Larvae burrow in maple, elm, beech and other trees. Structural or interior wood is not infested. Adults and nymphs live outdoors in hollow trees, under loose bark of dead trees, stumps, logs and in piles of firewood. These roaches are simply accidental hitchhikers into the house and cause no damage to structural wood, household furnishing or humans. Adults that feed on bracket fungi are frequently found under loose bark where firewood has been stored outdoors on the ground for several seasons.
Damp firewood held over several seasons outdoors usually becomes darkened and moldy.
Green, unseasoned wood is a prime target for decay fungi. Also, previously dry wood placed in contact with moist soil or in storage under high humidity conditions should be avoided. Occasional Pests Other pests occasionally found in firewood piles include spiders, woolyworm caterpillars and both mice and rats, which make their nests to rear young. Also snakes, which feed on insects and mice, may be discovered when moving sticks of firewood from the woodpile. Life Cycle and Habits Most firewood insects and their relatives are active from April to October.