Common Christmas Tree Bugs

Jonathan Simkins

Common Christmas Tree Bugs 


How to Get Rid of Them


It’s the question on everyone’s minds this holiday season:


Should I cut down a real Christmas tree or buy a fake one?



Freshly-cut evergreen trees are beautiful and can make your home smell amazing, getting you in the Christmas spirit. But when you bring home a living tree, you are also inviting thousands of tiny insects that are hibernating inside the tree. 


Keep in mind that when insects like ants and beetles overwinter into your festive, warm living space, they will wake up believing it is springtime. Check out our list below about the most typical insects in Christmas trees and how to make sure that they do not crash your celebration by taking preventative measures to de-bug your tree.


Here are some of them you may encounter:


Scale

Aphids

Mites

Sawfly Larvae

Spittlebugs

Weevils


Maybe a squirrel…


If you don't believe me ask Clark Griswold…


Steps to prevent a Christmas Surprise:


  1. Vacuum any insect on or around the tree.
  2. Put a white sheet under the tree and shake to dislodge any bugs
  3. Leave your Christmas tree in your garage for a few days
  4. When selecting your tree inspect the trunk and underneath branches.
  5. Treat the tree with soapy water, diatomaceous earth or neem oil to kill any bugs still there. 



 Insect IQ / Nutrilawn IQ has always been willing to identify Christmas tree arthropods free of charge. For more information contact us today, 855-930-2847.


From the entire staff here at Insect IQ/Nutrilawn we wish the happiest of holidays. Blessing to you and your family. 



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