Christmas tree warning about 'clumps' that are a sign of a much bigger problem | United Kingdom

It’s a crucial decision that’s only made once a year: whether to buy a real Christmas tree or opt for a cheaper, easier-to-maintain artificial tree.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. But there is one thing that those who decide to acquire a natural tree should keep an eye on.

It’s worth doing as it could mean the presence of something very rare in the UK.

Your tree may have small clumps on its branches that look like pine cones.

However, it is possible that it is actually something very different and unexpected.

They might actually be praying mantis bags.

These can contain between 100 and 200 eggs.

According to National Geographic, the insects have an average lifespan of one year in the wild and can measure between 0.4 and 18 inches long.

The young, called nymphs, may disperse immediately and begin searching for food.

Pop superstar Taylor Swift grew up on a farm where Christmas trees grew.

She talked about her life there, which included collecting mantis eggs, and even wrote a song about it.

During an interview with SquireSwift recalled: “We all had jobs.

“Mine was harvesting praying mantis pods from trees, collecting them so the insects wouldn’t hatch in the houses.

She added: “The only reason it was my job was because I was too small to help lift trees.”

The singer also said: “It was such a strange place to grow up. But it cemented in me this unnatural level of enthusiasm about fall, and then the holiday season.

“My friends are so fed up with me talking about fall coming. They’re like, ‘What are you, an elf?’”

Although the European praying mantis is not considered endangered, it may suffer from habitat changes due to industrialization or agricultural development.

It is therefore advisable to check new trees carefully before entering the house.

According to the British Christmas Tree Growers Associationit is estimated that between six and eight million Christmas trees are sold in the UK each year.