It’s not uncommon for people to decorate their homes with seasonal plants or give them as gifts to friends and family for the holidays. While a beautiful poinsettia can make for a festive dinner table centerpiece, it can also attract some pretty icky pests if not cared for correctly. As you decorate for the holidays and receive gifts from loved ones here are some of the holiday plants you’ll need to keep an eye on to prevent an infestation in the new year.
1. Poinsettias – Fungus gnats. mealybugs and spider mites are common inhabitants of this Christmas staple. If you’ve got a poinsettia in your home for the holidays, be sure that the soil has dried out to minimize the opportunity for fungus to grow and worms to feed.
2. Holly – Decorating with this festive plant can be an open invitation for leaf miners or tiny maggots to enter your home. They are attracted to holly and off of the leaves’ cuticles.
3. Mistletoe – There’s more than one reason not to get caught underneath the mistletoe this year! Weevils and moths enjoy the taste of its leaves, which means they may be snacking on your holiday decor.
4. Fresh Wreaths – Thrips, aphids, beetles and spider eggs capsules can be deposited in your holiday wreaths, which opens the door for an infestation. In addition, many people enjoy decorating their wreaths with seasonal fruits which can attract fruit flies as they deteriorate.
5. The Christmas Tree – Decking the halls would not be the same without the familiar scent of a freshly cut Christmas tree. If you do choose to go the traditional, fresh route, you’ll want to inspect your tree for insects before bringing it into your home, especially if you cut it down yourself.
Keeping your home safe from harmful pests is our main priority. If you live in the New England area and do happen to attract any uninvited holiday guests, the pest management professionals at Pest Control Unlimited will be there to help you give them the boot as fast as possible!
For more information about our pest control services, call 888-649-9919 today.
