A video of a couple who were left traumatized by what they found in their Christmas tree has gone viral on TikTok.
The clip was shared by @eatingbirdfood and has garnered more than 6.8 million views since it was shared on December 19. A note overlaid on the video reads: “POV [point of view]: you have to get rid of your Christmas tree on 12/18.”
The footage shares a close-up of a Christmas tree with tiny black bugs crawling over it. A couple is shown dealing with the massive cleanup job in the aftermath of the bug discovery. The woman is seen vacuuming bugs off the floor, while a man removes the decorations off the tree before he later brings the tree out of the home.
According to a later comment from the poster, the bugs are aphids, which are among the small insects commonly found in fresh-cut Christmas trees.
A caption shared with the post reads: “I’m both sad and traumatized but the tree had to go.”
“I will be buying an artificial tree to use from here on out,” the poster noted in a later comment. Newsweek has contacted them for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
The National Christmas Tree Association says there are around 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees sold every year in the United States.
Aphids, which can be black, brown or green, are small insects often found in clusters on tree branches.
Aphids that were on any Christmas trees back in late summer or fall lay eggs on the stems or needles of the trees. “These eggs normally remain dormant through the inhospitable weather of winter, but they hatch when they become sufficiently warmed by heat within the house. An infestation may vary from just a few to several hundred individuals,” says the Iowa State University website.
Thankfully, the aphids that emerge after being brought into the home on a fresh-cut tree will not cause any harm or damage to your tree, your home or its occupants. The university adds that “they cannot bite or sting and they will not live long enough to grow or multiply” and are “simply an annoyance.”
The university says that using insecticide on fresh-cut Christmas trees is not necessary or recommended as aphids will “quickly die of starvation or desiccation, whichever comes first.” Any newly hatched insects found on the floor or around the tree can simply be vacuumed up and discarded.
However, “for a more serious infestation, a mild insecticidal soap spray can be applied to the tree,” notes Hopper Termite & Pest, a pest-control company based in Arkansas. “Make sure it’s safe for indoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions,” the company adds.
The company also advises inspecting your Christmas tree before bringing in it inside your home, checking the branches, trunk and underside of the tree for any signs of bugs or egg sacs.
Any egg sacs spotted on the tree should be carefully removed with a paper towel or gloves. “Do not squash them, as this may spread the eggs,” Hopper Termite & Pest says.
The company also notes that “trees from local farms are less likely to have pests compared to those that have been transported long distances.”
‘New Fear Unlocked’
Viewers on TikTok were horrified by the scene in the viral clip.
Maggie | Lifestyle & DIY wrote: “Me currently staring at my real tree in fear.”
Marta simply said, “new fear unlocked.”
User eparnell2212 posted: “Another reason I love my artificial tree. This would have traumatized me for life.”
MamaM commented: “They look too much like a tick, I would have cried.”
iStock / Getty Images Plus
Do you have a home-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
