Christmas trees are a holiday tradition that is celebrated across the world. However, for many homeowners and those who love Christmas trees, their wooden friends can turn into pests if not taken care of properly. In this blog with Rat Control Canberra, we will be taking a look at ten of the most common types of Christmas tree pests that you may encounter this month and what you can do to avoid them.
How to Prevent Pests
Christmas is a time of happiness and joy, but it can also be a time of pests. Pests are tiny creatures that you might not even notice, but they can ruin your holiday. Here are the most common Christmas tree pests that can ruin your holiday:
The Christmas Tree Pest: The Christmas tree pest is the most common type of pest in a Christmas tree. This pest is a small moth that lays eggs on the needles of the tree. The eggs hatch into caterpillars that eat the leaves and branches of the tree. If you see any caterpillars on or around your Christmas tree, please remove them immediately!
The Turkey Vulture: Another common pest on a Christmas tree is the turkey vulture. This bird is known for eating carrion, which includes dead animals like chickens and turkeys. If you have a turkey vulture in your yard, it’s best to get rid of your Christmas tree before it eats too much damage.
The Forestry Service: One final pest to mention is the forestry service. This insect destroys trees by feeding on their sap. If you have a heavily infested or damaged Christmas tree, please call an arborist to take care of it for you!
Christmas Tree pests
Christmas tree pests can ruin your holiday season. Here are the most common Christmas tree pests and how to get rid of them:
1. The Christmas Tree Bug: This pesky bug is attracted to the artificial lights on trees, and will feed on the sap that flows from the needles. To get rid of this bug, first remove any light sources from the tree, then spray it with an insecticide.
2. The Christmas Tree Sawfly: This small fly attacks trees in late summer or early fall, leaving sawdust trails on the branches. To get rid of this pest, treat the tree with a pesticide following these steps: First, identify where the sawflies are coming from—look for eggs or larvae in crevices near water pipes or other potential breeding grounds. Then seal off these areas with a wire mesh screen or duct tape; use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any sawdust left behind.
3. The Christmas Tree Borer: This beetle is attracted to weakened trees and can cause extensive damage over time if not treated quickly. To get rid of this pest, cut away affected portions of the tree using a sharp knife, then apply a systemic insecticide (such as malathion) around the base of the tree.
Why Would Pests Come to the House?
Pests come to the house for many reasons, but the most common ones are food and shelter. The pests will look for areas that are warm and dry, like around the base of a tree, and will enter through cracks or crevices. If your home is warm and humid, the pests will find it hospitable. Pests also come to houses during the holidays because there is food and shelter available.
How Do You Get Rid of Pests in the House?
Pests can ruin any holiday, but they are especially pesky around Christmas time. Here are the most common Christmas tree pests that can ruin your holiday:
1. The Christmas Tree Bug: This bug is a small brown and red insect that likes to feed on sap from trees. If you see this bug on your tree, it’s time to take action! First, try to identify the bug. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to remove as much of the bug as possible. Finally, spray a solution of water and dishwashing soap on the affected area and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it off.
2. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: This bug is another small insect that likes to feed on sap from trees. Unlike the Christmas Tree Bug, however, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is black and has a strong odor. If you see this bug on your tree, do not wait to take action! First, try to identify the bug. Then, spray a solution of water and dishwashing soap on the affected area and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it off.
3. The Cedar Waxwing: This bird is one of our favorite seasonal visitors. But if you have cedar waxwings in your yard during wintertime, beware! They love to eat fruit off of trees, including Christmas trees. If you see a waxwing perched atop your tree branch eating fruit or sweets from what appears to
Prevention
Prevention is the key to avoiding tree pests. Here are some tips to keep your tree pest-free:
1. Choose a healthy, properly grown Christmas tree. Avoid those that are drought-stressed or have sickly branches.
2. Make sure the tree is placed in a well-ventilated area away from windows and heaters.
3. Keep the trunk of the tree clean by spraying it with a hose every week or so. This will help remove any pollen or critters that might be living on the tree’s surface.
4. Never plant a Christmas tree near flowers or other plants that might attract pests; move it away at least 3 feet if possible.
5. If you do see pests on your tree, take appropriate measures such as removing them with a vacuum cleaner, throwing them into a pot of boiling water for three minutes, or applying an insecticidal soap spray (such as Raid).
