The holiday season brings plenty of good cheer. For many, this season doesn’t truly begin until you get the Christmas Tree home and spend the day decorating it with your family. But, although this is supposed to be a fun and enjoyable experience, things can quickly go awry.
If you have selected a freshly cut Christmas Tree, that might not be all you’re bringing home. Bugs and other pests commonly find a home within these trees and use them to hibernate during the winter. To make things worse, you could bring as many as 25,000 pests into your home. Whether you’re squeamish around bugs or not, this is a Christmas present you don’t want.
What Pests Can Come In With Your Tree?
There is a range of pests that live and hibernate on Christmas trees.
Aphids
These bugs live around the lower parts of the tree and are commonly found in various evergreen trees, including firs and spruces.
Spiders
Arguably the creepiest of creepy-crawlies, Spiders make their homes in Douglas Firs, and you can typically identify them by red dots around the tree.
Mites
Similarly, mites can look similar at a glance. They also cause the needles to fall off too soon, affecting how your tree looks.
Adelgids and Pine Needle Scale
Although these are not the same pest, they share a similar appearance and can look like snow on your needles.
Sawflies
You’ll find these on spruce and pines with brown cocoons that eventually hatch into a black and yellow-coloured fly.
Bark beetles
If you see small holes or trails of sawdust around your trunk, it could be a sign of bark beetles.
How to Avoid or Remove Pests
The last thing you want is to bring these pests into your home, so here are a few ways to avoid or remove them before an infestation.
Check Your Tree Thoroughly Before Bringing It Home
Although bugs and pests can be minor, you can avoid bringing any into your home by checking the tree thoroughly before purchasing it and bringing it home. It will help to bring a flashlight to ensure you can check every nook and cranny.
Leave the Tree In Your Garage For a Few Days
You can also leave the tree in your garage for a few days after purchasing it. This can give the pests time to vacate the tree and find somewhere else. If you want to be entirely certain that all the bests have gone, lay a white sheet on the floor and shake the tree to get rid of any pests still clinging on. Be careful not to knock needles off, though.
Call In The Pest Detective
If you identify any pests around your tree and your home after bringing your Christmas Tree inside, Pest Detective can help remove them safely and efficiently. We believe your home should be comfortable all year round, not just at Christmas, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you find any of these pests in your home!
