Texas A&M warns about spreading invasive insects through firewood

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — Temperatures are now falling all over the Lone Star State, and the Texas A&M Forest Service is offering tips on how to stop the spread of invasive insects through the movement firewood.

Collecting and transporting firewood during hunting or camping trips is one of the top ways the accidental spread of some types of pests can happen, eventually landing them onto your property.

“Many devastating, tree-killing pests present in Texas forests live and breed inside firewood,” said Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Forest Health Coordinator. “Some wood borers, such as the invasive emerald ash borer and redbay ambrosia beetle, have already caused devastating impacts, practically wiping out entire tree species from some regions of the country.”

The emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees across the eastern U.S., including North Texas. The redbay ambrosia beetle is spreading west, killing redbay and sassafras trees in that direction.

The transport of firewood can also move native pathogens, including oak wilt, to unsuspecting properties simply because infected firewood was brought in from elsewhere.

“The best rule of thumb is to burn the firewood close to where it’s bought or picked up. Moving firewood can easily introduce insects and diseases to new areas, particularly during hunting and camping seasons.”

Firewood demand is now going up, but the best way to get it is to collect it locally, whether it is gathered or purchased.

For more information on how to enjoy safe firewood while protecting the trees on your property, you can click here.