BISMARCK – With warmer weather on the way, it is important for the public to be aware of invasive species. Each year, harmful invasive weeds, plant pests and diseases cost the U.S. $40 billion in losses to cropland, grasslands, woody areas, forests and riparian areas, and expensive eradication and control efforts, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
“Plant pests, diseases and noxious weeds can be spread a number of ways,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “It only takes one infected plant or piece of firewood to move invasive species into North Dakota.”
The emerald ash borer (EAB), a wood-boring insect that kills ash trees, is an example of an invasive plant pest. EAB was first found in North Dakota in LaMoure County in 2024, with a second finding in Cass County earlier this year.
To prevent the movement of plant pests, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) strongly encourages everyone to:
- Purchasing plants at a local, reputable nursery, garden center or seed source. The NDDA licenses and inspects nurseries in the state to ensure plants sold are from inspected sources.
- Buying or gathering firewood near the place it will be burned or using certified, heat-treated firewood. Don’t move firewood. The NDDA has partnered with a free firewood finder to help users find and advertise local firewood.
- Cleaning hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles and other gear to stop invasive species from hitching a ride to a new location.
- Reporting any possible invasive pests to the NDDA or your local extension office.
Learn more about what you can do by visiting Hungry Pests, Don't Move Firewood, Play Clean Go or the NDDA's Firewood page for more information.