The Problem

Land-based invaders have negatively impacted the forests and fields of Illinois. Invasive insects such as the emerald ash borer have killed millions of trees in forests and urban areas in the U.S. Invasive plants such as buckthorn and garlic mustard have taken over entire acres once inhabited by native ones. However, new invasions can be prevented and the spread of established invaders can be halted. 

The key to halting invasions is preventing the accidental movement of invasive species when we're transporting our equipment and natural materials. Equipment such as boots, tents, lawn furniture, and campers can move adult insects and egg masses from one place to another. Natural materials such as firewood, foraged plants, foraged food, and decorative items can also spread insects and insect eggs as well as bacteria and viruses. 

You can help

Avoid the introduction and spread of terrestrial invaders by following these few simple steps:
CLEAN
off shoes, clothes, animals, and gear. 
​​Keep seeds, plant fragments, or insects from hitching a ride with you.
BURN
only local firewood.
​Firewood can spread invasive insects and disease, which kill millions of trees per year.
LEAVE
plants and other natural materials in their place.
Transporting plants and other materials can spread hitchhiking seeds, roots, insects, insect eggs, fungi, bacteria, etc. from one area to another.

Report Sightings

Early detection of new populations is critical in controlling the spread of terrestrial invaders from one area to another. Report sightings of terrestrial invaders through EDDMapS Midwest.

STATE ADVISORy on firewood

The Illinois Department of Agriculture strongly recommends that firewood be produced, distributed, sold, and burned locally. This recommendation is to help prevent movement of invasive viruses, fungi and insects such as the emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, goldspotted oak borer, and gypsy moth from place to place with firewood.
 
Contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture for more information and tips for buying and burning firewood responsibly.

Take the pledge

Join the fight! Take the pledge to help stop the spread of terrestrial invaders in Illinois. Check the boxes in the form below and press submit to take the pledge.

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Resources

Handouts, flyers, and other outreach tools for farmers, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts are available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Information Service (APHIS).