Invasive pests can hitch a ride on fruits, vegetables, plants, plant products, animals, or animal products during international travel. Make sure to declare all agricultural items to U.S. Customs officials when returning from international travel.

Plants and plant parts moved from one area to another can be harmful. If they're moved from another country, cross-country, or even a short distance, the risk of insects, diseases, and pests increases. Make sure you plant carefully, buy your plants from a reputable source, and avoid using invasive plant species at all costs.

Invasive species, such as tree-killing beetles and leaf-munching caterpillars, travel in untreated firewood. The rule of thumb: Buy firewood where you burn it. If you must move firewood (even a short distance), make sure it has been heat-treated to kill any pests that may have been in or on it.

Boots, clothes, and camping equipment can carry pests back home. Spongy moth egg masses, insects, snails, and slugs can hitch a ride with you. And sudden oak death, microscopic worms, and harmful weed seeds can move in soil stuck to any item. Wash outdoor gear and tires until they're free of soil and any signs of pests before leaving fishing, hunting, or camping trips.

Parked vehicles and campers make great insect egg-laying sites. Check vehicles, especially wheel wells, for egg masses and other signs of insects and remove them. Wash off soil before leaving fishing, hunting, or camping trips.

We know you have countless tasks to complete when you're moving, but make sure to check "Clean lawn furniture and other outdoor items" off your list before packing up the truck. Check for spongy moth and spotted lanternfly egg masses especially.

Agricultural materials, equipment, and even hay moved from one part of the country to another or imported can be harmful to our Nation's crops and trees. Keep a keen eye for fire ants, spongy moth egg masses, and khapra beetles. Don't bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, or any food into your State or another State unless they have been cleared beforehand.

Visit Plant Pests and Diseases for more information.

Expecting a package? Ask family and friends (here and overseas) to alert you before they mail food, plants, or other agricultural items to you so you can check first with your State plant health directors to make sure they’re safe to send. Pests can hitchhike on plants and other agricultural items sent through both international and domestic mail and by express courier.