1421 Reviews
As artificial Christmas trees have gotten more and more lifelike, many families have chosen to use them instead of real Christmas trees for the holidays. However, the people who stick with real trees tend to be quite loyal. If you’re in this latter camp, you know how magical it is to have a real, scented tree in your house over the holidays, but you also know that it comes with some risks.
A real tree can be a fire hazard if you aren’t careful to keep it watered and remove it when it starts to dry out. It can also harbor pests. Although most of the bugs you’re likely to find on your tree are harmless, it’s still unnerving to discover them after you’ve brought your tree inside. Find out what you need to know about pests in your Christmas tree below.
Why Do Bugs Appear on Real Christmas Trees?
It’s no secret why you might find bugs on your Christmas tree. That tree has spent its entire life outdoors, where pests are plentiful. Many pests make their homes in trees, including aphids, mites, beetles, and spiders. These pests may go dormant in the winter, but that doesn’t mean they’re no longer there. If you bring a real tree into your house, the warmth might wake those pests up and make them think that it’s spring.
Are Christmas Tree Bugs Dangerous to Your Family or Home?
We have good news when it comes to the bugs you’re most likely to find in your Christmas tree. You don’t need to be scared of them or worried that they’ll infest your house. Most of the bugs that are found in Christmas trees don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases. They also don’t damage property.
Even better, most of these pests are not equipped to live indoors. They might survive for a short period of time after they wake up, but they typically die off fairly quickly. In short, the bugs you find on your Christmas tree are more likely to be a nuisance than a serious problem.
How Can You Prevent Bugs Before Bringing a Tree Inside?
Even though they’re largely harmless, you probably still don’t want to deal with bugs of any kind in your house. There are ways to prevent bugs from getting inside if you take the time to do a few things with your tree before bringing it indoors. All-American recommends:
-
Inspect the tree outdoors using a flashlight before you buy it. Make sure to check the trunk and underside of branches for egg sacs, spider webs, or clusters of bugs.
-
Shake the tree, either by hand or with a mechanical tree shaker, then use a leaf blower to remove loose pests. This has the added benefit of eliminating loose needles before you bring the tree inside.
Where Should You Buy Your Christmas Tree to Minimize Risk?
When choosing where to buy your tree, small and local is usually a better bet than a large retail location. Pick a reputable local farm or tree lot that uses tree shakers and inspects the trees themselves (but make sure you do your own inspection as well!). Large retail locations are less likely to have the time or staff to inspect the trees, leaving pests to go unnoticed.
Does Letting the Tree Sit Outdoors Help?
It can help to leave your tree outside or in a garage for a day or two before bringing it inside. If you put it near your house, the temperature will be warm enough to let the pests wake up and leave the tree before you bring it inside. You can conduct another inspection and shake immediately before bringing it inside for an added layer of protection.
When Should You Call a Pest Control Pro?
Since most of the pests that live on Christmas trees are just a nuisance, how can you tell if you have an issue that extends beyond the norm? Hopefully, you won’t see a single pest in your house throughout the holiday season, but if you do, there are a few things to watch for that might signal it’s time to contact All-American Pest Control.
-
If pests begin appearing in places other than your tree or in other rooms, it could be a sign of a larger issue.
-
If you start seeing live bugs, eggs, or shed skins on a regular basis, your pest problem might be growing.
-
If you or your family members experience any kind of bites or allergy symptoms, contact us right away.
-
If you’ve seen pests and you’re unsure if they came from the tree or somewhere else, err on the side of caution and give us a call.
Call All-American Pest Control for Peace of Mind and Pest Control That Works
The holiday season is stressful enough without having to worry about a pest infestation caused by your Christmas tree. Instead of letting worry steal your peace of mind, give All-American Pest Control a call. By scheduling a pest inspection, you can be reassured by professionals that your home is pest-free, and if it’s not, we can take care of it for you with home pest control that works quickly and completely. Get in touch with us to schedule your free home evaluation today.
Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas
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: Franklin, Nolensville, Spring Hill, College Grove, Grassland, Cool Springs, Fieldstone Farms, Sullivan Farms, Forrest Crossing, Bent Creek, Bridgemore Village, Kings’ Chapel, Downtown Franklin, The Highlands at Ladd Park, Berry Farms, Polk Place, Rebel Meadows, River Landing, Rogershire, Shadow Green, Simmons Ridge, Southall Heights, Fernvale, Fountain Heights, Ehtridge, Lawrenceburg, Thompson Station, Santa Fe, and the entire Williamson County 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.