Kiln dried wood - storage indoors

[PurplePansy05]

Dear MNetters, I wonder if you can help me out!

We have two rustic style fireplaces and I bought kiln dried logs with moisture content of less than 20% few months ago, for decoration purposes - the idea was they'd be stored in baskets or stands next to the fireplaces (which are not in use). We stored them in the garage first, no problem. Finally got round to decorating now, but I read some horror stories about storing fire wood indoors on the American websites which basically make out that my house will get infested with all sorts. On the other hand, British websites seem to be saying kiln dried wood is safe to store indoors?? We're talking about 20-30 small logs in total between the two fireplaces.

Please could anyone knowledgeable tell me if that's ok? If not, what wood do people use in/around/next to unused fireplaces, please?

TIA xx

of course it's ok! The only thing we do when we bag up logs from the stack to bring inside is just knock them to check there isn't a sleeping wasp nestled under a bit of bark. But honestly that is quite rare (the warmth indoors wakes them up).

We have had a stack of decorative logs in our inglenook for more than ten years. No problems at all.

On the other hand, the air dried stuff we actually burn needs careful inspection for spiders etc. Banging helps, as above. We still get the occasional dopey two inch long hornet flying around the room though.

I think it is fine to store wood indoors in the UK. We don't have the same bugs as in America. I'd probably want to avoid bringing in black widow spiders and termites too.

Awesome, thanks a lot! Yes, I knew they have different insects and bugs, it's just that some websites mentioned the more common ones over here like ants, spiders, even mice (?!). We've been through hell and back with renovating and I wouldn't want this sort of drama now 🙈 Thinking about it, it's probably more likely if the wood is stored outdoors first and not banged as you say. Ours was technically indoors in the garage for 6 months first.

Thank you again, off to decorate 😊 xx

We store logs in the garage too, no problems here the odd spider now and then

There is constantly wood in our wood baskets as the fireplaces are used. Sometimes the basket Is emptied and refilled every couple of days, other times it can sit for a couple of weeks, we have even had it full over the summer, no issue at all.

@ponkydonkey

We store logs in the garage too, no problems here the odd spider now and then

When you say 'odd spider' do you mean one with nine legs or it wears a funny hat or something?

We always kept the wood outside (covered) then brought enough for a couple of days into the garage that was attached to the house.
We stored a few logs in the house by the burner, but I was sick of spiders and other insects coming in with the wood, so would just go in the garage to grab logs as needed.
I had visions of a lovely basket with wood in but gave that up pretty quick.

I had two wood burners and had wood inside all the time. Don't recall any extra creepy crawlies - and I hate them! It will be fine.