OMG! What’s This Weird Thing In My Christmas Tree?!
December 3, 2024 by Tracey Besemer
UNBELIEVABLE UPDATE: Christmas 2024 – We found one in our tree this year! You’re going to want to keep reading.
Christmas is coming, which means many of us will be heading out to get a Christmas tree soon. It also means you’re likely to come across some interesting warnings about things hiding among the branches, waiting to ruin your holiday. But is this just the usual social media hype or a genuine concern? What you (actually) need to know about insect eggs on Christmas trees.
Ah, the holidays, pumpkin pie, decorating for Christmas and weird warnings about alien-looking insect sacks hiding in your Christmas tree.
Yes, it’s the time of year when you’ll likely stumble across one of those “OMG-YOU-HAVE-TO-CHECK-YOUR-CHRISTMAS-TREE-RIGHT-NOW!!!” posts. Thanks to the rise of social media, we all have a front-row seat to the horror of some poor family unwittingly bringing a tree into their homes, only to find out it had a praying mantis egg sack hiding in the branches somewhere.
OMG! What’s This Weird Thing In My Christmas Tree?!
December 3, 2024 by Tracey Besemer
UNBELIEVABLE UPDATE: Christmas 2024 – We found one in our tree this year! You’re going to want to keep reading.
Christmas is coming, which means many of us will be heading out to get a Christmas tree soon. It also means you’re likely to come across some interesting warnings about things hiding among the branches, waiting to ruin your holiday. But is this just the usual social media hype or a genuine concern? What you (actually) need to know about insect eggs on Christmas trees.
Ah, the holidays, pumpkin pie, decorating for Christmas and weird warnings about alien-looking insect sacks hiding in your Christmas tree.
Yes, it’s the time of year when you’ll likely stumble across one of those “OMG-YOU-HAVE-TO-CHECK-YOUR-CHRISTMAS-TREE-RIGHT-NOW!!!” posts. Thanks to the rise of social media, we all have a front-row seat to the horror of some poor family unwittingly bringing a tree into their homes, only to find out it had a praying mantis egg sack hiding in the branches somewhere.
https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7303903652316466478?lang=en-US&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.holidaymagichub.com%2Finsect-in-my-christmas-tree%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawOIzotleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIS1VlcWVNSnJRRXpLaWwzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpga491EVRCccpyrBHdPfhcLllD0owI3LsUlCozBnYGgXNY3na6-TYTpPFZo_aem_5J7hhZ46zAOgrcsn0t-7HA&embedFrom=oembed
With the combination of a warm, cozy interior (and a little Christmas magic), the egg sack hatches releasing hundreds of wee mantises, ready to scurry around, giving everyone the heebie-jeebies. It’s enough to make anyone want to burn their Christmas tree to the ground and take a shower with a Brillo pad.
OMG! What’s This Weird Thing In My Christmas Tree?!
December 3, 2024 by Tracey Besemer
UNBELIEVABLE UPDATE: Christmas 2024 – We found one in our tree this year! You’re going to want to keep reading.
Christmas is coming, which means many of us will be heading out to get a Christmas tree soon. It also means you’re likely to come across some interesting warnings about things hiding among the branches, waiting to ruin your holiday. But is this just the usual social media hype or a genuine concern? What you (actually) need to know about insect eggs on Christmas trees.
Ah, the holidays, pumpkin pie, decorating for Christmas and weird warnings about alien-looking insect sacks hiding in your Christmas tree.
Yes, it’s the time of year when you’ll likely stumble across one of those “OMG-YOU-HAVE-TO-CHECK-YOUR-CHRISTMAS-TREE-RIGHT-NOW!!!” posts. Thanks to the rise of social media, we all have a front-row seat to the horror of some poor family unwittingly bringing a tree into their homes, only to find out it had a praying mantis egg sack hiding in the branches somewhere.
https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7303903652316466478?lang=en-US&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.holidaymagichub.com%2Finsect-in-my-christmas-tree%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawOIzotleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIS1VlcWVNSnJRRXpLaWwzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpga491EVRCccpyrBHdPfhcLllD0owI3LsUlCozBnYGgXNY3na6-TYTpPFZo_aem_5J7hhZ46zAOgrcsn0t-7HA&embedFrom=oembed
With the combination of a warm, cozy interior (and a little Christmas magic), the egg sack hatches releasing hundreds of wee mantises, ready to scurry around, giving everyone the heebie-jeebies. It’s enough to make anyone want to burn their Christmas tree to the ground and take a shower with a Brillo pad.
The United States is home to about 20 species of praying mantis. In the fall, female mantises create an egg sack, called an ootheca, by secreting a frothy, foam-like liquid that hardens into a shell, protecting the eggs inside it. This odd, walnut-shaped egg sack will hatch in the spring when the weather warms again.
OMG! What’s This Weird Thing In My Christmas Tree?!
December 3, 2024 by Tracey Besemer
UNBELIEVABLE UPDATE: Christmas 2024 – We found one in our tree this year! You’re going to want to keep reading.
Christmas is coming, which means many of us will be heading out to get a Christmas tree soon. It also means you’re likely to come across some interesting warnings about things hiding among the branches, waiting to ruin your holiday. But is this just the usual social media hype or a genuine concern? What you (actually) need to know about insect eggs on Christmas trees.
Ah, the holidays, pumpkin pie, decorating for Christmas and weird warnings about alien-looking insect sacks hiding in your Christmas tree.
