If you are wondering how to get rid of spiders in your Christmas tree before bringing it indoors, it starts with shaking it outdoors. The little lurkers tuck into branches during harvest and lay eggs, which then hatch in your warm room like a surprise party.
A spider-infested Christmas tree sounds alarming, but most are just passengers from fields. They overwinter in the tree, seeking shelter from frost. Among the many Christmas tree problems you might encounter, webs appearing is one of the easiest to catch – a quick inspection before bringing the tree inside usually spots them long before they have a chance to scatter.
Those little crawlers remind you that Christmas trees come from outdoors, bringing bits of nature along. A quick check keeps festivities calm and minimizes the risk of unexpected guests spinning tales in your tinsel.
Should I Worry About Spiders in Christmas Trees?
Spiders show up and festivities falter. That unexpected scurry across the floor turns laughter into gasps, pulling focus from gifts under the tree. One lone web glistening in lights can shift the mood, like a shadow over the cheer. Keeping these critters out reduces mess and keeps things merry.
More than looks, it's peace of mind. Most spiders are harmless, but rare bites sting like a bee's. Allergies flare sometimes, turning a nip into a red welt that itches for days – so it's better to spot and deal with problems early.
Why Spiders End Up in Christmas Trees
Fields teem with critters. Christmas trees grow outdoors, so it’s completely normal for a few of them to come along for the ride. As temperatures drop, spiders often crawl into the branches for shelter, and eggs laid during summer can remain dormant until warmth triggers them later – your heated home can act like an accidental incubator.
On tree farms, everything from birds to insects moves through the boughs all year, and spiders naturally weave webs among the needles. When the tree is cut and transported, some of these tiny hitchhikers simply come with it. Many don’t survive the trip, but those that do stay tucked into crevices under the bark until the indoor heat encourages them to emerge.
Once inside and standing upright, a few spiders may wander out toward lights or warm vents. This is a normal part of the outdoor-to-indoor cycle, and it’s why a quick shake and inspection before bringing the tree inside is always a smart step.
Common Spiders Found in Christmas Trees
- Orb weavers spin silky, delicate webs between the branches. With their yellow-and-black bodies, they look dramatic but are mostly harmless, and bites are rare.
- Jumping spiders may hop across the needles, their bright little eyes scanning for flies rather than people. Fuzzy and no bigger than a pea, they blend into decorations until they suddenly move.
- Wolf spiders tend to prowl the base of the tree. Their hairy legs and quick dashes can be startling if they’re shaken loose, but they’d rather hide than interact. Their bite is mild and only a risk if they’re cornered, as these ground-dwelling hunters prefer dark, undisturbed spots.
- Widow types are extremely rare on Christmas trees, but they’re the ones to watch for – they have a distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside. Most other spiders you may find are harmless house or field types, not aggressive, and pose no real threat.
Are Spiders in Christmas Trees Dangerous?
Bites from Christmas-tree hitchhiker spiders are extremely rare. Most species you’ll find are harmless and more likely to run away than defend themselves. If a bite does happen, it’s usually no worse than mild redness or an itchy spot that settles quickly. An ice pack can ease any irritation, and keeping an eye out for spreading redness is always sensible.
Venomous spiders almost never show up on Christmas trees, but it’s worth knowing the signs. Black widows prefer dark crevices and only bite if pressed or startled; symptoms can include cramps or nausea, and medical care is advised. Brown recluses are also highly unlikely to be present and are more associated with lesions. If you spot a spider you’re unsure about – or notice distinctive markings or webs – contact a professional or your local extension office, which can often help with quick, free identification.
How to Prevent or Remove Spiders
Shake it outdoors first. A vigorous wiggle dislodges hitchhikers, like rattling dust from a rug. If it's mild out, hose the tree down to blast eggs away. Inspect the trunk and branches closely – flashlight beams can catch movement. Wear gloves when handling Christmas trees; that sticky sap clings to skin otherwise.
Vacuum the inside crawlers. A gentle suck pulls them off without a hitch, and the bag gets tossed quickly. I recommend skipping pest sprays – chemicals can linger on ornaments, smelling off. Instead, diatomaceous earth, like this one from Amazon, can be dusted on the base for a natural barrier. Repeat checks weekly, keeping the tree guest-free until takedown.
Use sticky traps, like these Catchmaster traps from Amazon, around the stand to catch wanderers. They peel off easily come January.
