Check spotted lanternfly and emerald ash borer quarantine rules before moving wood or equipment

Steps

1. Identify current spotted lanternfly (SLF) quarantine counties/states for both origin and destination — SLF-established populations span roughly 19 states plus DC as of 2026, with exact quarantine boundaries set and periodically updated at the state/county level.
2. Check whether the destination or origin state requires a permit before moving regulated items out of an SLF quarantine zone (several mid-Atlantic states run reciprocal permit programs) and complete any required free online compliance training.
3. Separately check emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine status for the origin county — many states restrict moving non-coniferous (hardwood) firewood out of quarantined counties without a compliance agreement/certificate, even though movement within the quarantine zone is typically unrestricted.
4. Confirm approved treatment/processing methods before moving regulated wood: chipping to a specified maximum particle size, full debarking plus removal of an added layer of wood, or verified heat treatment.
5. Inspect vehicles, equipment, and firewood for egg masses or live insects before leaving a quarantine zone, since SLF lays eggs on hard surfaces well beyond just wood.