The countdown to Christmas is already here, and unless you’re a real early bird, you probably haven’t put up a real tree just yet. For many of us, it’s a cherished festive tradition, and signals the start of the celebrations to come.
Unlike an artificial tree, a real tree will fill your home with the scent of pine and add to the overall ambience of the occasion. However, alongside those twinkling fairy lights, and glittering decorations, there could be a few unwelcome surprises lurking among the needles.
And it’s all thanks to an unusually warm summer that saw ladybirds and wasp numbers soar. Apart from these mini beasts, the spider population has also gained momentum, and these eight-legged creepy crawlies are looking for a cozy retreat.
"We've seen significantly higher insect numbers throughout 2025 due to the warm weather, which has created an increased food supply for spiders," explains Thorogood.
"With more spiders around and colder weather driving them indoors, there's a good chance your Christmas tree could be carrying some unexpected passengers," she adds.
However, although spiders are more commonly found in real Christmas trees, because they are grown outdoors, where spiders naturally live, she warns not to forget to check your faux trees , "House spiders may spin webs or use artificial trees as nesting spots while they’re being stored in attics."
To help you enjoy a spider-free Christmas, she shares her top tips on how to prevent your Christmas tree from becoming one of the favorite places spiders like to hide over the festive season.
1. Give your tree a good shake
Before bringing your tree inside, it’s worth giving it a thorough check for visible insects, webs or egg sacs. If you wait until it’s already positioned indoors, you’ll have a mess to clear up.
“A thorough shake will send any lurking spiders scurrying and help you spot webs or egg clusters tucked between the branches,” Thorogood advises.
2. Remove any webs or cocoons
If you do spot webs or egg sacs, gently remove them using a dusting brush or pest vacuum designed for the task. However, Thorogood says to avoid using harsh chemical sprays, adding: “They can harm your children and pests and may damage the tree.”
You could try using a simple bug catcher that will remove spiders humanely, without resulting in disturbing your tree or decorations.
3. Try natural pest control
If you do find unwelcome visitors, reach for natural sprays rather than harsh chemicals. "When spiders or insects are found on the tree, a natural insect spray is best,” says Thorogood.
And she adds, some all-natural insect sprays contain a plant-based polymer which forms a film over the insect or spider, effectively removing them.
You can also deter spiders by soaking lemon peels in boiling water overnight, and then transferring the lemony liquid into a spray bottle. Then, spray the scented water around your tree and any other areas where spiders might creep in.
Another natural method is to repel spiders with houseplants. Rosemary, eucalyptus and basil work particularly well to disrupt spiders’ sensory systems.
4. Check your decoration boxes
Spiders and other insects might not just come from the tree itself — your decoration boxes which have been stored in your basement, or attic, could be harbouring a few unwelcome bugs too.
Thorogood advises, “Open your decoration storage boxes outdoors first and check for any spiders or webs before bringing them inside.”
5. Control the humidity
Another way to prevent spiders from hiding in your Christmas tree is to monitor the humidity in your home. “Spiders and other pests thrive in damp, humid conditions,” says Thorogood. “To discourage them from settling in, ensure your Christmas tree area is well-ventilated and the room is kept dry.
You might find that one of the best dehumidifiers helps to remove excess moisture in your room, while it will also reduce the chance of mold and mildew.
Stay calm if you find a spider
If a spider does find its way into your home, there’s no need to worry. These creatures are completely harmless and won’t damage your home or decorations. All they are seeking is a warm retreat.
However, if you do spot one, Thorogood suggests, “Simply use the glass-and-paper method or a spider vacuum to relocate them outside."
And she adds that, despite the higher chance of spiders this year, there's no need to skip the real tree tradition — you just need to take a few extra precautions to ensure your festive celebrations remain pest-free.
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