations are |
| colonies. Secondly, make sure they install a termite | | | | easily dealt with if caught early enough. Don't assume |
| shield below the sill plate; this is a bent piece of metal | | | | your house will take care of itself; you, the owner, |
| that creates a barrier between the foundation and | | | | will be the first line of defense. |
| the wooden sill. Many townships require this by code. | | | | |