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 If you have ever purchased or harvested a living
or cut Christmas tree, you may have inadvertently brought in some
overwintering pests.
Luckily, any concerns about these pests are unwarranted. “Yes, it is
true that Christmas trees can harbor dormant pests that become
active after being exposed to the warm indoor temperatures, but most
of these pests will remain on the tree, while only a few might find
their way to your windowsills,” says University of Illinois
Extension educator Chris Enroth.
If this has been a problem before or if the very idea of bugs on
your tree has stirred up your entomophobia (the fear of insects),
Enroth says the best means of control is inspecting the tree before
bringing it into the house. While the tree is lying on its side,
look up into the tree's interior from the cut end. Examine and
remove egg masses, including those of praying mantis, gypsy moth,
and bagworms. Remove bird nests, which can harbor parasites, mites,
and lice. Make sure to utilize the mechanical tree shaker, available
at most tree lots/farms.
Enroth adds, “Chemical sprays should be avoided. Aerosol insect
sprays are flammable and should NEVER be used on a Christmas tree.”
Pests that are common in Christmas trees include:
Adelgids – Commonly found on white pine, adelgids are
sedentary and will remain on the tree. They are tiny, aphid-like,
sucking insects that secrete a cottony wax filament over their
bodies. [to top of second
column] |
Aphids – All aphids that hatch on
Christmas trees target specific species and will not harm your houseplants.
Aphids can be confused for spiders or ticks, but these little guys
(one-eighth-inch or smaller) have only six legs, as opposed to the arachnids’
eight.
Predatory mites – These relatives of
spiders and chiggers typically overwinter as adults in trees and become active
once you bring the tree indoors. Predatory mites are tiny and will likely remain
on the tree, feeding on insect or mite eggs, going unnoticed for the entire
holiday season.
Praying mantis – A Female praying mantis commonly prefers Fraser fir
Christmas trees for egg-laying. Females will lay 200 to 400 eggs in the fall.
She will secrete a frothy liquid that hardens around the egg to protect it from
the harsh winter. Once in your warm house, the baby praying mantis can hatch
from its egg and will likely then starve. Scout for mantis eggs before bringing
the tree indoors. If you find one, cut off the branch it is attached to and
place it in an evergreen outside.
These Christmas tree post-harvest pests are rare, occurring in 1 out of 100,000
cut trees. You may never experience any problems with Christmas tree pests, or
if you have, you may never encounter them again. Remember, if you do have
serious insect pest problems on your Christmas tree, you can always take it back
to the supplier and ask for a refund or exchange.
[Chris Enroth, Horticulture Educator,
University of Illinois] |
