Firewood Invasive Species: A Complete List

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Invasive species are non-native organisms that can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. When these species hitch a ride on firewood, they can establish themselves in new areas, leading to widespread ecological damage. Understanding these species and taking preventive measures is crucial for protecting our forests and natural resources.

This guide covers various invasive species associated with firewood, detailing their characteristics, the damage they cause, and how to prevent their spread.

How Invasive Species Spread Through Firewood

  • Transportation of Infested Wood: Moving firewood from one location to another can transport hidden pests and diseases.
  • Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware that firewood can harbor invasive species.
  • Improper Disposal: Discarding infested wood improperly can introduce invasive species to new areas.

List of Invasive Species Associated with Firewood

Below is a detailed list of invasive species that can spread through firewood, organized alphabetically by common name.

1. Adelges piceae (Balsam Woolly Adelgid)

  • Description: A tiny, sap-sucking insect that attacks fir trees.
  • Damage: Causes swelling and deforms branches, leading to tree decline and death.
  • Spread: Moves via wind, animals, and infested firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Primarily in North America, affecting balsam fir and Fraser fir.

2. Agrilus auroguttatus (Goldspotted Oak Borer)

  • Description: A metallic wood-boring beetle.
  • Damage: Larvae tunnel under the bark of oak trees, disrupting nutrient flow and causing mortality.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested oak firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Southwestern United States, especially California and Arizona.

3. Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash Borer)

  • Description: A bright green beetle about half an inch long.
  • Damage: Larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, killing millions of trees.
  • Spread: Via infested ash firewood and nursery stock.
  • Affected Areas: Widespread across the United States and Canada.

4. Anoplophora chinensis (Citrus Longhorned Beetle)

  • Description: A large beetle with long antennae and white spots on a black body.
  • Damage: Attacks a variety of hardwoods, including citrus, maples, and elms.
  • Spread: Through infested wood packaging materials and firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Originates from Asia; interceptions reported in North America and Europe.

5. Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian Longhorned Beetle)

  • Description: Similar to the citrus longhorned beetle but primarily attacks maples and other hardwoods.
  • Damage: Larvae bore into trunks and branches, leading to structural weakness and death.
  • Spread: Movement of infested firewood and wood products.
  • Affected Areas: Established in parts of the United States and Europe.

6. Aradus cinnamomeus (Pine Flat Bug)

  • Description: A flat, brown insect that feeds on pine trees.
  • Damage: Weakens trees by feeding on sap, making them susceptible to other pests.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested pine wood.
  • Affected Areas: Found in North America and Europe.

7. Aulacaspis yasumatsui (Cycad Aulacaspis Scale)

  • Description: A tiny scale insect that infests cycads.
  • Damage: Causes yellowing, defoliation, and death of cycads.
  • Spread: Via infested plant material and potentially firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

8. Austropuccinia psidii (Ōhi‘a Rust)

  • Description: A fungal pathogen affecting the Myrtaceae family.
  • Damage: Causes leaf deformation, defoliation, and death in plants like guava and ʻōhiʻa.
  • Spread: Through wind-borne spores and infected plant material.
  • Affected Areas: Hawaii, Australia, and South America.

9. Banded Elm Bark Beetle (Scolytus schevyrewi)

  • Description: A small bark beetle attacking elm trees.
  • Damage: Transmits Dutch elm disease and causes tree mortality.
  • Spread: Movement of infested elm firewood.
  • Affected Areas: North America, originally from Asia.

10. Cactoblastis cactorum (Cactus Moth)

  • Description: A moth whose larvae feed on cacti.
  • Damage: Destroys native cactus populations.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested cacti and possibly firewood in cactus regions.
  • Affected Areas: Southeastern United States and Caribbean.

11. Ceratocystis fagacearum (Oak Wilt)

  • Description: A fungal pathogen affecting oak trees.
  • Damage: Blocks water-conducting vessels, leading to leaf wilting and tree death.
  • Spread: Through root grafts, insect vectors, and movement of infected firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Central and Eastern United States.

12. Ceratocystis fimbriata (Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death)

  • Description: A fungal disease killing ʻōhiʻa trees in Hawaii.
  • Damage: Causes rapid browning of leaves and death within weeks.
  • Spread: Movement of infected wood and soil.
  • Affected Areas: Hawaiian Islands.

13. Coleophora laricella (Larch Casebearer)

  • Description: A small moth whose larvae feed on larch needles.
  • Damage: Causes defoliation, reducing growth and vitality of larch trees.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested larch materials.
  • Affected Areas: North America and Europe.

14. Cronartium ribicola (White Pine Blister Rust)

  • Description: A fungal disease affecting white pines.
  • Damage: Creates cankers on branches and trunks, leading to tree death.
  • Spread: Via wind-dispersed spores and possibly through infected firewood.
  • Affected Areas: North America and Europe.

15. Cryphonectria parasitica (Chestnut Blight)

  • Description: A fungal pathogen devastating American chestnut trees.
  • Damage: Forms cankers that girdle stems and branches, killing trees.
  • Spread: Through wind, rain, insects, birds, and infected wood.
  • Affected Areas: Eastern United States.

16. Discula destructiva (Dogwood Anthracnose Disease)

  • Description: A fungal disease affecting dogwood trees.
  • Damage: Causes leaf spots, blight, and dieback, potentially killing trees.
  • Spread: Via spores carried by wind and rain, and movement of infected wood.
  • Affected Areas: Eastern United States and Pacific Northwest.

17. Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Chestnut Gall Wasp)

  • Description: A tiny wasp forming galls on chestnut trees.
  • Damage: Reduces nut production and weakens trees.
  • Spread: Movement of infested plant material and possibly firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Asia, Europe, North America.

18. Euwallacea fornicatus (Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer)

  • Description: A beetle that bores into a wide range of host trees.
  • Damage: Introduces fungal pathogens causing Fusarium dieback.
  • Spread: Through infested wood products and firewood.
  • Affected Areas: California and other parts of the United States.

19. Euwallacea kuroshio (Kuroshio Shot Hole Borer)

  • Description: Similar to the polyphagous shot hole borer.
  • Damage: Infests a variety of trees, leading to branch dieback and tree mortality.
  • Spread: Movement of infested wood.
  • Affected Areas: Southern California.

20. Euproctis chrysorrhoea (Browntail Moth)

  • Description: A moth with caterpillars that have irritating hairs.
  • Damage: Defoliates trees and shrubs; hairs can cause skin irritation in humans.
  • Spread: Via wind-borne caterpillars and movement of infested materials.
  • Affected Areas: Northeastern United States.

21. Fusarium circinatum (Pine Pitch Canker)

  • Description: A fungal pathogen affecting pine trees.
  • Damage: Causes resin-soaked cankers, branch dieback, and tree death.
  • Spread: Through insect vectors, contaminated equipment, and possibly firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Southeastern United States, California, and other regions.

22. Hylurgus ligniperda (Golden Haired Pine Bark Beetle & Red-Haired Pine Bark Beetle)

  • Description: Beetles that infest pine trees.
  • Damage: Larvae feed under the bark, weakening and killing trees.
  • Spread: Movement of infested pine logs and firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Worldwide distribution, including North America.

23. Ips typographus (European Spruce Beetle)

  • Description: A bark beetle attacking spruce trees.
  • Damage: Mass attacks overwhelm tree defenses, leading to death.
  • Spread: Through infested wood and natural dispersal.
  • Affected Areas: Europe and parts of Asia; potential threat to North America.

24. Lachnellula willkommii (European Larch Canker)

  • Description: A fungal disease affecting larch trees.
  • Damage: Forms cankers on branches and stems, leading to dieback.
  • Spread: Via spores and movement of infected wood.
  • Affected Areas: Europe and introduced areas in North America.

25. Lepidosaphes ulmi (Oystershell Scale)

  • Description: A scale insect resembling tiny oyster shells.
  • Damage: Feeds on a variety of trees and shrubs, causing branch dieback.
  • Spread: Through infested plant material and possibly firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Worldwide distribution.

