Chances are slim of infesting structural or interior wood. Other pests not as dependent on high moisture that may also use firewood as shelter include cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, flies and ground beetles. Sometimes yellowjacket wasps, paper wasps and bumble bees build nests in firewood piles presenting danger to those moving or stacking firewood. Their queens may overwinter under firewood bark and emerge early to fly within the house when wood is stored indoors under warm conditions. Adults, also known as the Pigeon Tremex, sometimes emerge in the home causing excitement.
Adults have a horny, spear-like long tail.
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.