Experts debunk myths about mites on Christmas trees posing risks

Russia's Agricultural Watchdog Assures Pine Mites Pose No Threat to Humans

Mites found on coniferous trees are harmless to humans and nearly invisible to the naked eye, Russia's agricultural oversight agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, has reported.

These tiny pests feed on pine needles by piercing the surface with their mouthparts and extracting sap, but they do not endanger people, according to the agency's Southern Interregional Directorate.

To prevent infestations after bringing a Christmas tree indoors, officials advise purchasing trees only from authorized vendors—such as markets or specialized stores. Before buying, inspect the tree carefully. Pests may hide in small bark crevices, unusual growths, or webbing. Pay close attention to the undersides of branches and the trunk. Avoid trees showing signs of wilting or yellowing, as they may be weakened and more susceptible to infestation, Rosselkhoznadzor recommends.

Earlier reports had claimed that warm weather was driving ticks onto trees, where they could later enter homes and bite residents. Alleged cases were said to have been recorded in Moscow, the Moscow region, and St. Petersburg.

However, Yury Gninenko, a biology PhD and head of the Laboratory for Forest Protection Against Quarantine and Invasive Organisms at the Russian Research Institute for Silviculture (VNIILM), clarified that only spider mites—harmless to humans—inhabit fir trees. Once indoors, these insects quickly die due to lack of food and unsuitable humidity levels, Vesti.RU reports.

Russia's consumer protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor, also dismissed claims that dangerous ticks could be brought inside on Christmas trees.

Not a single case of a tick bite from a supposedly thawed Christmas tree has ever been documented, the agency stated.

Meanwhile, the Federal Center for Safety and Quality Assessment of Agro-Industrial Products (COK APK) confirmed that insects occasionally found on live Christmas trees pose no risk to humans and cannot transmit tick-borne encephalitis or Lyme disease.

Experts note that many images circulating on social media—purportedly showing ticks—actually depict other pests, such as bark beetles. A key distinguishing feature is the number of legs: ticks have four pairs, while insects have three, TASS reports.