Destructive non-native forest insects and diseases such as the Emerald Ash Borer, the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Sudden Oak Death fungus have found their way into the United States and are now “hitchhiking” from state to state in firewood.
On their own, these pests move very slowly, only a couple of miles or less per year. Unfortunately, people are innocently providing a ready means of dispersal, often several hundred miles per day, by bringing infested firewood from home to their camping, sporting or second home destination.
One insect species, the Emerald Ash Borer, has already killed tens of millions of ash trees in the Midwest.
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You will probably not see destructive pests hiding in your firewood, but you can prevent them from “hitchhiking” and starting new infestations by always following these simple rules:
• Learn to recognize the Asian Longhorned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer. Report sightings of either pest or its damage to State Forestry Officials.
•Use local sources of firewood.
• Don’t bring firewood from home when you travel, and don’t return home with firewood from another state.
•A good rule is never move firewood more than 50 miles. If you have already brought firewood from home, do not take it back or leave it behind. Burn it as soon as possible.
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![Vermont Division of Forestry [photo]](../rand/div2.jpg)
