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Firewood Quarantine

Over the years, a number of exotic invasive species have been detected in the United States, having gained entry largely through human activities, mainly the movement of goods and people.

EAB-first detected in the United States in Michigan in the summer of 2002, EAB has since killed tens of millions of ash trees during the short time it has been present in North America.

ALB-an exotic pest from Asia, has killed numerous hardwood tree species in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts and Canada.  If left unchecked, the potential economic damage from ALB is estimated at more than $600 billion dollars in the continental U.S.

The recent discovery of the Sirex Wood Wasp in New York and Pennsylvania, and the repeated interception of the Spruce Bark Beetle, Ips typographus, indicate that these insects could affect the Commonwealth's pine resources.

In 2007, recognizing the potential economic impacts hitchhiking non-native invasive pests could have on the Commonwealth's communities, industries and the environment, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture enacted a quarantine order for untreated firewood on any kind coming into the state.  Under this quarantine firewood entering Pennsylvania must be kiln dried, heat treated, fumigated and or USDA certified.

To protect Pennsylvania's urban, suburban, and forested areas from exotic invasive species:

  • Buy/burn locally cut firewood
  • If you have already brought firewood from another area, BURN IT.  Do not leave it.  Do not take it with you.
  • Encourage your friends and neighbors not to move firewood.

If you think you have found an invasive forest pest, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 1-866-253-7189 or email Badbug@state.pa.us