A fresh-cut Christmas tree is a quintessential decoration for the holidays, but it shouldn’t ruin the festive mood by bringing pests into your home. Learn about the relationship between bugs and Christmas trees and discover practical tips and tools from Dewey Pest and Termite Control for stopping these unwanted guests in their tracks.
What Are Some Common Christmas Tree Bugs?
The kind of bugs that live on your fresh-cut Christmas tree differs depending on the type of tree you get and where you get it. Some common pests found on Christmas trees across California include:
- Spiders
- Aphids
- Beetles
- Mites
- Scale insects
Whether you cut it down yourself or pick it up from a lot or farm, your Christmas tree is a prime way for these pesky invaders to come into your home, survive the winter, and resume their activity in the spring.
What To Do When There Are Bugs in the Christmas Tree
Even the idea of having bugs invade your home during the holidays can put a damper on your winter wonderland. Fortunately, you have the power to use winter pest control tips to avoid any bugs traveling with you from the tree farm.
1. Inspect Your Tree
Before you even strap the tree to your car, thoroughly inspect it for any pest signs. As you sift through the branches, look for any adult pests, egg sacs, or signs of chewing on the branches or leaves.
Even if you plan to buy an artificial Christmas tree, pests like spiders or mites can just as easily nest in plastic branches, so watch out for webbing.
2. Shake Your Tree Well
If you’re unsure whether you left any bugs attached to any part of the tree, play it safe and shake it outside before setting it up in your living space! This practice will help fling loose bugs from branches—and knock off loose needles, saving you some tidying up.
We recommend shaking your tree in the driveway or on the sidewalk so any pests that fall out aren’t too close to your house or apartment.
3. Use Indoor Bug Repellents
As you set up and decorate your tree in your home, you can give yourself extra reassurance by treating it for pests. Here are a few pest solutions to use for shielding your Christmas tree and home from pests:
- Diatomaceous earth. A powder made of fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms known as diatoms that act as a natural pesticide.
- Neem oil. Another natural pesticide that is found in the seeds of neem trees.
- Bug spray for trees. Try out essential oil sprays or a mild insecticidal soap for indoor spaces to better your chances against insects.
While these practices can help limit pest issues, they can’t completely solve or prevent them. When Christmas tree-related pest problems become too much for you to tackle, turn to Dewey Pest and Termite Control for reliable professional pest control services.
Get Holiday Pest Control This Winter From Dewey Pest and Termite Control
Since 1929, our Dewey Pest and Termite Control team has used state-of-the-art equipment and preventive techniques to take on many pest infestations. Give yourself and your loved ones a holiday season protected against unwanted visitors with the help of our winter pest control treatments.
Contact us or find your nearest Dewey Pest and Termite Control service branch online for your free quote today!
