Updated on September 26, 2024
When the holiday season approaches and we eagerly bring real Christmas trees into our homes, there could be a hidden surprise most of us never consider—tiny, uninvited guests may be lurking among the branches. Bugs can easily hitch a ride, turning your festive centerpiece into an unexpectedly lively display.
My aim is to enlighten you about these hidden guests and ensure your holidays remain cheerful and bug-free.
Understanding tree bugs
As mentioned, bringing a Christmas tree into your home might inadvertently invite a range of hidden bugs. We'll cover five common pests that could accompany your tree home.
Aphids: These tiny, sap-loving hitchhikers are commonly found nestled in the branches of pines and firs. They can look like minuscule spiders or ticks but are quite harmless to your home. They feast on tree sap, sometimes causing the needles to turn yellow. Aphids usually stick to the tree, causing little concern for your home.
However, exceptions do occur, such as the experience of a homeowner in Washington, D.C. After returning from a holiday trip, she discovered her living room, bathroom and bedroom infested with aphids—from her Christmas tree. 'I pulled the tree out of the house and when I dropped the tree to the ground, hundreds of [aphids] went running across the concrete — it was terrifying,' she recounted to WTOP.
Fun fact: The yellowing of tree needles can be caused by aphids feeding on the tree's sap. When these insects extract sap, they deprive the tree of essential nutrients, which leads to stress and discoloration. This yellowing is a sign that the tree is struggling to maintain its health, as sap is vital for its growth and vitality.
Bark beetles: Small and cylindrical, bark beetles love to burrow into the trunks of trees, leaving behind tiny holes and sprinkling trails of sawdust—like they're making a mess at the base of your festive centerpiece. Particularly fond of fir trees, these beetles can cause serious damage over time by disrupting the flow of water and nutrients. Interestingly, bark beetles emit pheromones to attract other beetles, resulting in large infestations that can rapidly escalate the damage to the tree.
Spiders: These eight-legged guests may have spun their silky webs deep within the branches of your Christmas tree, but don’t worry—these little helpers are more interested in catching smaller bugs than causing mischief in your home. Whether it's a sac spider (Clubionidae) quietly hiding in a silk sac, an orb-weaver (Araneidae) spinning its circular web high up in the branches or a jumping spider (Salticidae) scouting for prey, these arachnids won’t munch on your tree; they’re looking for their next meal.
However, not all encounters are minor. In 2022, an Australian man found an enormous spider along with 80 newly hatched babies lurking in his tree—definitely an unexpected (and unwanted) holiday surprise.
Fun fact: In some cultures, spiders are considered symbols of good fortune, and people even place spider-shaped ornaments in their Christmas trees. In Germany, Poland and Ukraine, finding a spider or its web on the tree is thought to bring good luck. Ukrainians even craft small spider-shaped decorations called pavuchky (meaning "little spiders") to honor this festive symbol.
Praying mantises: Although not as commonly found, mantis egg sacs can occasionally be present on the branches of Christmas trees. If these sacs hatch indoors, they can lead to a surprising emergence of mantis nymphs.
This was the case for one Ohio family when hundreds of mantises emerged from their tree. "We saw one of the nests when we first brought the tree in," said Andrea Coward. Despite removing one sac, they missed another, and their home was soon filled with tiny mantises. After the ordeal, the family decided to switch to artificial trees.
Mites: Tiny and often unnoticed until they start moving around, mites feed on tree sap and other small insects. While mostly harmless, certain mites can cause the tree’s needles to discolor or shed by disrupting nutrient flow in the bark and needles. Though mites rarely affect the overall health of your tree, their presence can lead to a less vibrant appearance.
Selecting and preparing your tree for a pest-free holiday
To ensure a bug-free Christmas tree, consider these tips—in order:
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Source locally: Locally grown trees are likely to have fewer bugs. These trees are more accustomed to the regional climate and local pest control measures are often tailored to manage common pests in the area.
