PestBear’s Blog
For many, the idea of going out into the woods, choosing that perfect Christmas tree, cutting it down and hauling it back to the house is an important and integral tradition of the holiday season.
Even those who would rather visit a tree farm or nursery where much of the work has already been done know that there’s nothing quite like the presence of a live tree in the living room, spreading joy.
The problem is that where you have a live tree, you have the possibility of an infestation. These trees are not just beautiful to look at — they are home to possibly hundreds or thousands of insects, spiders and other tiny critters who, through no fault of their own, might find their way into your home this season. That’s why it’s important to try and choose a bug-free tree.
But, how can you make sure the tree you choose if free from pests? Here are some tips:
Examine the Tree
The best way to prevent an infested tree from coming into your home is to give it a thorough, visible inspection. Most bugs and animals leave some sort of visual sign behind, and if you know what to look for you’ll be sure to spot it.
What are some of the things to look for? Tiny spider webs, small holes bored into the trunk or branches, brown or red dots on the lower branches — these are just some of the signs that might indicate your tree is carrying some unwanted travelers along for the ride.
Shake It Out
You might think your visual inspection was thorough, but it’s a good idea to take your examination to the next level by giving the tree a long and vigorous shaking. It might sound silly, but it works; shaking the tree for an extended period of time is sure to dislodge all but the most tenacious of critters — and after your shake, chances are they’re going to want to find a more stable place to go to anyway!
Go Artificial
If you just can’t stand the idea of something living in your tree and coming in your house, your best bet is to find a fake tree. These artificial trees might not have the presence of a real tree, but they certainly come with more peace of mind!
If you would like more tips on choosing the right tree, or if you think the tree you’ve already chosen might have brought an infestation inside, don’t hesitate to bring in professional help. Contact PestBear today!