Check holiday decor for harmful invasive species

Dec 10, 2024
By Farms.com

Protect ecosystems by inspecting decorations carefully

As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to inspect Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decorations for invasive species that can harm local ecosystems and the economy. Pests like the spongy moth and spotted lanternfly are major threats, capable of damaging trees and agricultural crops.

Spongy moths lay tan, spongy egg masses containing hundreds of eggs. These masses, which resemble tennis ball felt, can cause defoliation, tree death, and even human skin irritation. To remove them, scrape the egg masses into a soapy water mixture for 48 hours before disposal.

Spotted lanternfly egg masses appear as grey-brown smudges on hard surfaces. These pests threaten grape and wine production. To eliminate them, scrape the egg masses into a bag filled with rubbing alcohol or freeze them before reporting the sighting to authorities.

Wreaths and other natural decorations may also harbour invasive plants like common buckthorn or English ivy. Avoid using invasive species in decor, as they can spread if not disposed of properly.

Vigilance and proper removal techniques help protect local ecosystems from the harmful effects of invasive species. Learn more about identifying and managing these pests at your local environmental resource centre.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-erikkarits

Video: A Farm Song (Busy) | Parody of A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey

Lyrics:

My days begin with workin’, Alarm’s at 5 o’clock,
I Fill 5 gallon buckets, The feeders and the troughs,
This five to nine ain’t workin’, why the heck do I work so hard?,
I can’t worry ‘bout health problems, I can sleep in when I’m gone,

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

I’ve been working pretty stressed but,
I ain’t changing for some cash,
Lord knows that I’m very blessed (More chores),
But I gotta say it’s hard,
Workin’ outside gettin’ charred,
Living out here on the farm, (more chores)

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history
There’s another 20 chickens that still need feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm getting’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Fun, here on ranch that’s what you can’t ignore,
Might be pretty hard but I love it to its core,
Flannel’s gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores (Tell ‘em sing with me)

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
Watching cattle in the dark, don’t miss me,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
(Yeeeeeehaw)
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
It’s the best bro, go get yourself a farm