As fall camping and hunting seasons begin and homeowners prepare for winter heating, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is urging the public to make careful firewood choices to help stop the spread of invasive forest pests.

“Invasive pests pose significant risks to our forests, parks, and communities,” said USDA Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins. “Observing federal and state firewood quarantines, including those for spongy moth and Asian longhorned beetle, helps protect the trees we rely on for recreation, wildlife habitat, shade, and clean air.”

October marks National Firewood Month, a nationwide effort led by APHIS and partners across the country to raise awareness about the risks associated with moving firewood.

Tree-killing insects and plant diseases can hide inside firewood or on its surface. Although many of these pests do not travel far on their own, firewood can carry threats such as spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer hundreds of miles into new areas.

“Healthy forests depend on everyone doing their part to stop invasive pests,” said Forest Service Chief Schultz. “Buying firewood where you burn it is one of the simplest ways people can protect the places they love, from neighborhood parks to our national forests. Local firewood keeps harmful insects from hitchhiking into new areas, helping us safeguard wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and the communities that rely on America’s trees.”

Firewood movement is restricted in many places. Several states have quarantines limiting how untreated firewood can be transported within or across state lines. The restrictions are intended to prevent invasive insects from spreading into new areas, where they can damage forests and lead to costly control and eradication efforts.

APHIS is encouraging travelers and anyone who uses firewood at home to learn and follow the rules that apply wherever they live, camp, hunt or heat their homes.

One of the simplest ways to reduce the risk is to buy firewood near where it will be burned. APHIS recommends purchasing wood close to the destination, whether that is a campsite, cabin or home. In this case, “local” wood means it comes from the immediate area and remains there.

Consumers also can purchase certified, heat-treated firewood. Heat treatment is designed to eliminate insects and diseases, and buyers should look for a state or federal certification mark on the packaging.

In some parks and campgrounds, visitors may be allowed to gather small amounts of firewood on site. People should check with the land manager before collecting wood.

Whatever the source, APHIS recommends using all of the firewood at the same location. Leftover wood should not be taken home or transported to another campsite or other destination.

Campers, hunters, anglers and RV owners can unknowingly spread invasive pests by carrying firewood as they travel. APHIS recommends transporting only certified, heat-treated wood or planning to gather or purchase firewood after reaching the destination.

Homeowners and cabin owners who rely on wood for heat should buy from reputable local dealers who understand and comply with firewood movement restrictions. APHIS noted that some firewood operations may not be aware of quarantine requirements.

Fall tourists, including “leaf peepers,” also are encouraged to purchase firewood locally, buy certified heat-treated wood or gather wood at their destination when permitted.

More information about how invasive pests spread, how to identify them and ways to help protect forests is available at www.aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests. People who suspect they have found an invasive pest should report it to their local State Plant Health Director.

APHIS also is encouraging the public to join the conversation throughout October using #FirewoodMonth.