Deck the Bugs in North Dakota: Tips for a Pest-Free Christmas Tree

With Thanksgiving behind us, it's officially time to deck the halls—and that starts with picking out a Christmas tree! While artificial trees offer convenience, many people still prefer the charm of a real tree.

According to a new survey by the Real Christmas Tree Board, 85% of Americans say a real tree makes their home feel more festive and enhances the holiday spirit. Even more, 83% believe the scent of a fresh tree helps them relax. Interestingly, 25% of Americans plan to purchase a real tree for the first time this year!

And, it seems once you go real, you rarely go back … 90% of those who switched to a real tree for Christmas last year said they were happy about it and 97% of those who went real last year say they want their kids to continue to experience the joy of a real tree.

Nothing beats the charm of a fresh Christmas tree lighting up your home during the holidays. But let’s not forget, safety first! Keeping your tree watered is essential—dry trees can quickly become fire hazards, and nobody wants to turn holiday cheer into a safety scare.

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Also, let's face it: your tree might bring some tiny, uninvited guests along for the ride. According to Petri Pest Control Services Inc., the usual suspects found on Christmas trees, include aphids, beetles, mites, and other critters.

The bug experts have some tips about how to get rid of these Christmas critters. They include:

1. Check for bird nests. They might be harboring bird mites, so best to evict them pronto.
2. Tiny holes on the trunk? That's a pine bark beetle's calling card, so keep an eye out.
3. Get that tree lot to give your tree a good shake to kick off any hitchhikers and loose needles.
4. Before it enters your house, give that tree one more good shake for luck.
5. Here's a hack: sprinkle some food-grade diatomaceous powder on the tree, then let it chill in the garage or outside for a couple of days to bug-proof it.
6. One big no-no: don't even think about using spray pesticides indoors. They're flammable and definitely not window-friendly.

But hey, there's a workaround if bugs give you the creeps: snag a faux tree and bypass the critter concerns altogether. Your call!