Christmas Tree Critters

Insects and other creatures are sometimes brought into the home on Christmas trees. Both real and artificial trees occasionally have insects, spiders or other creatures living on them. Although they are not likely to cause harm, an inspection of the tree may head off later problems.

Black, shiny, pinhead-sized eggs laid end to end on the needles of Eastern white pine and Scotch pine are probably white pine aphid eggs. These are the overwintering stage of this aphid. Due to their state of hibernation, they are not likely to hatch inside the home. Should they hatch, they would stay on the tree, not causing any problems.

These eggs are usually not very numerous on the tree if they are present at all. To eliminate them, use a pair of scissors to clip off any infested needles.

Spiders are also occasionally found on Christmas trees. They tend to spend the winter beneath a mass of white silk on the trunk of the tree. Inspect the tree for these masses of silk and remove them to reduce the possibility of the associated spiders running around the home.

Artificial trees may also have spiders or other creatures on them. These animals may have chosen the carton in which the tree is stored from year to year as a hiding place. Check the tree for the presence of masses of spider silk, spiders, centipedes or insects particularly at the base of the limbs, inside the hollow trunk and in cracks and crevices in the tree stand.

Source: Philip L. Nixon, Ph.D., Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana