TREE-LY AWFUL
Bin your Christmas tree immediately if you find a ‘pine cone’ like growth or risk infestation with ‘thousands’ of pests
Scroll down for advice on how to look after your Christmas tree
WITH just 16 days until December 25th, it’s likely that many of us up and down the country already have our Christmas trees up and decorated.
But, it turns out you’ll need to put the festivities on hold and throw away your tree immediately if you spot a ‘pine cone’ like growth.
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And if you don’t, you could risk an infestation with ‘thousands’ of pests leaking over your home - yes, you heard that correctly.
Whilst authentic trees are sure to bring the festive spirit to homes in December, arguably more so than plastic, flat-pack versions, experts have issued a very important and somewhat spine-tingling warning.
It turns out that having a real tree not only comes with pine needles all over your floor, but one particular risk that isn't for the weak stomached…
According to the pros, not only can real trees cause a bit of a mess, but they can also carry with them some creepy crawlies.
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Being that real trees are planted before being sold to customers, it's likely that they are also home to a number of creatures, particularly insects and bugs.
And even more specifically, it turns out that Christmas trees are actually super-attractive to praying mantises in particular.
Not only may you find such insects in your tree, but you’re also likely to spot eggs too.
With that in mind, it’s advised that you inspect your tree and if you notice a walnut-sized mass hanging off one of the branches or attached to the central trunk, you should bin the entire tree immediately.
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Whilst these masses might be reminiscent of a pine cone, they're actually sacks that could contain 100-200 praying mantis eggs.
These spooky sacks often go undetected by homeowners as they blend in with the colours of the branches.
I’m a mum and my hack makes tiny Christmas trees look bigger in your home without needing to fork out for a tall one
Most people don't realise they've got an insect infestation until it's too late, but one high-profile TikTok star named has revealed that she recently spotted one on own tree.
Showing what a sack looks like, the content creator advised her followers: "If you see this on your Christmas tree, get rid of it immediately.
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"It might not look like much but this is actually a praying mantis egg sack and they're really commonly found on Christmas trees.”
She then explained: "When you bring the tree inside, the warmth of your house will cause them to hatch.
New fear unlocked
TikTok user
"You will have hundreds of preying mantis' running around your house.
So, do yourself a favour and check your tree."
How to look after your real Christmas tree
HERE'S what you need to know if you're buying a real Christmas tree:
First thing's first: buy a pot (if it doesn't come in one already).
You'll need to treat your tree just like a houseplant and give it water and attention.
Make sure the container has good drainage - and it's a good idea to put something underneath to catch the excess water.
Check the soil everyday to make sure it's not drying out.
If it feels dry, give it some water. If it still feels moist, leave it alone as too much water can also kill a tree.
Also check the LED bulbs on your tree lights aren't too hot as they could burn it, and keep your tree away from radiators.
When Christmas is over, try planting it in the garden so you can dig it up and use it again next year.
It's a good idea to take it out of its pot when you do re-plant it though, as large trees don't survive well in pots as their roots need space to grow.
Experts warn
According to , praying mantis have an average lifespan of one year in the wild, and can grow up to a terrifying 18 inches long.
advises: "Spraying insect repellent around the entrance to your home via doors and windows can help deter these insects from entering in the first place.
"Be especially mindful of praying mantises in your home during the hottest and coldest months of the year, as they will seek shelter from extreme temperatures."
It is best to look for the light tan, walnut-sized, frothy egg masses on the tree before it is taken indoors
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
warned: “These eggs will begin to hatch after being indoors for several weeks.
“When this happens, numerous tiny mantids swarm over the tree seeking food.
“Since they are cannibalistic they will eat each other if no other food is available.
This is why I won’t ever have a real Christmas tree
TikTok user
“It is best to look for the light tan, walnut-sized, frothy egg masses on the tree before it is taken indoors.
“Cut out any small twig with an attached egg mass and place it in an evergreen shrub or tree outdoors."
Social media users react
TikTok users were left horrified by Lexi’s clip, which has since racked up a jaw-dropping 145,100 likes and over 20,000 shares.
One person said: “New fear unlocked.”
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Another added: “This is why I use plastic.”
Meanwhile, a third commented: “This is why I won’t ever have a real Christmas tree lol.”
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