As the holiday season rolls in, many of us are eager to bring the festive spirit indoors with fresh greenery. There’s nothing quite like the scent of a real pine wreath, a cedar garland draped across the mantle, or a Christmas tree glowing with lights, but before you deck the halls, it’s worth asking: can ticks come inside with your holiday greens?
The short answer is yes, though it’s not very common. Ticks can sometimes hide in natural décor, especially if it was harvested before the first hard frost or sourced from tick-prone areas. While most people associate ticks with spring and summer, adult ticks, like the blacklegged (deer) tick, can remain active well into late fall and early winter. If the temperature is above freezing, ticks might still be crawling around.
Where Ticks Hide in Greenery
Ticks prefer moist, shady environments, often found at the base of trees and in leaf litter. When holiday greenery is cut and bundled, there’s a chance that ticks or other small insects are hiding in the dense branches. Once inside a warm home, ticks can become active again, potentially ending up on pets, clothing, or even furniture.
This is especially important for people with pets or small children, who are more likely to come into close contact with wreaths or garlands hung at eye or floor level.
Tips for Safe Decorating
You don’t have to give up real greenery to stay safe. With a few quick precautions, you can reduce your chances of bringing any unwanted guests indoors.
- Inspect carefully: Take a few minutes to examine branches for any visible pests before bringing greenery inside.
- Shake it out: Give your tree, wreath, or garland a good shake outdoors to dislodge any clinging bugs.
- Set it aside: Let the greenery sit in a cool, sheltered area, like a garage or porch, for a day before decorating.
- Vacuum around decorations: After setup, vacuum around the tree stand or wherever greenery is placed to catch anything that may have fallen off.
What to Do if You Spot a Tick
If you do find a tick inside, stay calm. Ticks need time to attach, and prompt removal is your best defense. Having a reliable tick removal tool on hand is key. The Original Tick Key™ is a compact, easy-to-use tool that removes ticks completely without squeezing or leaving mouthparts behind. It’s a great item to keep close during every season, especially when decorating with real greenery. It also makes a thoughtful stocking stuffer or gift for anyone who enjoys hiking, camping, gardening, or simply spending time outside!
To learn more about the Original Tick Key™, explore helpful tick safety tips, or find a retailer near you, visit TickKey International, Inc. online today. Protect your home and loved ones this holiday season with tick-removing tools you can trust.
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