As fall camping and hunting seasons and winter home heating get underway, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is reminding the public that moving firewood can spread invasive forest pests.
Tree-killing insects and plant diseases can hide inside or on the surface of firewood. While many of these pests do not travel far on their own, transporting firewood can move them hundreds of miles into new areas.
“Invasive pests pose significant risks to our forests, parks and communities,” said USDA Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins. “Observing federal and state firewood quarantines, including those for spotted lanternfly, spongy moth and Asian longhorned beetle, helps protect the trees we rely on for recreation, wildlife habitat, shade and clean air.”
USDA officials recommend buying firewood near where it will be burned, whether at a campsite, cabin or home. Certified heat-treated firewood also may be used because the treatment is designed to eliminate insects and diseases. When allowed, campers may gather firewood at the site after checking with the land manager.
Leftover firewood should not be transported to another location. The USDA recommends burning it where it was purchased or gathered.
Firewood movement may be restricted in some areas. Several states maintain quarantines limiting the movement of untreated firewood within or across state lines to help prevent the spread of invasive insects.
“Healthy forests depend on everyone doing their part to stop invasive pests,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “Buying firewood where you burn it is one of the simplest ways people can protect the places they love, from neighborhood parks to our national forests. Local firewood keeps harmful insects from hitchhiking into new areas, helping us safeguard wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and the communities that rely on America’s trees.”
Campers, hunters, anglers and recreational vehicle owners can unknowingly transport pests in firewood. The USDA recommends using certified heat-treated wood or purchasing or gathering firewood at the destination.
Home and cabin owners who heat with wood also are encouraged to buy from reputable local dealers familiar with firewood movement restrictions.
October is recognized as National Firewood Month, an effort to raise awareness about the risks of moving firewood.
More information about invasive pests and firewood movement is available at aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/hungry-pests.
