Here ’s why you belike do n’t have glitch in your Christmas tree , despite the stories of plague you may see .
Kim Cornelison
When we see those revulsion stories abouthundreds of insectshitching a ride into someone ’s place on aChristmas tree , it ’s hard not to give our own Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree a nervous glimpse or two . But before you swear off real Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for effective and optfor an artificial oneinstead , consider that your chances of get any creepy-crawly - crawlies dash your holiday festivities are actually moderately slim , according to the expert . And if you do see some , it likely wo n’t become an intrusion of epic proportions .
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Doug Hundleyis a representative for the National Christmas Tree Association .
Are There Bugs in Your Christmas Tree?
To recover out how distressed we should be about hemipterous insect - filled evergreen plant , we checked in with the National Christmas Tree Association . According to its spokesman , Doug Hundley , the short reply is not at all . But what about those news stories about the chance of thousands of bugs shroud in a undivided Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ?
Hundley says that routine is base on an entomologist ’s estimate of the maximal number of louse thatcouldinhabit a tree , and it admit microscopic creature that you ’d never discover on the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or in your home . In reality , you ’re exceedingly unlikely to see any visible bugs onyour Christmas tree , much less thousands of them .
Why ? Because most tree growers regularlykeep an eye out for pest , reconnoiter for one that fee on the Tree as well as those that have been know to nest in them , Hundley explains . If growers spot any , they plow infested trees mighty aside to help keep their crop as bug - free as potential .
In addition to steady pest restraint during the grow appendage , many tree farms also have mechanically skillful shakers that help dislodge any pests that might have found their way onto branches after harvest time ( and they ’ll assist get disembarrass of informal phonograph needle , too ) .
Tips for Avoiding Christmas Tree Bugs
If you ’re still concerned , you’re able to also give your tree a good handshaking outside your planetary house . We recommend chance a buddy to impart some sinew if you ca n’t well lift the whole Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree off the ground by yourself . And definitely take out on some horticulture gloves first to nullify sap and scraping . Then , lay the whole tree diagram over a white sheet , give it a few stiff shakes , and watch for any worm that fall off . If you see any , give it a few more shakes to verify you ’ve dislodged all of them .
Hundley also recommends using a potent spray from a garden hose to gargle off your tree before bringing it inside . This will help knock off any potential hitchhikers as well as on the loose dirt . And on the off - luck that any bugs still make it inside your dwelling house , justgrab your vacuumand give suck them up .
So go ahead and enjoy your genuine Christmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree without fear of inviting in more guests than you had intended . Just remember to top off the water in the tree bear to keep the branches fresh for as long as possible . And once the holidays are over , you’re able to reprocess your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and start up dreaming of next year ’s yuletide festivity .
