Imagine relaxing next to your family, your Christmas tree twinkling beautifully in the background – when all of a sudden, dozens of bugs start swarming around your legs! While this may seem like an outlandish scene from a horror movie, it’s a bigger possibility than many people realize. Christmas trees create the perfect environment for pests to thrive. Entomologists even estimate that a single tree can contain up to 25,000 insects at a time!
The last thing you want to deal with this holiday season is an outbreak of pests in your home. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to avoid accidentally carrying Christmas tree insects indoors. Read on to learn top tips from the experts at Eastern Pest Services.
Common Christmas Tree Pests
Between thick branches and a stand full of water, your Christmas tree has everything an insect needs to thrive. Here in New Jersey, there are a few different bugs that are known for hiding out in Christmas trees, including:
- Cockroaches: The combination of large branches and ample moisture provides the perfect environment for larger species of roaches, such as the American or smoky brown roaches. Once indoors, they may infect other areas of the home.
- Cinara aphids: Also known as Christmas tree aphids, thousands of these tiny insects can live on a single tree at a time. They mainly feed on sap but may abandon the tree once it dries out.
- Spiders: All sorts of spiders like to hang out in the branches of trees, waiting for prey to land in their webs. Unfortunately, they could wander from the tree to the rest of your home if brought indoors.
- Bark beetles: Bark beetles are known for boring through the protective bark of Christmas trees and feeding on its live tissue. This can make infestations very difficult to spot, and will kill your tree much faster than usual.
- Mites: Mites are tiny insects that typically feed on vegetation, including tree bark and needles. Though they generally do not bother humans, an infestation can be unsightly and unpleasant to encounter.
How to Prevent Pests This Holiday Season
The best pest control starts with prevention. Taking a few precautionary measures could help you bypass the frustration, time, and effort of an infestation this holiday season. Here are some of the best ways to avoid accidentally carrying pests inside on your Christmas tree:
- Inspect your tree: Before you choose a tree, take a couple of minutes to look for signs of pests. These may include damaged branches or trunk, spots, and other irregularities.
- Shake it out: One great way to dislodge any pests is to vigorously shake the tree before bringing it home. Some tree farms even offer shaking as an additional service.
- Bring the tree into the garage first: Rather than immediately setting up your Christmas tree, let it sit in your garage or a sheltered area for a few days to settle.
- Spray it down: Similar to shaking your tree, spraying it down with a hose is a great way to remove pests from the branches before bringing everything indoors.
- Regularly vacuum to clean up: Once your Christmas tree is set up, be sure to check it occasionally for signs of pests. Use a vacuum to clean up needles and pests as needed.
Struggling With Christmas Tree Pests?
Bringing a live tree indoors always comes with the risk of infestations. If you are struggling with pests from your Christmas tree, it’s best to call a professional as soon as possible. DIY pest control may not be effective, and spraying your Christmas tree with aerosol insect spray could lead to serious fire hazards. A professional can help you eliminate the infestation quickly and safely while implementing preventative measures that will protect your home long-term. For dependable pest control services, call the experts at Eastern Pest Services today!