Spongy Moth Quarantine: Information for Private Citizens

​​​​For private citizens, the spongy moth​ quarantine applies primarily to people who are moving to a new home, or who may be moving firewood for home use or camping.

If You're Moving to a New Home

​If you are moving to a new hom​e from a spongy moth quarantined area to a non-quarantined area, you could unknowingly introduce spongy moth to a new location. Anything that you keep outdoors could hide spongy moth egg masses: patio furniture, bikes and other play things, building materials, camping equipment, birdhouses, gardening equipment, plant containers, and even vehicles.

​You ​can do a self-inspection using the checklist available at right. When you sign it, you are certifying that you found no spongy moth egg masses. If you do find egg masses, you can scrape them into soapy water for one to two days to destroy them. Egg masses will survive extreme cold, so they must be removed even if you are moving in winter.

If You're Taking Firewood to a Campsite or Cabin

Generally speaking, it is best never to take firewood with you and never to bring it back home if you have some left over at the end of your vacation. Buy it where you burn it, and burn it where you​ buy it. State and federal campgrounds have restrictions, as do some private campgrounds. 

Get details about firewood regulations

Back to main quarantine page