Prevention: Firewood Movement

Invasive Species and Firewood Movement (N.C. Forest Service)
This fact sheet defines firewood, outlines types of invasive pests transported in firewood and introduces firewood movement as a critical pathway for these species to enter new ecosystems.

Use Local Firewood (N.C. Forest Service)
The beauty and productivity of North Carolina’s forests is threatened by non-native plants, animals and diseases that can make it to the state in many ways. One common but often overlooked way that these invasive species make it into the state’s parks, forests, and private campgrounds is through the movement of firewood.

What’s In Your Firewood? (Asian Longhorned Beetle) (N.C. Forest Service)
Avoiding the movement of infested wood and proper disposal of infested wood can drastically reduce the spread of this invasive pest.

What’s In Your Firewood? (Emerald Ash Borer) (N.C. Forest Service)
There is currently no known method to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) completely. The best method of controlling the EAB is to prevent its introduction.

What’s In Your Firewood (Gypsy Moth) (N.C. Forest Service)
Since the egg masses are small and difficult to detect, people can easily transport them unintentionally to new areas. It is recommended that infested wood debris and firewood not be moved long distances.

What’s In Your Firewood (Laurel Wilt Disease) (N.C. Forest Service)
Laurel wilt disease is caused by the interaction between the redbay ambrosia beetle and a fungus, Raffaelea lauricola. The redbay ambrosia beetle is the only known vector of this pathogen. This disease can kill redbay and sassafras, and potential host species include swampbay, pondspice, pondberry, camphor, spicebush, avocado and other species of the laurel family.

What’s In Your Firewood (Thousand Cankers Disease) (N.C. Forest Service)
Thousand cankers disease (TCD) is caused by the interaction between the walnut twig beetle and the fungus Geosmithia morbida.The best method of controlling TCD is to prevent introduction of the beetle and fungus.