Why you might want to keep your Christmas tree outside this year
Your Christmas tree may already be sitting pretty in your living room adorned with baubles and miniature chocolates.
But some new research may leave you wishing you had planted the tree outside your front door instead.
According to a study conducted by the University Museum of Bergen in Norway, your Christmas fir could be hiding up to 25,000 insects. Shudder.
Research suggests that once the tree is indoors, thousands of lice, moths, spiders and mites believe spring has arrived and begin to emerge from hibernation.
Associate professor of the University Museum of Bergen, Bjarte Jordal, told International Business Times: “[Bugs] hibernate for the winter and usually empty their bodies of fluids, produce a chilled liquid and become completely inactive.”
He continued, “Upon feeling the heat and being awakened by the light, they believe that springtime has arrived and spring back to life.”
As a consequence to the unexpected arrival of bugs in the living room, it is likely that many homeowners will experience increased allergy symptoms.
So how can we avoid inviting unwanted guests into our homes this Christmas?
Professor Jordal advises purchasing local hardwood trees as these are most likely to have limited fauna.
He added: “You should by no means clean or flush the tree free of bugs as this will damage the tree. You need to take into consideration that there are plenty of insects and bugs in potted plants that are regular features in most households. As we all know, these attract plenty of flies. It’s no different with Christmas trees.”
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