Firewood

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Firewood Can Spread ALB

Whether or not you use wood to heat your home or build a campfire, firewood is used by millions of us.  Unfortunately, firewood also presents a very real threat to our Nation's forests.  Invasive insects like the Asian longhorned beetle can be spread into new areas of the country through firewood.

While APHIS works with States on imposing quarantines to restrict the movement of potentially infested wood from areas that have the beetle, it is up to all of us to help protect our trees by not moving firewood.  By buying or acquiring firewood where you will eventually burn it, you can stop damaging forest pests from getting into new areas.

Here are some tips to avoid moving invasive pests in firewood:

• Use local or heat-treated – Use firewood that was cut locally or that has been properly heat-treated to kill any pests that may have been in or on it.  If you’re unsure if the firewood is local or treated, ask the seller.
• Don’t bring it with you – When traveling don’t bring firewood with you, instead buy firewood at your destination or purchase firewood that is labeled treated and certified.  Many recreational areas have firewood for sale so ask about it when you make your reservations.
• Use it up – When you purchase firewood for heating or recreational use, burn it all at that location.  Please don't take it to another area.

Interested in learning more?

Read the 2010 document Risk Assessment of the Movement of Firewood within the United States to see how firewood is a serious pathway for moving forest pests or visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/firewood.