Feeling Pestive? How to Avoid Pests in your Christmas Tree

Got your heart set on a real Christmas tree this year? Consider this your warning that you might be going home with more than you bargained for. Real Christmas trees can be home to pests like ants, beetles, moths, flies, and spiders. So how can you prevent pests in your Christmas tree? Read on to find out.

How Do These Pests End Up in Your Christmas Tree?

A tree is a tree to a pest, they don’t know it’s a Christmas tree! If they’ve set up home in the branches then you bring the tree into a lovely warm house, it will encourage the pests to come out. Then you’ve got a problem on your hands.

If the thought of loads of pests in your Christmas tree freaks you out, you might consider getting a fake plastic tree. Though they aren’t brilliant for the environment, so think carefully if you want to be eco-friendly.

How to Prevent Pests in Your Christmas Tree

If you’ve got your heart set on having a real Christmas tree, here’s how you can avoid a pest problem.

Get your tree from a reputable supplier

Most reputable Christmas tree suppliers take action to get rid of pests, such as:

Spraying them with an insecticide;

Using a mechanical tree shaker to dislodge any bugs that are hiding out on the branches.

Leave the tree outside for a few days

Even if the supplier has taken steps to reduce pests, there may be some hardy ones left on your Christmas tree. Our advice to prevent pests on your Christmas tree is to leave it outside for a day or two before bringing it indoors. Hopefully any remaining pests will crawl off your tree into the great outdoors. Give the tree a good shake to dislodge any remaining pests. You can even try brushing it with a broom. This will not only unsettle any pests, it will also knock down any loose firs on your Christmas tree. This means less to hoover up once the tree is up, it’s a win-win!

Inspect Your Tree

Just before you bring your Christmas tree inside, inspect it closely with a torch. Look out for any signs of insects or signs of pest activity like egg sacks or webs. This might sound like overkill but if you bring them inside your house, you could have an insect infestation before you know it.

Should I Use Insecticide to Prevent Pests on My Christmas Tree

The thought of having creepy crawlies on your Christmas tree is unsettling. However, don’t be tempted to spray it with shop-bought insecticide. It can kill your tree and many formulations are flammable. Add the heat from your Christmas lights into the mix and it could spell disaster.

Want a Pest-Free Festive Season?

You don’t have to share your home with pests this Christmas. From pests on your Christmas tree to pests who’ve come to shelter in your warm home in the winter months, Contego can help.

We’ll identify and treat the problem fast and effectively, so you can get back to enjoying the holidays with your family.

Need help now?