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Inspect thoroughly: Before purchasing, carefully inspect the tree for any signs of pests or eggs. Look under the branches and near the trunk, paying close attention to small holes or trails of sawdust—both of which are signs of burrowing insects like bark beetles. Any suspicious activity, such as moving bugs or eggs, should raise a red flag.
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Shake it off: Many tree sellers offer mechanical shaking services which can dislodge most bugs and loose needles.Â
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Spritz with Six Feet Under: Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray is our go-to for dealing with sneaky tree invaders. Made with essential oils, it effectively tackles pests while being safe for your family. To ensure maximum protection, lightly spray your tree with Six Feet Under and then proceed to quarantine it in your garage.
- Quarantine: Leave your tree in the garage or a covered area for a day or two to allow any remaining pests to vacate before bringing it inside.
Dealing with different types of tree bugs
Spraying with our non-toxic Six Feet Under is a thorough targeted approach. However, because of each bug’s unique characteristics, it’s important to dig a little deeper to better understand the absolute best way to treat each bug.
Aphids and mites: These insects, though typically harmless, can be a nuisance. A light application of Six Feet Under will suffice.
Bark beetles: Because these small insects bore into the trunks of trees, thoroughly inspect your tree for small holes and sawdust trails. Apply Six Feet Under in these holes and on the surrounding bark. The spray's formula will penetrate these areas, addressing the beetles without harming the tree. Regular monitoring and reapplication may be necessary for complete control.
Spiders: Spiders, though often feared, are actually beneficial as they prey on other tree bugs. However, if their presence is unwelcome, they can be easily removed by hand or with a gentle targeted spritz of Six Feet Under.
Praying mantis: These insects are less common but can surprise you by hatching indoors. If you find a mantis egg sac (tan and round, about the size of a walnut) on your tree, it’s best to carefully remove it before bringing the tree inside your home. If mantises do hatch indoors, they are generally harmless to humans and pets but can be startling. In such cases, gently collect them and release them outside. If necessary, a light application of Six Feet Under can be used around the tree area to deter any wandering nymphs without harming them.
Post-holiday tree care
Safe tree disposal: After the holiday cheer has faded, properly dispose your Christmas tree. This is not just about tidiness; it's about preventing any lingering bugs from making your home their permanent residence. Carefully remove the tree from your home, avoiding the scattering of any pests or eggs that may have survived. Local recycling programs often offer tree pick-up services, turning your once festive tree into mulch or wood chips and effectively disrupting any bug life cycle.
Ensuring a pest-free home post tree removal: After the tree is gone, a thorough cleaning is essential. Vacuum the area where the tree stood, paying close attention to the corners and under furniture. If you used a tree skirt, wash it in hot water. Remember, some tree bugs can linger even after the tree is gone, so a once-over with Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under in the room where the tree was can provide that extra layer of defense against any stragglers.
Embracing a pest-free and joyful holiday season with Dr. Killigan's
The enchantment of a real Christmas tree doesn't have to be marred by the worry of pests. Dr. Killigan's Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray plays a pivotal role in this, offering a safe and effective solution that aligns with a healthy, environmentally conscious holiday spirit. Embrace tradition while safeguarding the well-being of your family and home.
As we celebrate the season, remember the importance of non-toxic methods in ensuring a joyful, healthy and stress-free holiday. Trust Dr. Killigan’s solutions for a harmonious balance between holiday cheer and a pest-free environment.
References and further reading
For those interested in delving deeper into the world of Christmas tree pests and non-toxic pest control, I recommend the following resources:
- National Christmas Tree Association: Offers extensive information on different types of Christmas trees and their care.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Provides guidelines on non-toxic pest control methods.
- University of California Integrated Pest Management Program:Â A great resource for understanding tree pests and their management.
- Dr. Killigan's Blog:Â Regular updates on non-toxic pest control methods and products.
