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There’s just something magical about a real Christmas tree. Sure, they take a little more effort than pulling an artificial one out of storage, but the fresh scent of spruce or fir drifting through your living room makes it all worthwhile.
If you bring home a real tree every year, or you’re thinking about giving it a try for the first time, you might have one lingering worry. Most of us have heard those stories about unexpected “holiday guests” hitching a ride inside the branches.
The good news? With a quick inspection, you can enjoy the beauty of a real tree without the surprise pests. Our team at All-American Pest Control has put together a simple guide to help you check your tree before it ever crosses your doorstep.
What Signs of Pests Should You Check for Before Buying a Tree?
The best way to keep pests out of your home during the holidays is to stay one step ahead. A quick, thoughtful inspection of your Christmas tree before you buy it can make all the difference, and it’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re browsing pre-cut trees or cutting your own, here are a few simple tips to use right at the tree lot or farm:
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Shine a flashlight along the trunk, branches, and needles to get a clear look at what’s hiding in the greenery.
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Check for insects, spider webs, or egg sacs tucked into the limbs.
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Look for tiny bark beetle holes or fine sawdust at the base of the trunk; both are signs of activity you don’t want to bring home.
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Keep an eye out for white, cottony patches on branches, which can indicate adelgids.
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If you spot anything concerning, choose another tree. There’s no harm in being picky. Your perfect, pest-free tree is out there!
What Should You Do at the Lot Before Bringing the Tree Home?
After you’ve inspected your tree, your work isn’t done. The next thing to do before you strap that tree to your roof and drive it home is to shake it. Why? Because shaking does two things: It dislodges loose needles, which makes for less mess to clean up when you bring it into your house, and it evicts hiding pests.
There are two options when it comes to shaking your tree. The best option is to have it done by a mechanical tree shaker. This will most effectively remove loose needles and bugs. However, if the tree farm doesn’t have a mechanical tree shaker, you can simply do it yourself. Stand the tree up, hold the trunk firmly, and give it several strong shakes.
What Should You Do Before Bringing the Tree Indoors?
You’ve inspected your tree, you’ve shaken your tree, and you’ve brought your tree home. Now what? Before you bring your tree inside, take a few extra minutes to make sure it’s free of pests. Your yard is the final checkpoint before it crosses into your house, and making the extra effort now can save you a lot of headaches later.
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Perform one final inspection with a flashlight.
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Use a leaf blower or burst of air to remove stubborn insects.
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Check the base of the trunk and interior branches for any last-minute signs.
How Can You Keep Pests From Spreading Indoors After Setup?
Once you have your tree up, you can move into maintenance mode. The likelihood of finding pests in your tree now, after all the proactive steps you’ve taken, is minimal, but it’s not zero. After set-up, we recommend:
- Inspect the tree again after you place it in the stand.
- Vacuum fallen needles regularly, which may also remove pests that have dropped off.
- Avoid using bug sprays, as they may be flammable and unsafe indoors.
- Remove any pests you spot by hand or with a vacuum.
- Remove your tree if you suddenly see a lot of pests.
Why Real Trees May Carry Pests and Why It’s Manageable
You’ve probably seen the movie scene where the squirrel jumps out of the tree, heard a horror story from a friend about bugs in their tree, or seen the story on the news about the owl in the tree. Although all of these situations are technically possible, they’re also improbable.
Of course, anytime you bring something inside from outdoors, there’s a possibility that it has pests on it. After all, real Christmas trees come from farms where insects naturally live. However, there are a couple of things that will put your mind at ease, the most important being that even if you do find pests on your tree, most of the pests that live in these trees are harmless and can’t survive indoors for very long. Furthermore, by using this guide as a reference and following the preventative steps we’ve outlined, you shouldn’t have any major issues with pests in your tree.
When Should You Contact a Pest Control Professional?
In rare situations, you may discover pests in your tree that warrant a call to the professionals at All-American Pest Control. These situations include:
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Noticing insects spreading beyond the tree.
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Finding hard-to-identify pests or signs of nesting.
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You or your family is developing sensitivities to insects or allergens.
Contact All-American Pest Control for All of Your Holiday-Related Pest Issues
If you’re still concerned about pests in your tree or just in your house in general, get in touch with All-American Pest Control. A holiday pest check can set your mind at ease, and our Perimeter Plus pest control offers the protection your home needs through the holiday season and beyond. Contact us to schedule your holiday pest inspection today.
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Adams, Ashburn, Barren Plains, Bethpage, Bransford, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Madison, Millersville, Orlinda, Pleasentville, Portland, Ridgetop, Springfield, Westmoreland, White House, and the entire Robertson County, Sumner Country and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.