Brown Lumps on Your NY Xmas Tree? Get Rid of it Immediately!

It's a beautiful time of year, and many Upstate New Yorkers are getting their fresh-cut Christmas trees. If you plan on getting yours or you already have it in your home, you may want to inspect it a little more closely.

What Do We Look For on the Tree?

If you have a fresh-cut Christmas tree in your home, take a closer look at the branches. You may think you are looking at brown spots, pinecones, or just anomalies of the tree. It may be something more. If you see a light brown wad that is surrounded by green branches, it could be a nest of some sort.

The Picture Above is NOT a Pinecone!

Daniel Reed posted this picture a few years ago that appeared to be a pinecone on his tree. It is resurfacing to remind everyone to beware! Yes, that wad could contain hundreds of praying mantis eggs! YIKES!

Is The Tree A Lost Cause?

Although you may want to throw away that fresh-cut tree and buy an artificial one, you may be able to save it. All you need to do is cut the branch off where the brown mass is and bring the entire branch outside according to Daily Mail. You can plant it in your garden and save the insects. However, if I saw that on my tree, I'm not sure I would think I got them all!

These Praying Mantis Nests May Not Be The Only Ones In Your Tree!

You should always be aware of other insects that may have nested inside your Christmas tree. There could be insects, mites, or even spiders! Some people said that they got their trees, went away, and came back four days later to find tiny spiders everywhere! The DEC says it's because they nest during the cold and when they are brought inside, they are warm and hatch.