Is Your Christmas Tree Causing Pest Problems?

The holiday season is time for celebration and reflection of yesteryear. Family and friends gather for gift exchange and hearty feasts. But the one element that significantly contributes to the festive season can put a damper on your Christmas events.

Many residents are spotting small pests in the vicinity of their Christmas tree. The unwanted holiday guests were aphids that can be spotted by carefully inspecting on the leaves of the trees or where the branches meet the base.

The infestation size can be from a few hundred to thousands. These tiny, green sap-sucking pests do not pose any health threat to you or your family but can stain carpets or like materials when smashed. And since your seasonal tree is a temporary, disposable home décor you won’t have to worry about the effects on the tree.

Farmers usually treat for aphids and other similar pests before placing them on the retail market, so these instances of pest problems are rare. Nevertheless, there are occasional circumstances that allow an aphid infestation to prevail.

Replacing the tree is a solution to eliminating the pest infestation in your home but will require temporarily taking down your decorations and transporting the infested tree to receive a new one.

An effective approach without evicting your current tree is to use a quality vacuum with a crevice tool extension. Do a thoroughly vacuum and inspect the tree afterwards. Spraying pesticides on the tree is not recommended. The treatment can pose a health risk to pests or children and leave you with hundreds of aphids dead on your floor – creating a huge mess!

Fake Christmas trees are also not a sure solution to avoiding pests. Artificial trees are ideal nesting locations for rodents and spiders. A thorough inspection is required of these trees as well.

Overall, this is a time to relax and enjoy your invited holiday guests. Don’t let bug problems stress you out.

Pro Pacific Pest Control wishes you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!