Yes, Real Christmas Trees Can Have Bugs
Live Christmas trees are grown outdoors on tree farms, so it’s completely normal for them to host insects. Most of these bugs are overwintering, meaning they’re dormant due to cold temperatures.
When a tree is cut and moved into a warm house, those insects can occasionally become active again.
Common bugs found on Christmas trees
Aphids – Small, soft-bodied insects sometimes mistaken for “tree lice”
Spider mites – Tiny pests often found on spruce trees
Spiders – Using the tree for shelter, not nesting
Bark beetles or weevils – Rare, usually in the trunk
Praying mantis egg cases – Uncommon, but notable if present
The Important Part: This Is Not an Infestation Risk
This is where most homeowners can relax.
Christmas tree insects do not infest homes.
They:
Don’t reproduce indoors
Don’t spread to furniture or walls
Don’t survive long once separated from the tree
In nearly every case, these insects:
Die off naturally
Are removed when the tree comes down
Can be vacuumed if spotted
Seeing a few bugs does not mean your home has a pest problem.
Why Bugs Appear After the Tree Is Inside
Illinois winters force many insects into something called diapause, the insect version of hibernation. When your tree suddenly goes from 20°F outdoors to 70°F indoors, that temperature change can “wake them up.”
This is why homeowners sometimes notice:
Small insects crawling on ornaments
A spider near the tree days after setup
Sticky residue from aphids on needles
It’s a temporary reaction, not a sign of an ongoing issue.
How to Reduce the Chances of Bringing Bugs Inside
If you’re getting a real tree, a few simple steps help minimize surprises:
Inspect the tree before buying
Look for egg masses, webbing, or clusters of insects.Shake the tree outdoors
A firm shake removes loose debris and insects.Rinse the trunk if possible
Lightly hosing the trunk (and letting it dry) helps.Let the tree sit in a garage briefly
A day or two in an unheated garage can expose insects without warming them too fast.
What About Artificial Trees?
Artificial trees don’t come from farms — but they’re not immune to pests.
Stored decorations can harbor spiders, boxelder bugs, asian beetles, and even rodents. If an artificial tree is stored in an attic, garage, or basement, pests may already be present before it’s brought out.
When Bugs Aren’t Coming From the Tree
If you are seeing insects weeks after the tree is set up, and in rooms far from the tree, then the source is usually other existing entry points in the home. Pests that frequently appear in the winter time like boxelders and asian beetles often enter the home into the attic space and then come down into the living space chasing warmth.
The Bottom Line
✔ Yes, Christmas trees can bring bugs inside
✔ The bugs are usually harmless and temporary
✔ They do not cause infestations
✔ Ongoing winter pest activity points to structural entry issues, not holiday décor
If you notice pest activity during the winter months, it’s often a good time to have your home checked for entry points, insulation gaps, and exclusion issues — well before spring pests become active.
If you’d like help inspecting your home or preventing winter pest problems, reach out to a local professional who understands how Illinois homes behave in cold weather.
