Lit up Christmas tree with presents and a fireplace in the background.

Lit up Christmas tree with presents and a fireplace in the background.

The only things you should expect to find under your Christmas tree every year are presents. But if you bring a live Christmas tree into your home, you may have wondered whether you’ve brought anything in with it. Live trees come from out doors and you probably want to know if there are any insects or other pests that can be hidden underneath your holiday decorations. And if so, how big of a problem is it? At Arrow Exterminating we’re pest control experts and we’re happy to answer any questions our customers may have about pests. So we want to tell you all about pests and Christmas trees.

Arrow Exterminating is Long Island and NYC’s Pest Control Leader

If you’re looking to spot hidden pests, Arrow Exterminating is the place to turn. We’ve been in the pest control business since 1947 serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the five boroughs of New York City. We pride ourselves in doing what it takes to get rid of pests on residential and commercial properties. We’ll do a thorough inspection of that property and then we’ll decide on a treatment plan. We don’t just spray indiscriminately. We’re also committed to ensuring that any pests we get rid of don’t return. We’ll find pests where they are hidden, even on Christmas trees.

Insects That Inhabit Christmas Trees

Do insects inhabit Christmas trees? Absolutely. But they’re usually not noticeable. “Christmas tree insects are so small you’ll never know they are there and they have always been on real Christmas trees,” Doug Hundley, a spokesman for the National Christmas Tree Association told the Today Show. The most common insects that you’ll find on Christmas trees can also be found in house plants. Many Christmas tree sellers will take steps to reduce the threat by spraying the tree thoroughly before putting them up for sale.

There is some disagreement about the number of pests that can be found inside Christmas trees. For example, the New York Daily News cites research that says living Christmas trees can have up to 25,000 bugs in them. They say the bugs are hibernating and can wake up when the tree comes inside.

But the Atlanta Journal Constitution says other research shows the problem isn’t nearly so bad. They cite studies claiming that occasionally only one or two insects might be found in a Christmas tree.

But either way, researchers in both camps say most living things found in Christmas trees are harmless. According to Today, non-invasive species such as aphids, spiders and mites are most common.

If you’re concerned about bugs, consider leaving your tree in your garage for a few days and then shaking the tree outdoors. Vacuum around your tree. It won’t just catch needles, you can also catch bugs and eggs.

Arrow Exterminating Well Help You Get Rid of Pests Year Round

Arrow wishes you a pest free holiday season and we want to keep you safe from infestation in 2019. If you’re concerned about pests in your home or business, we have the resources and know-how to help you all year round. To get started, contact us today.

Does My Christmas Tree Have Pests? Serving Long Island and surrounding areas

Richmond | Kings | Nassau County | Suffolk County

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