Page 20 - November 15, 2017 Magazine Style Full page issue

HOLIDAY Surprises

Pests Might be Hiding on

Your Christmas Tree

(Family Features) There could be more IDENTIFY THE PEST tree into your
than just presents hiding beneath your Although aphids are small, they are vehicle, inspect
Christmas tree this year. After all, “’tis the usually visible to the naked eye. When the branches and
season for wintertime pest infestations.” looking for aphids, look for soft-bodied shake the tree
This holiday season, be on the insects with long legs and antennae. vigorously to
lookout for aphids, which are ant-sized These insects vary in color, ranging ensure no aphids
insects that can spread more than 150 from green to red or black, but all share are present. The
different plant viruses. Although harmless a distinctive, pear-like shape and tend tree may lose a
to humans, these pests can be formidable to hang out in dense groups alongside few needles, but
foes to many types of vegetation, Christmas tree trunks or plant stems. this could prevent
including tomatoes, cucumbers and rose an infestation.
bushes. LOOK FOR EVIDENCE In addition,
While aphids are often associated Aphids feed on plant juices, releasing lady
with outdoor gardens, during the winter attacking leaves, flowers, stems and bugs or lacewings,
months they can make a home inside by roots. When aphids feed, they secrete which are natural
hitching a ride aboard foliage, shrubbery a thick, sugary liquid called honeydew. predators, in your
PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
and, most commonly, Christmas trees. Oftentimes, honeydew results in a fungal garden may help reduce aphid populations. need to cut off the infested branches or
Once inside the warmer air of your home, growth known as sooty mold. This mold remove the tree from your home entirely.
these pests believe it’s spring and begin can give branches and leaves a speckled, TREAT ANY ISSUES To keep pests out of your home
rapidly reproducing. black appearance. Although aphids won’t cause harm this holiday season, work with a pest
Knowing how to identify and to your family, they can certainly be a management provider to create a
prevent aphids with these tips from Orkin PREVENT THE PROBLEM bit of a pain. If you spot a few aphids, prevention and treatment plan unique
Entomologist Glen Ramsey can help you While looking for Christmas trees, ask simply spray them off with water or to your household. For more pest
protect your home, and Christmas tree, the retailer if the firs have been previously vacuum them up. However, if you notice prevention tips or to schedule a pest
this holiday season. inspected for aphids. Before loading the a full-fledged infestation, you may inspection, visit Orkin.com.

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