Keep pests off the guest list
A live tree and a few boxes from the attic can bring in unwanted guests, but a few simple habits keep them outside.
Shake the tree.
A good shake outside knocks loose most of the bugs riding along.
Check the boxes.
Look for droppings, chewed cardboard and webs before you carry decorations in.
Store it right.
Sealed plastic tubs keep mice and spiders out until next year.
Bugs in Christmas trees are common, but they’re rarely a real problem. A live tree can carry aphids, spiders, mites and bark insects from the farm. They’re outdoor bugs, so they don’t settle into your home and usually die off within days indoors.
The bigger holiday risk is stored decorations. Boxes sitting in the attic, basement or garage all year make cozy homes for mice and spiders. Our year-round pest control helps keep mice and spiders in check between seasons.
What bugs live in Christmas trees?
Aphids, spiders, mites, bark beetles and praying mantis egg cases are the usual hitchhikers. Most are tiny and stay on the tree.
You might also spot small flying insects as the tree warms up indoors. They’re looking to get back outside, not to move in.
How do you get rid of bugs in Christmas trees before bringing them inside?
Shake the tree hard outside, then let it sit in the garage for a day before bringing it in. Many tree lots have a shaker that does the job for you.
A few more steps help:
- Check branches and the trunk for egg cases. Cut off the branch and leave it outdoors.
- Look for nests or webs near the trunk.
- Lay a sheet under the tree to catch anything that drops.
- Vacuum stragglers. Skip aerosol bug spray on the tree, since it isn’t needed and many sprays are flammable.
Why do stored decorations attract pests?
Cardboard boxes in quiet storage spots give mice nesting material and shelter. Spiders move in to hunt the small bugs that hide there.
Mice start pushing indoors when Kansas City nights turn cold. That’s right about when the boxes come down. Watch for droppings, chewed corners, shredded paper and webs. Our guide on stopping mice this winter has more tips.
How should you store holiday decorations to keep pests out?
Use plastic tubs with tight lids instead of cardboard, and keep them off the floor. That one change takes away most of what mice and spiders want.
- Unpack and repack in the garage, not the living room.
- Toss old cardboard and shredded packing paper.
- Never store food, candy or edible ornaments with decorations.
- Shake out wreaths, garland and tree skirts before storing.
What if pests are already in your storage areas?
Spiders and light mouse activity are covered on our plans. Each visit includes an inspection, an exterior barrier and treatment inside where needed. Our spider control page explains how we handle spiders. For the full list of covered pests, see what a pest control plan covers.
Found droppings in the holiday boxes? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the bugs that ride in on a live Christmas tree are outdoor insects and usually die within days indoors. Shaking the tree outside first removes most of them.
A tan, foamy or walnut-sized mass on a branch is often a praying mantis egg case. Cut off that branch and leave it outside so the young don’t hatch in your warm house.
No, spraying a Christmas tree isn’t needed, and many aerosol bug sprays are flammable. Shaking the tree and vacuuming any stragglers works better.
Store decorations in plastic tubs with tight lids, keep them off the floor and never pack food with them. Rock Pest plans cover light mouse activity, and techs seal small gaps with copper mesh.
Mice push into Kansas City homes when nights turn cold in fall. That’s why holiday boxes stored in garages, attics and basements often show droppings by the time you unpack them.