26. Lymantria dispar (Spongy Moth & Asian Spongy Moth)

  • Description: A moth known for its destructive caterpillars.
  • Damage: Defoliates hardwood trees, leading to stress and potential death.
  • Spread: Egg masses transported on vehicles, firewood, and outdoor equipment.
  • Affected Areas: Widespread in North America and Europe.

27. Lymantria monacha (Black-Arched Tussock Moth or Eurasian Nun Moth)

  • Description: A moth whose larvae feed on conifer and hardwood trees.
  • Damage: Causes severe defoliation during outbreaks.
  • Spread: Movement of egg masses on infested materials.
  • Affected Areas: Europe and Asia; potential threat to North America.

28. Metamasius callizona (Bromeliad Weevil)

  • Description: A weevil attacking bromeliads.
  • Damage: Larvae feed inside bromeliad stems, leading to plant death.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested plants.
  • Affected Areas: Florida and the Caribbean.

29. Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum (Butternut Canker)

  • Description: A fungal disease affecting butternut trees.
  • Damage: Forms cankers that girdle branches and trunks, leading to death.
  • Spread: Via spores and movement of infected wood.
  • Affected Areas: North America.

30. Ophiostoma ulmi (Dutch Elm Disease)

  • Description: A fungal disease spread by elm bark beetles.
  • Damage: Blocks water movement, causing wilting and death of elm trees.
  • Spread: Through beetle vectors and movement of infested elm wood.
  • Affected Areas: Worldwide, devastating elm populations.

31. Orthotomicus erosus (Mediterranean Pine Engraver Beetle)

  • Description: A bark beetle infesting pine trees.
  • Damage: Larvae feed under the bark, disrupting nutrient flow.
  • Spread: Movement of infested pine materials.
  • Affected Areas: Mediterranean region; interceptions in North America.

32. Paratachardina pseudolobata (Lobate Lac Scale)

  • Description: A scale insect forming lobed shells on branches.
  • Damage: Infests over 300 plant species, causing dieback.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested plants.
  • Affected Areas: Florida and the Caribbean.

33. Phytophthora alni (Alder Dieback)

  • Description: A water mold causing disease in alder trees.
  • Damage: Leads to root and collar rot, tree decline, and death.
  • Spread: Through water movement and possibly infested wood.
  • Affected Areas: Europe and North America.

34. Phytophthora cinnamomi (Phytophthora Root Rot)

  • Description: A pathogen affecting over 1,000 plant species.
  • Damage: Causes root rot, leading to wilting and death.
  • Spread: Via soil, water, and movement of infected plants and wood.
  • Affected Areas: Worldwide distribution.

35. Phytophthora kernoviae

  • Description: A pathogen causing bleeding cankers on beech and oak trees.
  • Damage: Leads to tree decline and death.
  • Spread: Through soil, water, and possibly infested wood.
  • Affected Areas: United Kingdom and New Zealand.

36. Phytophthora quercina (Oak Dieback)

  • Description: A water mold affecting oak trees.
  • Damage: Causes root decay, leading to dieback and death.
  • Spread: Via soil and water movement.
  • Affected Areas: Europe.

37. Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden Oak Death)

  • Description: A pathogen causing sudden oak death and leaf blight.
  • Damage: Rapid decline and death in oaks and other species.
  • Spread: Through movement of infected plants and possibly firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Western United States and Europe.

38. Pityophthorus juglandis (Walnut Twig Beetle)

  • Description: A small beetle associated with thousand cankers disease.
  • Damage: Carries a fungus that creates cankers in walnut trees.
  • Spread: Movement of infested walnut wood.
  • Affected Areas: Western and Eastern United States.

39. Pyrrhalta viburni (Viburnum Leaf Beetle)

  • Description: A beetle whose larvae and adults feed on viburnum leaves.
  • Damage: Severe defoliation leading to shrub death.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested plants.
  • Affected Areas: North America and Europe.

