Unwelcome Holiday Guests: Here are the Pests Found in Christmas Trees

One of the merriest memories of Christmastime is a beautifully-decorated pine tree. But, for those opting for a freshly cut tree, ensure you aren't inviting unwanted visitors into your home. We're not talking about the neighbor who drinks too much and always wants to argue over politics. Instead, we mean the tiny, creepy crawlers that may be inhabiting your Christmas tree. While most insects are microscopic and harmless, there are a few critters that you'll want to watch out for this holiday season. Here are the most common Christmas tree-dwelling insects to avoid this December:

Spiders 

Finding a spider on your Christmas tree is deemed good luck in some European cultures. Since many spiders that hitch a ride on your tree are usually not dangerous to humans or pets, you may also want to start believing in such a merry tradition. That said, the spiders to look out for are any of the widow or brown recluse groups. 

Mites

Mites are prevalent on elms, evergreens, oaks, and maple trees. In most cases, the tree lot treats mites and other common insects. That said, it is still possible for some of these little critters to end up in your home come time to open presents. 

Aphids

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on plants. Adult aphids are less than ¼ inch long and maybe white, black, green, yellow, black, or gray. They are often recognizable by their soft, pear-shaped bodies. You'll want to move fast with an infestation since aphids can transmit viruses and attract other insects to your residence. 

Sawflies

Most commonly found on pine and spruce trees, sawflies hatch from brown cocoons. Though they exhibit a gothic appearance, they are generally harmless to humans and pets. Sawflies can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap. 

Beetles

Bark beetles reside under pine tree bark. Their little black bodies may cause alarm when first found and should not be ignored. A sign of a bark beetle attack includes fading colors on the pine needles from green to a reddish hue. Since bark beetles infest and kill the trees they inhabit in just a few weeks; prevention is best. You don't want them to get comfortable in your Christmas tree!

Bark lice

Bark lice are more common in humid climates. They are also known as psocids, or booklice, and eat fungi or mold from your tree. Often a misconception, psocids do not feed on or bite humans. In most cases, these brown or gray creatures will die if brought into a home as they need more humidity to survive. 

Weevils

The root weevil feeds on true-fir and douglas-fir needles. The white pine weevil infests spruce and pine trees. Since their small snout can do irreparable damage to the plants they live in, you should eradicate them from your Christmas tree if spotted. 

Get a pest-free tree for the holidays!

When choosing a Christmas tree, always ask the seller if they treated their trees for insects. Do a short inspection, as well,  before piling it into your vehicle. If you find pests, nests, or cases, plan to leave the tree outdoors or in the garage for a few days before bringing it inside. Before setting the tree in your car or home, shake it vigorously outdoors. As another preventative measure,  prune any branches where insects are present.  Lastly, if you suspect your insect problem came from your new holiday pine, do not hesitate to schedule a pest control service for help. 

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!