Christmas tree (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Watch Out For Christmas Tree Bugs
We all love the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree in our home. For many of us, heading out as a family and picking out a fresh cut Christmas tree; than tying it to the roofs of our vehicles, is a special experience. We look forward to it each and every year. While we’re examining the trees, finding the perfect fit for our homes, we also need to be looking for unwanted hitchhikers… Christmas tree insects!
Christmas Tree Bugs
NBC recently reports that Christmas tree insects like bark beetles, gypsy moths, aphids, bagworms, and spider mites may be lurking in your Christmas tree. These unanticipated house-guests could potentially pose a holiday nightmare; spreading from your tree to your furniture, carpets, and even your bed.
Many of these Christmas tree bugs are not considered dangerous, but you don’t want them crawling on you while your watching your favorite holiday movie.
The Most Common Christmas Tree Insects
Bark Beetles— these invasive beetles eat and reproduce inside the trunks of Christmas trees. They will leave winding tracks or tunnels as they chew their way through a tree.
Spider Mites—you don’t want to bring these little critters in with your tree. They can be the source of allergic reactions in some people, when they defecate and shed their exoskeletons. This may result in respiratory diseases, asthma, hay fever, and eczema.
Aphids– Are small sap sucking bugs that will only be visible when huddled together in big numbers. They are usually green or brown, but can be almost clear too. Be careful to not bring these inside because the heat of your home can cause their overwintering eggs to hatch. Scary!
Gypsy Moths— these moths and their caterpillars, are destructive pests that can live in your Christmas tree. They are about ½ inch to 1 inch long, and range in color from white, tan, and gray.
How To Choose A Christmas Tree Free Of Bugs
These amazing tracks are left by destructive beetles that burrow under the bark of living trees, making the tree susceptible to infection. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
- Buy your Christmas tree from a dependable and trustworthy source.
- Certified trees are your best bet for pest-free Christmas trees.
- Ask the seller if their trees have been properly sprayed for bugs.
- Ask if the tree seller has a gypsy moth permit.
- Personally inspect the trunk and tree branches for aphids, spider mites, gypsy moths, and their eggs sacks/larvae.
- Bark beetles will leave sawdust trails, small holes, and tunnels throughout the tree trunk (pictured right).
- Before you tie that newly purchased tree to the top of your vehicle, shake it. Vigorously shaking the tree will shake loose spiders, beetles, and other pests you don’t want in your home.
Raleigh Pest Control
Even with your best efforts, it’s still possible to bring these unwanted bugs inside your home. If you are seeing any signs of Christmas tree pest; or seeing spiders, pantry pests, or roaches of any kind inside your Raleigh, NC home; get help. A Raleigh pest control professional can help ensure you have a pest-free holiday.
Pest Control In Raleigh, NC
Bulwark Pest Control
19 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 828-8825
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
Carolina Wildlife Removal
2316 Sapphire Valley Drive
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 896-4278
carolinawildliferemoval.com
Trapper Dan’s Wildlife and Pest, LLC
4909 Waters Edge Drive #203
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 306-7254
trapperdans.com
Terminix
6020 Oak Forest Drive
Raleigh, NC 27616
(919) 790-0995
terminix.com
December 17th, 2012 at 4:04 am
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