40. Quadrastichus erythrinae (Erythrina Gall Wasp)

  • Description: A wasp forming galls on coral trees.
  • Damage: Causes leaf and stem galls, leading to defoliation and death.
  • Spread: Movement of infested plant material.
  • Affected Areas: Hawaii, Florida, and other tropical regions.

41. Scolytus intricatus (European Oak Bark Beetle)

  • Description: A bark beetle infesting oak trees.
  • Damage: Larvae create galleries under the bark, weakening trees.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested oak wood.
  • Affected Areas: Europe and parts of Asia.

42. Scolytus schevyrewi (Banded Elm Bark Beetle)

  • Description: Similar to the European elm bark beetle.
  • Damage: Transmits Dutch elm disease.
  • Spread: Movement of infested elm firewood.
  • Affected Areas: North America.

43. Sirex noctilio (Sirex Woodwasp)

  • Description: A woodwasp that attacks pine trees.
  • Damage: Larvae bore into wood, introducing a toxic mucus and fungus that kills the tree.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested pine logs and firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Global distribution, including North America, Europe, and Australia.

44. Tetropium fuscum (Brown Spruce Longhorned Beetle)

  • Description: A beetle attacking spruce trees.
  • Damage: Larvae feed under bark, leading to tree decline.
  • Spread: Movement of infested spruce wood.
  • Affected Areas: Native to Europe; introduced to Canada.

45. Tomicus piniperda (Common and Larger Pine Shoot Beetle)

  • Description: Beetles attacking pine trees.
  • Damage: Larvae develop in shoots, causing dieback.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested pine materials.
  • Affected Areas: Europe, Asia, and North America.

46. Trichoferus campestris (Velvet Longhorned Beetle)

  • Description: A beetle infesting various hardwoods.
  • Damage: Larvae bore into wood, weakening trees.
  • Spread: Through infested wood products and firewood.
  • Affected Areas: Asia and parts of North America.

47. Xyleborus glabratus (Redbay Ambrosia Beetle)

  • Description: A tiny beetle transmitting laurel wilt disease.
  • Damage: Kills redbay, sassafras, and other trees by introducing a fungal pathogen.
  • Spread: Movement of infested wood.
  • Affected Areas: Southeastern United States.

48. Xyleborus monographus (Mediterranean Oak Borer)

  • Description: A beetle attacking oak trees.
  • Damage: Larvae create galleries, introducing fungi that harm the tree.
  • Spread: Through movement of infested oak wood.
  • Affected Areas: Europe and potential spread to other regions.

Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species Through Firewood

  1. Buy Local or Certified Firewood
    • Local Firewood: Purchase firewood near where you will burn it, typically within 50 miles.
    • Certified Firewood: Look for labels indicating heat treatment or pest-free certification.
  2. Avoid Moving Firewood Long Distances
    • Do not transport firewood across state or regional boundaries.
  3. Burn Firewood Completely
    • Burn all firewood on-site; do not leave it or transport leftovers.
  4. Educate Others
    • Share information about the risks of moving firewood with friends and family.
  5. Comply with Regulations
    • Follow state and federal guidelines regarding firewood movement and quarantine zones.

FAQs

Q1: Why is moving firewood a problem?

A: Moving firewood can transport invasive species hidden inside, introducing them to new areas where they can cause significant ecological damage.

Q2: How can I tell if firewood is infested?

A: Signs include exit holes, sawdust, larvae tunnels, or visible insects. However, many pests are hidden and not easily detected.

Q3: Is kiln-dried firewood safe?

A: Yes, kiln-drying kills most pests and pathogens, making it safer to transport.

Q4: Can I use dead or fallen trees for firewood?

A: Yes, but only use them locally to avoid spreading any potential pests.

Conclusion

Invasive species carried by firewood pose a serious threat to forests, ecosystems, and economies worldwide. By understanding these species and taking proactive measures to prevent their spread, we can protect our natural resources for future generations. Always buy local or certified firewood, avoid moving it across regions, and educate others about the risks involved.

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