Christmas is a magical time.
One thing that could spoil this time of year would be pests.
More specifically, bugs.
Most of the time, bugs are not a problem during the winter.
A lot of insects are dormant during the cold months.
![christmas tree](http://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1-4.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: Flickr / Julie Corsi
But, if you got yourself a real Christmas tree, you may have bugs that will come to life once they get inside your nice warm living room.
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2-3.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: Bugs on the Bayou
There is nothing that can compare to the smell of a fresh pine tree in your home at Christmas.
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/3-3.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: Wikipedia
But, we all know that outside, trees are home to many of nature’s creatures.
One such creature is the aphid.
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/4-3.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
They are small brown or black bugs that may reside in your Christmas tree.
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/5-1.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Other likely suspects could be bark beetles, scale insects, mites, and psocids.
Also, keep an eye out for evidence of bugs, like burrows, eggs, or feeding trails.
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/6-1.jpeg.webp)
Image Credit: Amco Ranger
These white blobs indicate the presence of adelgids.
They are made when the bugs suck the sap out of needles.
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/7-1.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: North Carolina Christmas Trees
This walnut-sized tan mass is the egg mass of a praying mantis!
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/8-1.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: Flickr
If you see one, you should get rid of it – it will hatch!
The type of bugs you may see will depend on where you live.
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/9-1.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: Flickr / Knight
Some bugs are harmless, and not all insects are pests, lady beetle larvae will eat Christmas tree pests.
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/10-1.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: Flickr
So, before you bring a tree into your home, check it first!
You can also give your tree a good shake to dislodge any unwanted guests or leave the tree in your garage for 24 hours.
![christmas tree](https://www.relayhero.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/12.jpg.webp)
Image Credit: Flickr / Erica Cherup
Happy Holidays!
Share away, people!