Going camping or picnicking this fall? Leave the
firewood behind, says the Virginia Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services.
According to the department, firewood that's been moved from one
location to another can carry foreign insects or diseases into
Virginia's native forests.
These pests, like the Emerald Ash Borer and the Sirex woodwasp, often live in the dead or dying wood that's used to start fires.
The Emerald Ash Borer, an insect native to Asia, feeds on ash trees,
and it's larvae disrupt the ability of the trees to gather water and
nutrients. The Sirex woodwasp injects toxic mucus and wood decay fungi
into pine trees, which weaken the trees and kill them.
and it's larvae disrupt the ability of the trees to gather water and
nutrients. The Sirex woodwasp injects toxic mucus and wood decay fungi
into pine trees, which weaken the trees and kill them.
To keep Virginia forests safe, the department suggests using firewood
from local sources instead of bringing it with you when traveling. If
you've brought your firewood with you, be sure to burn all of it before
leaving, and do not transport firewood across state lines or into
campgrounds and parks.(LINK)
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