Pests Brought In On Christmas Trees

Bringing home a fresh Christmas tree or holiday greenery can sometimes come with unexpected visitors. Many calls about unusual indoor pests during the holiday season often trace back to Christmas trees, wreaths, or other fresh decorations. While most trees remain pest-free, it’s wise to understand the potential risks of Christmas tree pests and how to handle them.

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Two Types of Christmas Tree Pests

Christmas tree pests fall into two categories: field pests and hitchhiking pests.

1. Field Pests:
   These insects live on Christmas trees while they’re still growing. They usually affect tree growers, not homeowners. Common examples include:
   • Red spider mites-Spruce needle miners-Spruce budworms-Pine needle scales-Bagworms
   Among these, aphids and spruce spider mites appear most often on cut trees. White pine aphids, small black insects, may crawl on ornaments and branches. Ideally, growers eliminate these pests before harvesting the tree.
2. Hitchhiking Pests:
   This group includes insects that seek shelter in trees for the winter. They may move into the tree before harvest or during transport and storage. Common hitchhikers include:
   • Spiders
   • Beetles
   • Ants
   These pests remain dormant while the tree stays outside. However, once indoors, the warmth wakes them, causing them to become active again. Many hitchhiking Christmas tree pests like praying mantis egg cases are common. These beige, styrofoam-like cases may hatch indoors if left on the tree. Simply prune the branch to remove them.

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How Common is a Christmas Tree Pest?

Growers report that pests are rare on commercially sold Christmas trees. They estimate only 1 in 100,000 trees carries pests. However, cutting your own tree or gathering fresh greenery increases the risk of encountering Christmas tree pests, as the tree hasn’t undergone pest inspections or treatment.

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Managing A Christmas Tree Pest

If you discover pests on your Christmas tree, stay calm. These insects are hitchhikers, not household pests. They won’t infest your home and usually die quickly in the dry indoor environment. Here’s how to handle the situation:

1. Inspect the Tree: Check branches and the trunk before bringing the tree inside. Look for egg cases, spider webs, or insects.
2. Shake the Tree: Give the tree a firm shake outside to dislodge any hidden Christmas tree pests.
3. Prune Egg Cases: If you find a praying mantis egg case, trim the affected branch and discard it outside.
4. Avoid Insecticides: Treating the tree with insecticides is rarely necessary. If pests persist, consider treating the undecorated tree outdoors before bringing it back inside.

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Enjoy a Pest-Free Holiday Season

A christmas tree pest rarely cause serious problems. By inspecting your tree, shaking it thoroughly, and pruning any visible egg cases, you can enjoy a beautiful, pest-free holiday season. If concerns persist, Arbor Pest Management offers professional outdoor treatment for trees before reintroducing them indoors.