Insect damage to log homes isn’t just unsightly. It can be a sign of bigger problems.
Log home maintenance is a natural part of owning a log home. It comes with the territory, so to speak. One issue log home owners often face is insect infestations in their logs. This is more than just a nuisance – it may be an indicator of rot in the logs.
The most common insect found in log homes is the carpenter ant. Carpenter ants are attracted to moist or rotting wood, although they do not cause the rot themselves. Their entry holes are typically about ¼ inch in diameter, making them fairly easy to identify.
Another insect frequently seen in log homes is the powderpost beetle. While powderpost beetles can be a nuisance, they usually do not cause significant structural damage. Their exit holes are much smaller—about the size of a pencil lead—and are not always a reliable indicator of wood rot.
Although neither carpenter ants nor powderpost beetles directly weaken the structural integrity of your logs, carpenter ants often signal a bigger issue, such as excess moisture or early-stage rot. When these insects appear, it’s important to investigate the underlying cause.
One of the most effective defenses against wood‑boring insects is the use of borate treatments. Boron compounds work by increasing the pH level of the wood, which slows the growth of rot organisms and makes the wood less appealing to insects.
If you’re seeing wood‑boring insects in your log home, it often points to a larger moisture or rot problem that needs attention.
If you are concerned about insects in your log home, give us a call at 715-373-5744 or send an email to info@restorelogs.com.
Don’t let the insects get the best of your log home!
