If you're tossing out your Christmas tree in the coming days, a word of caution from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Entomologist Angie Ambourn says some natural trees that were shipped into some states could be harboring what she calls "unwanted hitchhikers", or pests that you may not even be able to see.
Ambourn says they're typically not a problem while the tree is in your home, but it's important to dispose of the tree properly.
"The bigger deal comes with what you do with that Christmas tree, or that wreath or that garland, when you're done with it," Ambourn tells WCCO Radio. "What we really want people to do is to follow their city ordinances in how to get rid of that Christmas tree."
Ambourn advises against keeping your old tree in the yard or throwing it elsewhere in nature, just in case it's harboring invasive pests.
"We really don't want people just throwing it out in their backyard and leaving it there until spring," she says. "Or throwing it down into an area where there's a wood lot or whatever."
Anyone want Brown Marmorated Stinkbug or Spongy Moth Egg Mass in your yard? Yuck.