Surprisingly, keeping little critters away from your Christmas tree isn’t as hard as it may seem.
From the tranquility of the forest to a living room full of crawling insects—it might sound like the plot of a horror film. But when your Christmas tree moves in, it can quickly become a reality.
“When the tree comes into the warmth, insects that were dormant under the bark, in branches, or within cones wake up,” explains Claus Schultz, technical manager at Rentokil Pest Control, in a press release, as cited by Nyheder24.
“Some get a definite shock and start crawling away, while others simply enjoy the warmth and pretend to be part of the Christmas gathering. Additionally, the heat can hatch eggs hidden on the tree—like an unexpected Christmas gift you can’t return,” he continues.
But before you consider skipping the Christmas tree altogether, Claus Schultz offers some reassurance:
“Most of these little critters are completely harmless, and with a few simple tricks, you can keep them at a safe distance from your holiday fun.”
While you’re decorating the tree, these tiny creatures might see it as an opportunity for their own holiday party.
But no one wants their Christmas Eve to feel like a mix of Home Alone and The Fly. Taking a few precautions can ensure your Christmas guests are limited to those you actually invited.
Want to avoid sharing your holiday with uninvited intruders? Here are Claus Schultz's top three tips:
Shake It Off: Knock the Christmas tree firmly against the ground outside to shake off most of the insects.
Quarantine: Leave the tree outside for a few days before bringing it into the living room.
Rinse and Repeat: If needed, rinse the tree with a garden hose to wash off any remaining critters.
With these simple steps, your Christmas tree can bring joy—not surprises—into your home this holiday season.
