Log Homes Vs. Insects
By Mercedes Hayes, Fri Dec 9th

One of the first questions people ask about log homes is HowMuch Termite Damage Do They Get? Well, rest assured: log homesare no more susceptible to than a traditional framedhouse. In some ways, it would be easier to spot possibleinfestation: in a stick-framed house, you could have an problemfor years without even knowing it. The would be hiddenbehind your sheetrock, happily gnawing away at structuralmembers, and would attack your walls from the inside-out. With alog, they would most likely start on the outside and work theirway in, leaving an obvious trail of sawdust or mud foragingtubes.

Termites thrive in a damp environment; they dehydrate whenexposed to the air for too long. If your logs are kept dry, theywon't be a tempting target for wood-boring insects. On the otherhand, if you have a spot where a gutter is leaking onto thelogs, or your door frame leaks, watch out! That damp spot is thepoint of entry for insects and wood rot. Also, keep your airconditioner from

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dripping near the foundation; this is anotherpotential trouble source.

In new construction, there are some measures you can take toreduce the risk of termite damage. First of all, make sure yourcontractor does not bury any wooden construction debris underthe topsoil. This is very common on job sites, and thedecomposing wood creates a great environment for new termitecolonies. Secondly, make sure they install a termite shieldbelow the sill plate; this is a bent piece of metal that createsa barrier between the foundation and the wooden sill. Manytownships require this by code.

Before you apply the stain, it would be wise to spray the logswith a borate treatment; when added to water, this powderedinsecticide is designed to soak into the logs and protect themagainst insects and wood rot. After the borate treatment hasdried (and before the rain washes it off), apply your stainwhich is toxic and will also protect your logs from insects. Tobe extra sure, there are additives you can add to the stain thatcontain insecticides.

Carpenter bees do not like to chew through treated, painted, orstained wood and will probably find more tasty surfaces toattack. Keep an eye on your porches and fascia boards; after afew years, when the stain no longer looks fresh, the bees mayrevisit your house and start making those perfectly round 1/2"holes. Luckily, they are easy to treat and once you spray andplug those holes, that particular bee should be taken care of.

Caulking between the log courses is another good way to seal outthe insects. I've actually watched a fly drag a tiny leaf into asmall split in our log ends. You just don't know what critterwants to live in your logs. Also, do not stack firewood againstyour house. Chances are very good the cured wood already hasinsects in it, and you don't want to transfer them to yourpristine logs.

The most important thing to do is make an occasionalinvestigation of your corners, eaves, window frames, foundation.Many infestations are easily dealt with if caught early enough.Don't assume your house will take care of itself; you, theowner, will be the first line of defense.

About the author:Mercedes Hayes is a Hiawatha Log Home dealer and also a Realtorin New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She designed her own log homewhich was featured in the 2004 Floor Plan Guide of Log HomeLiving magazine. You can learn more about log homes by visitingwww.JerseyLogHomes.com.