The holiday season is quickly approaching, which means it will soon be time to buy a Christmas tree, hang stockings, and prepare for the upcoming festivities.
While the Christmas tree is a landmark tradition, it is important to practice proper safety measures when bringing one into your home.
For many people, the smell of fresh pine is a must and they purchase a real tree from a Christmas tree farm outdoors.
Real Christmas trees often contain insects, mites, and spiders.
The warm temperatures of your home might cause these insects to become active.
However, the large majority of pests that are hanging onto your Christmas tree are not a threat to your home or your family.
For the most part, it is just bothersome to know that they are there.
Some Christmas tree farms have mechanical tree shakers available which will shake the tree and remove loose needles along with any pests. If you have the option to take advantage of a mechanical tree shaker, we suggest doing so.
Scan your Christmas tree before purchasing for any indication of insect eggs or insects.
For the most part, they aren’t really visible but it’s worth sifting through it. Be sure to check your Christmas tree for birds’ nests. Although some people want to leave them inside as a decoration, they likely contain mites or lice.
Spiders are also a very common Christmas tree pest.
Although you don’t want a room full of spiders, spiders do eat other insects and they will not harm you or your home. Most spiders will remain on the tree and you may never even see them. If you do notice your Christmas tree has a trace of insects or insect eggs, make sure you remove them with non-chemical substances.
Most chemical insect spray is flammable, and it should not be sprayed on a Christmas tree because you are likely going to be placing lights onto the branches.
Most insects are attracted to light. If any insects venture off of the tree and into your home, they will likely go towards windows, doors, or lamps.
If you do face issues with pests this winter, contact Amherst Exterminators! W e are proud to serve customers of Western New York with any pest control issues you may face this holiday season.
