It’s the most wonderful time of year! The holiday songs are playing, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is finally lit, and regardless of the way 2020’s played out, there’s still holiday magic in the air. But unfortunately, unlike the famous Rockefeller tree, you might find more than just owls in your own holiday decorations, which is why it’s important to take precautions as you begin to decorate your Long Island home for the holiday season.

It’s a Big Year for Live Christmas Trees

So, maybe you made it through Thanksgiving before putting up your decor this year, and maybe you got started decorating for the holidays around Halloween…we won’t judge. Regardless, recent news reports state Christmas tree farms are reporting huge upticks in live tree sales this year! Whether people are spending more time enjoying their homes, or have simply watched the entirety of Netflix by now and are looking for something fun to do with the family (like decorate for the holidays!), there is a notable increase in homeowners’ desire to seek out live trees this year.

Live trees are fresh, fragrant, festive, and even recyclable; going with a live Christmas tree may seem like a no-brainer for Long Island homeowners, many members of the Suburban team included, however we do want to inform you of a few common pest issues associated with not only live Christmas trees, but holiday decor in general.

Uh Oh…Christmas Tree Bugs?

With live trees, comes the opportunity for any sleeping critter who’s been disturbed to wake up from their slumber and find themselves in a new home…like yours! Because live trees are plucked from the great outdoors, it’s a fair assumption that any pests on the tree may hitch a ride indoors, so if you do go the live tree route this year, you may very likely end up with more than just presents under your family’s tree.

Common Live Christmas Tree Pests

Aphids—Christmas tree aphids are small, sap-sucking insects.
Bark Beetles—beetles who feed in the inner bark layer of trees.
Mites—mites on Christmas trees are small arthopods who cause yellow spots on needles.
Praying Mantises—insects known to lay eggs in Christmas trees.
Scale Insects—tiny insects who feed off the sapa in many tree species.
Spiders—Christmas tree spiders are non-invasive, eight-legged pests you might spot in your tree.

Luckily, bugs in the Christmas tree can be alleviated by giving the tree a solid shake before bringing it inside, and some tree lots even have mechanical tree shakers that remove insects. If you do find yourself with pest issues after you bring a live tree into your home, just give us a call at (631/516) 864-6900 and we’ll check out the situation!

Other Holiday Decor Pests to Look Out For

Live Christmas trees aren’t the only way pests can get into your home this holiday season. With any holiday decor you’re bringing in from your basement, attic, or storage areas, it’s a smart idea to inspect the items before bringing them directly into your home. Inspect any boxes of decorations for gnaw marks and rodent droppings—these are indicators you may be dealing with a rodent infestation.

Likewise, a holiday season staple for chestnut roasting, firewood, is another common mode of transportation for a variety of household pests like beetles, termites, roaches and carpenter ants who are often drawn to damp or ground-stored wood.

Be sure to always inspect your firewood for pest infestations before bringing it into your house. You may notice tunnels, holes, dust, or full-blown insects. It’s also always a good idea to make sure your firewood is stored off the ground, several feet away from your house, and in a safe spot where it isn’t getting damp.

Christmas Tree Infested With Bugs?

Don’t let pests ruin your holiday fun this year! Whether you’re dealing with some surprise Christmas bugs after your trip to the tree farm, you’ve discovered mice nesting in your holiday decor that’s been in the attic, or you want to get a head start on an annual pest protection plan for 2021, Suburban Exterminating’s got you covered! Call at (631/516) 864-6900 to schedule a free inspection today. Happy Holidays, Long Island!