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Bugs in Christmas Trees

by: Ken Amaro First Coast News, First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE,FL -- Marsha Williams'Christmas tree is decorated and she's in the Spirit of the Season.

Williams says, "I've never had a problem until this Christmas."

But a few days ago, a six legged grinch showed up...lots of them

"I woke up and saw bugs everywhere and wanted to know what's going on," says Williams.

What was going on is her Christmas tree was infested with bugs.

"I don't do bugs so I called my Pest Control company," she says. The Duval County Extension service says the problem is Aphids.

"They're not ticks, some people think they're ticks but they're Aphids and they feed on plants," says Terry Del Valle.

Agent Del Valle says the mild weather is to blame, not the grower.

She says, "we've had more complaints about the problem in the last two years."

Del Valle says the Aphids will not harm humans or pets, but will leave a mess if you smash them.

"They do stain," she says.

Williams replaced her old tree with a new Fraser fir. But before placing the first ornament had it sprayed by her pest control company.

After years of live Christmas trees, Williams is having second thoughts.

"I think I am going to get an artificial tree next year," says Williams.

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