Yes, it’s the time of year when you’ll likely stumble across one of those “OMG-YOU-HAVE-TO-CHECK-YOUR-CHRISTMAS-TREE-RIGHT-NOW!!!” posts. Thanks to the rise of social media, we all have a front-row seat to the horror of some poor family unwittingly bringing a tree into their homes, only to find out it had a praying mantis egg sack hiding in the branches somewhere.
@andeekitty Beware of the real trees. 🤣 #realtree #christmastree #prayingmantis #prayingmantisoftiktok #christmastreefail #faketreenextyear ♬ It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Andy Williams
With the combination of a warm, cozy interior (and a little Christmas magic), the egg sack hatches releasing hundreds of wee mantises, ready to scurry around, giving everyone the heebie-jeebies. It’s enough to make anyone want to burn their Christmas tree to the ground and take a shower with a Brillo pad.
The United States is home to about 20 species of praying mantis. In the fall, female mantises create an egg sack, called an ootheca, by secreting a frothy, foam-like liquid that hardens into a shell, protecting the eggs inside it. This odd, walnut-shaped egg sack will hatch in the spring when the weather warms again.
But the real question everyone wants to know before they get their Christmas tree…
How Likely Is a Christmas Praying Mantis Invasion?
According to the comment section of most of these posts, everyone knows a coworker whose cousin has a neighbor who had this happen to them last year. But, like all comment sections, take it with a grain of salt.
Can it happen? Sure. Just like getting hit by lightning or being attacked by a shark could happen.
Keep in mind that nearly all Christmas trees are sprayed with pesticides multiple times throughout the year, specifically to prevent bug infestations.
Praying mantises are more common in the warmer parts of the United States, which means the chance of finding an egg sack in your tree might be higher if you live in a region where these insects are prevalent.
Many Christmas tree farms and sellers inspect trees for pests before they are sold. However, it’s still possible for a small egg sack to go unnoticed, especially if it’s hidden deep within the branches. If you choose a cut-your-own tree, you can check for these egg sacks yourself before bringing the tree home.
Although social media posts make it seem like it’s a widespread problem, the reality is that only a small percentage of trees carry these egg sacks. For the vast majority of people, this remains an amusing urban legend rather than an actual issue you need to be concerned about.
Update – Christmas 2024
Unbelievable! Of course, if you go and post an article on the internet about finding praying mantis egg sacs in Christmas trees and then go on to say that it’s a rare occurrence, it’s only to be expected that Mother Nature will make you eat your words.
My family and I ventured out on a (very) cold morning, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, to get our Christmas tree. It was cold enough (28F!) that we decided to check the pre-cut trees before venturing out onto the blustery hillside to choose a tree and cut it down with frozen fingers.
I am well known for being super picky about my Christmas trees, so it’s no wonder my family was a bit shocked that I pronounced the third tree we looked at as “Perfect!” Normally, getting the tree involves at least an hour of wandering around, as well as volunteers giving up mittens and hats to “tag” potential trees, not to mention at least one argument.
So, just to be extra sure this was the one, my daughter offered to stand the tree upright and spin it so I could get a good look at it. And that’s when she found it.
“Mom? Isn’t this one of those egg sack things you just wrote about?”
Photo Credit: Tracey Besemer
It sure is! Of all the dumb luck. I gently removed it from the branch and tucked it in with the Arborvitaes next to the pre-cut trees. Hmm, I think I’ve just guaranteed that someone else will find one in their tree next year.
What Are Some Things You Might Actually Find in Your Christmas Tree
While the praying mantis egg sack phenomenon may be overhyped, there are other surprising things you might encounter in your Christmas tree:
Spiders and Their Webs
Spiders are among the most common creatures found in Christmas trees. They often spin small webs on the branches, which can be mistaken for strands of artificial snow or tinsel. Having a spider in your Christmas tree is actually considered good luck.
Bird Nests
Small birds may build nests in Christmas trees, especially if the trees are left to grow undisturbed on farms. While a bird’s nest can be a charming find, these cause more of an issue than praying mantises. Bird’s nests are often filled with mites and other unsavory insects that carry disease. Use gloves and remove the nest before bringing your tree inside your home.
Pine Cone Beetles
These little guys are often found on pine trees and can be difficult to spot due to their small size. They’re also pretty good at camouflage. They’re usually harmless, but they can become a nuisance if they start moving around your home.
Aphids
These tiny, sap-sucking insects can sometimes be found on Christmas trees. While they’re harmless to humans, they can be a nightmare if you have houseplants. But again, most Christmas trees are sprayed with pesticides to prevent this.
Moss and Lichen
Not all surprises are creatures. Some trees come with bits of moss or lichen, especially if it’s been a particularly wet year.
What to Do If You Find an Egg Sack
Okay, I know we said it’s highly unlikely, but what do you do if you’re inspecting your Christmas tree before bringing it into the house and you actually find a praying mantis egg sack?
Because you’re going to do that, right? You’re going to look over your tree before you bring it inside.
The easiest and most humane thing to do is to use a pair of hand pruners to cut off the branch with the egg sack on it. Place it outside somewhere so the mantises can hatch in the spring. These little guys are seriously beneficial insects that help control garden pests, so relocating the egg sack can be your good Christmas deed for your local ecosystem. Go, you. You just saved Christmas and some tiny bug babies.
