Real Christmas Trees: A Hidden Pest Threat?

​Are you Team Real Christmas Tree or Team Fake Christmas Tree? People tend to have strong opinions on this topic, and if you’re Team Real Christmas Tree, you probably believe that nothing compares to the natural scent and feel of a real tree. But would you still feel that way if you knew your real Christmas tree might be bringing pests into your home?

Getem Services has been helping homeowners prevent and treat pest problems for over 100 years, long before fake trees were even popular! We’ve researched whether your Christmas decor could actually be a hidden pest threat, and here’s what you need to know.

​What This Blog Will Cover

• Common pests that can hitch a ride on your real Christmas tree
• How holiday decor, even fake trees and wreaths, can introduce pests
• Practical tips to prevent pests during the holiday season
• How Getem Services can help keep your home pest-free this Christmas

The Pests You Might Find in Your Real Christmas Tree

If you’ve ever seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you might recall the infamous squirrel scene. While it makes for a funny movie moment, real-life holiday pest encounters can happen, too. For instance, in 2024, an owl flew down a family’s chimney in Arlington and perched on their Christmas tree!

While these large animal encounters are infrequent, it is much more likely for insects and spiders to be hiding in your tree. Once inside, these pests could leave the tree and start infesting your home. The most common pests associated with real Christmas trees include:

• Spiders: Often hiding in the branches, spiders and their webs may go unnoticed until they are indoors.
• Ants, beetles, and other insects: Small but capable of spreading quickly if not detected.

Why Your Christmas Tree Isn’t the Only Source of Holiday Pests

Even if you choose a fake tree, pests can still find their way inside. During the holiday season, many insects and rodents look for shelter as the weather cools. Pests may hide in:

• Wreaths or garlands brought inside from outdoors
• Decorations stored in basements, attics, or storage units
• Holiday decor boxes that haven’t been opened or inspected

Before decorating, always inspect items carefully to reduce the risk of bringing pests indoors.

Pest Prevention Tips for the Holiday Season

Real Christmas Tree Tips

• Inspect before purchase. Look for nests, insects, or signs of damage while at the lot.
• Quarantine your tree. Leave it in your garage or covered porch for a day or two before bringing it inside.
• Monitor once inside. Check branches, base, and surrounding area for signs of pests throughout the season.

Christmas Decor Tips

• Examine wreaths, garlands, and other greenery before bringing them indoors.
• Open storage boxes outside and inspect for spiders or insects before setting them up.
• Shake out any decorations that have been in attics, basements, or storage facilities.

General Home Pest Prevention

• Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs or spills immediately.
• Take out trash regularly and keep your kitchen tidy.
• Address moisture issues, leaks, and high humidity in your home.
• Seal potential entry points around windows, doors, and foundations.
• Reduce clutter where pests can hide.
• Schedule routine seasonal pest control with Getem Services.

Contact Getem Services for a Pest-Free Home This Holiday Season

Whether you’ve discovered ants in your Christmas tree, mice in your attic, or spiders in your decorations, Getem Services provides the home pest control you need to enjoy a worry-free holiday. Even better, scheduling preventive treatment before pests arrive can help keep your home protected all year long.

Our year-round plan includes:

• Quarterly pest treatments to keep pests out
• Interior treatments when necessary
• Removal of spider webs and wasp nests (up to one story)
• Checking and replenishing rodent bait stations if needed

If covered pests appear between scheduled visits, we’ll come back to handle the problem at no additional charge.

With over 100 years of experience serving Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and surrounding areas, Getem Services knows how to protect your home this Christmas and beyond. Schedule your home pest inspection and treatment today and enjoy a pest-free holiday season!