![]() In natural Fraser fir stands, this economically and ecologically important conifer occurs almost entirely above 1,300 meters, usually in association with red spruce ( Picea rubens Sarg.), but it becomes the dominant tree species above about 1,800 meters (Busing et al. It has also posed problems for North Carolina’s $100 million annual Christmas tree industry, which relies almost entirely on plantation-grown Fraser fir. During the last 50 years, this exotic invader from Europe has decimated mature natural stands of Fraser fir ( Abies fraseri Poir.), causing significant changes to the spruce-fir ecosystem. Currently, the most serious threat to its continued existence, however, is an insect that measures less than a millimeter in length – the balsam woolly adelgid ( Adelges piceae Ratz.). ![]() Never very extensive, this forest type has been reduced by poor forest management practices, and could face elimination as a result of global climate change. high-elevation red spruce-Fraser fir forests of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia together encompass a unique boreal ecosystem endemic to the southeastern United States. If you feel that the infestation is too large to handle on your own, simply remove the tree from your home-your best bet simply may be getting a new or artificial one. If you have pets who like to mess with a tree, you don’t want them to get it on or in them if they ingest it.” “It would certainly kill insects that contact it and get exposed to enough of it,” Gore says, “but it does not work very quickly.” Plus, he adds the average homeowner may end up over-applying the product, leading to “unnecessary exposure to it by the home occupants. Some sources recommend treating the tree with diatomaceous earth, a powder that kills insects by drying them out. “Many can be flammable and the heat of Christmas tree lights could be enough to cause a problem,” Gore warns. You definitely don’t want to use an OTC insecticide on or around your Christmas tree. ⚠️ Do not use OTC insecticide on or around your Christmas tree. “Place the contents into a larger trash bag, seal the trash bag, and take it to an outdoor trash can or dumpster.” “Simply vacuum the pest up and then empty the canister or remove the vacuum cleaner bag,” Gore says. ![]() #Insecticides and pesticides used on frasier firs how to#“However, these cases are rare.” How to get rid of Christmas tree bugs safely “That might create some worry if you suddenly have hundreds of tiny insects that appear around your tree,” Gore says. In some cases when there’s an egg mass on a tree, bringing the tree inside to a warm space can speed up the development and hatching. While uncommon, some spiders can bite, Gore warns, so it’s not a bad idea to wear gloves when you’re handling your tree and setting it up inside. Most of these bugs preer to eat plants, so they won’t be much of a bother. “There’s no reason to panic if you find a pest on your Christmas tree,” Gore says. While it’s gross and less than ideal, these bugs aren’t usually going to harm you. Should you worry if you find bugs in your Christmas tree? “They could be hiding on the trunk, or within the boughs of the tree,” Gore says. This is also where you’ll find bark beetles and psocids,” says Gore.Īdelgids are more likely to be found on the limbs or green parts of the tree, and they can lay eggs that are “white and sac-like, with wispy webbing around them,” Gore says, adding that “you’ll see them very easily against the green of the tree limbs.”Īs for spiders, they’ll show up anywhere on your tree. “Scale insects and aphids are sap-feeding insects that can be found on the trunk, limbs, and the woody parts of the tree. ![]() Where do bugs like to hang out in Christmas trees? ![]() In this case, take that part of the branch outdoors to keep it from hatching inside. You may even find their egg cases attached to the branches, which are large and brown in color. In some areas of the country, you might also see praying mantises in your tree, Gore says. ![]()
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