Tips for Keeping Your Fresh Cut Christmas Tree Bug Free for the Holidays

There’s nothing quite like the experience of bringing home a fresh-cut Christmas tree to fill your home with that iconic pine scent and festive charm. It’s one of those beloved Christmas traditions that we look forward to every year.

However, as Ed and Angelica from EKA Build have learned through the years, a fresh-cut tree can sometimes bring some surprises—tiny hitchhikers from nature, that's right, we have found plenty of Christmas tree bugs! But don’t worry, because we’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to; we have Christmas tree tips that will ensure your holiday remains festive and bug-free.

Dealing with Christmas Tree Bugs: What You Need to Know

The “Fun Surprises” We’ve Encountered with Christmas Tree Bugs 

Over the years, we’ve had some memorable moments with our Christmas trees, including unexpected encounters with bugs. It started easy. Our first discovery was a rather large moth flying around the house after the tree had been inside for a few weeks.

We couldn’t figure out where it came from until we realized it had likely hatched from a cocoon nestled deep within the branches, a reminder that Christmas tree bugs can be an unexpected part of the holiday experience.

Then came the year of the praying mantises. Tiny green mantises hatched right in our living room, creating what felt like an army of miniature soldiers marching across the floor, couch, and rug. There were hundreds of them, and it seemed endless—like an ant parade! 

And who could forget the spider tree? One year, as we were stringing up lights, we noticed countless baby spiders crawling everywhere. We thought there was no way we have Christmas tree bugs again.

Midway through decorating, we had to stop, drag the tree outside, and admit defeat. Nature had truly outdone itself. Thankfully, we were in the early stages of decorating the tree.

Mind you, we always got our trees from reputable places, where they shook the loose pine needles off before we took them home. We would of course also look the tree over. But, as we learned, nature can’t be entirely contained, and bugs can sometimes come along for the ride. 

The Reality of Christmas Trees Bugs 

Did you know that a fresh-cut Christmas tree can harbor up to 20,000 insects or bugs? The types of Christmas tree bugs could include conifer aphids, spiders, mites, and even praying mantis eggs. While most are harmless and unlikely to survive long indoors, they can certainly make their presence known—and memorable! 

How We’ve Made Bug-Free Christmas Trees a Reality 

After a few of these bug-filled Christmas seasons, we did some research and developed a foolproof routine to enjoy our tree without uninvited guests: 

1. Shake and Blow It Out 

Before bringing the tree inside, we shake it out thoroughly and use a leaf blower to remove any loose debris or hidden insects. (And we would always do this, so don’t stop here!) 

2. Apply Diatomaceous Earth to Prevent Christmas Tree Bugs

We lightly coat the tree with diatomaceous earth, a natural, odorless powder that dries out insects. It’s a great alternative to Christmas tree sprays and safe for people and pets, but incredibly effective at keeping bugs away.

Just take a scoop and use your leaf blower to coat the tree. Make sure not to inhale the powder and don’t overdue it or your tree with end up white. 

3. Let It Sit 

After applying the powder, we leave the tree outside for about 24 hours to allow the powder to work its magic. 

4. Blow It Off Again 

Before bringing the tree inside, we blow it off one final time to remove the unwanted debris and the excessive powder residue. 

5. Neem Oil Option 

Another effective alternative is using a Christmas tree spray called neem oil, which is a natural insect repellent. This can be done before bringing the tree indoors, and even after as soon as you notice bugs.

We have personally not needed to do this, but you can use this Christmas tree spray every seven days until the bugs are gone. Neem oil has been used for hundreds of years but does have a garlic/sulfur smell.

6. UV LED Fly Trap

You can also plug in a Home Indoor Fly Trap near the tree that should naturally attract insects by the UV LED light, and then trap them with a glue card.

Other Christmas Tree Tips for a Healthy and Beautiful Tree

• Water and Nutrition: To keep your tree fresh longer, make sure it has plenty of water. Adding a tree nutrition powder or mix can also help it stay vibrant throughout the season – usually every 5-7 days. 

• Placement: Keep your tree away from heat sources to prevent it from drying out too quickly. 

By taking these extra steps, we’ve been able to enjoy our fresh-cut Christmas tree worry-free. The process has become part of our holiday tradition, ensuring that we get all the joy of a natural tree without the surprises. 

A Reminder of Nature’s Charm 

Despite the occasional bug invasion, fresh-cut Christmas trees remind us that we’re bringing a piece of nature into our homes. With a little preparation, we can embrace the beauty of the season while keeping the critters at bay. 

Merry Christmas from EKA Build! May your Christmas tree bring you as much joy (and fewer surprises) as ours do now!