Q: I’ve been considering building a log home but wonder about
using chemically treated wood, which protects the home from
termites and other pests. How can I have a healthy log home and
avoid termites? —Patricia Roshaven, via e-mail A: Wood is both
an excellent and problematic building material. Because it’s
biodegradable, insects, fungi, and bacteria eat it. Wood
preservatives, which are designed to kill these organisms, raise
environmental and human health concerns. Balancing concerns
about termites, carpenter ants, bees, wood borers, and the
effects of moisture with concerns aout the toxicity of
preservative treatments is a longstanding challenge. It’s best
to do some research and make choices based on your situation,
needs, and personal preferences. That said, here are some things
to consider. Log cabins, like all wood structures, are
susceptible to insect infestation and deterioration related to
moisture. One way to eliminate or reduce the use of treated wood
is to substitute other materials where wood i