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A fresh Christmas tree smells great, and it’s nice to have a bit of nature in your home, but you have to be careful about just how much nature is making its way inside. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach warns that “several hundred baby insects or spiders can be on a single tree,” and the North Carolina State Extension also noted, “These ‘accidental invader’ insect and spider pests are harmless and should not be viewed as a disruptions to the festivities.”
The experts also note that it’s relatively rare to find pests on a tree in the first place, but if you’d rather be safe than sorry you should be sure to inspect your potential tree for egg cases or any other signs of critters that might be lurking on the branches or near the trunk. Also, once you choose your tree you should shake it before bringing it insider your home to loosen any insects that might be lurking, and you could even consider hosing your tree off before bringing it inside (and letting it dry overnight.) Whatever you do, do NOT spray your tree with aerosol pesticides, as these products are typically flammable.
