When it comes to your home’s holiday tree or trees, whether they are real or artificial, having this beloved holiday symbol in your home or business, can come with some added risks for pest and rodents. While these uninvited visitors may seem harmless, they can quickly turn your joyful holiday season into a less than stellar celebration. In this article, we are going to review some of the most common holiday tree pests and provide you with tips on how to protect your home from these unwanted guests.
Common Holiday Tree Pests
Even if you don’t display a real live holiday tree in your home throughout the season, it doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk of holiday tree pests. That tree you stored in the basement, attic, garage, shed, or someplace else, can still come with pesky invaders. Some common holiday tree pests that we find in Ohio and Southeast Michigan include:
- Bugs and Insects
- Termites
- Spiders
- Mice and Other Rodents
- Birds
- And More
It’s safe to say that most people don’t want any of these pests or rodents in their home during any time of the year, but even more so over the holidays when it is a time for festive cheer and celebrations. There are things you can do to protect your home from holiday tree pests.
Protecting Your Home from Holiday Tree Pests
It is always essential to keep an eye out for any signs of pests or rodents in your home and take appropriate measures to prevent infestations. A small pest or rodent issue can turn into a much bigger problem very quickly and that’s one extra thing that most people don’t want to have to worry about over the holiday season.
Below we review some ways you can protect your home from holiday tree pests.
- Inspect the tree before bringing it into your living space. Whether you have a real tree or artificial one, inspect the tree carefully for signs of pests such as eggs, webs, or visible insects before introducing it into your living space. Shake the tree gently to see if any pests fall off. Tap it on the ground to dislodge any hidden pests. While this won’t guarantee complete elimination, it will significantly reduce the number of critters that could be hitching a ride into your home. If your tree was stored in a box somewhere, check for any signs that pest or rodents may have made their way through your storage container.
- Wash your tree and/or quarantine it a few days before setting it up. Spraying your holiday tree with water before bringing it indoors can help remove and drown some pests. Use a gentle spray to avoid damaging the tree or knocking off needles. If possible, keep your tree in a garage or enclosed porch for a day or two before bringing it fully inside. Try to find a place that you know is free and clear of pests and rodents, so new ones don’t take up residence in your tree.
- Regularly vacuum and clean around the tree. As with all pest prevention, keeping a clean and clutter free area is usually the first step to keeping these pesky critters away. Keep the area around your holiday tree clean and tidy. Regularly vacuum fallen needles and other debris. If you have pets, make sure to clean up their food and water spills promptly. Avoid putting real food decorations on your tree, as these may attract a whole new slew of pests.
- Check and monitor your tree regularly to ensure it is staying pest free. Regularly inspect your tree for any signs of pests, such as visible insects, webs, and gnawed sections of tree. Early detection can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major infestation. Your tree may not have brought new pests and rodents into your living space originally, but it can make a great home for them and draw them in from the cold throughout the holiday season.
Your home’s holiday tree or trees can create a warm and inviting atmosphere during the holiday season, that isn’t just appealing for us, it is for pests and rodents as well. It’s essential to take as many steps as possible to protect your home from holiday tree pests, to ensure they don’t ruin your festivities.
Delving Pest Control can help with all of your Northern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan pest control needs. Contact us today so you can embrace the holiday spirit without unwanted guests, and let the joy of the season shine brightly in your pest free home
