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National Firewood Month

There are national month-long celebrations for all types of things in America, so why not firewood? October is National Firewood Month. And, although the month is nearly over, for those who utilize firewood for fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, and other uses, below are a few tips from a Purdue entomologist.

Why would I bring in the advice of an entomologist when talking about firewood? One of the main issues with moving firewood any appreciable distance is the chance that you will unknowingly also move insects within the firewood that later emerge in a new area.

One notable hitchhiker from the recent past was the emerald ash borer. Now ubiquitous in Indiana, we initially tried valiantly to quarantine and eradicate the insect pest but failed. One of the ways it moved was through firewood transport. We encouraged people to gather and burn wood locally.

Until the appearance of that insect in our environment, we didn’t think much about moving firewood.

Dr. Cliff Sadof, Purdue entomologist, offered information and tips on firewood.

“There are 140+ pests and pathogens like spotted lanternfly, Asian longhorned beetle, and thousand cankers disease that can be spread in dead wood,” he said. “Even trees that seem healthy may be in the early stages of infestation or infection.” He said that bringing this wood back to your home, cabin, or favorite campground risks exposing healthy trees to deadly threats.

Sadof recommended collecting your firewood within 30 miles of where you plan to use it. “If you move this wood too far (more than 30 miles) you risk moving a pest or pathogen to a new area where they can attack and kill new trees,” he said. “By not moving wood far from where it is collected you can prevent the spread of these pests to new, un-infested areas.”

When cutting dying trees or brush, he offered these suggestions:

  • Leave it for wildlife. Many animals use fallen limbs and brush for shelter and food. Leaving your wood on the ground or in sturdy piles can give them places to hide over the cold winter.
  • Burn it in fire pits, bonfires, or fireplaces. Be sure to follow local regulations and burn carefully.
  • Chip it for mulch and use it for landscaping.
  • Use it for posts or garden stakes.
  • Give it to nearby neighbors.
  • Compost it. Some landfills and composting sites allow for wood disposal. Be sure that wherever you bring the wood is within 30 miles of where you collect it.

Many folks sell firewood. Do all you can to market this firewood locally.

Sadof recommended that homeowners store firewood away from their homes, outdoors, off the ground, and covered. “Piles of firewood may attract animals and insects looking for food and shelter,” he said. “Most of these animals and insects are no more than mild nuisances in homes but can still be unpleasant to deal with.”

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