New Holiday Fear: Your Christmas Tree Is Bringing Bugs Into Your House

25,000 Bugs In Your Christmas Tree?

Lugging home a real Christmas tree is one of the most cherished holiday rituals.

But a surprising trend is making waves online: families decorating their freshly cut tree… only to discover tiny uninvited guests waking up on the branches a few days later.

The culprit isn’t bad luck. It’s weather science.

Why Your Tree Is Full of Sleeping Bugs

Out on the tree farms, December air is crisp, often hovering around freezing or even lower. That cold environment triggers a biological shutdown mode in insects called diapause, which is essentially their version of hibernation.

Insects like spiders, mites and even praying mantises rely on environmental cues to know when to sleep and when to wake. When temperatures drop in late fall, they slow their metabolism, stop moving and tuck themselves into sheltered spots on the tree.

(MORE: How To Weather-Proof Your Holiday Decor)

For them, winter has arrived. Their bodies shift into conservation mode to survive the cold until spring warmth returns.

How Your Living Room Creates A “False Spring”

That sudden temperature jump is everything their tiny bodies have been waiting for. A few days after settling the tree into its stand, you may start to notice movement: a stray spider, a drifting piece of silk or even a praying mantis egg sac starting to hatch.

(MORE: Keep Your Christmas Tree From Drying Out)

A single tree can host anywhere from a few dozen to 25,000 dormant insects, though most are so small you’ll never notice them.

How Do You Keep The Bugs Out Of Your Holidays?

1. Shake the tree outside (seriously, shake it hard). Tree farms often use mechanical shakers, but if yours didn’t get that treatment, you can recreate a mini “wind event” at home. A strong shake knocks off loose insects, empty egg sacs and debris before they get a chance to wake up indoors.
2. Let the tree sit in the garage or on a porch before bringing it inside. If possible, give the tree a 12–24 hour layover. This gives any dormant critters time to drop off before the full warm-up.
3. Skip the commercial insect sprays. They’re unnecessary and can create indoor air quality issues. Physical removal (shaking) works far better and protects pets and kids.

Bottom Line

Real trees bring incredible beauty and that unmistakable evergreen smell, but they also bring a tiny winter ecosystem that’s been sleeping peacefully in the cold. Remember: If you choose a tree that grew outside, you're getting a little nature with your nostalgia, so plan accordingly.

(MORE: Real Vs. Fake Tree, Which Is Better?)

Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities.