Anyone Know about Christmas Tree Disease?

[Belle & Ariel]

Last night we bought a live Douglas Fir at Lowes. When we got it home and unwrapped, it has alot of white cotton ball type things on several branches. The stuff is a little sticky but can be pulled off.
I googled to find out what this is and read about alot of diseases common to Christmas trees especially Douglas firs. This is our favorite tree and I have never seen anything like it.
Does anyone know anything about what this could be?
We are planning (hoping) to decorate it tonight.

 

[sayheyrenee]

Are your sure its not spider egg sacks? When heated in the house they will hatch.

 

[okeydokey]

I think I would return it. Could it spread to other plants in your home?

One year we had a hatching of tiny conifer aphids on our tree. Tiny little bugs crawling all over. Thankfully it was the day I was taking it down after the holiday and got the tree outside before they started streaming all over my house.

 

[wiigirl]

I would return it...or at the very minimum contact Lowes and see what they say (and document it).

 

[Alesia]

Sounds like spider egg sacks to me.

 

[sissy_ib]

This is terrifying! I am so happy we have artificial trees!

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

Yes, it sounds like spider (etc.) eggs! We had that happen once. Those little bugs got into everything. We had to throw away ornaments! Luckily it was after Christmas, but it was a complete nightmare to deal with (especially since we were moving, and certainly didn't need that extra huge stress to deal with).

 

[sayheyrenee]

We cut our tree down from a tree farm and know what to look for. Plus after cutting down they shake the tree in this machine to unearth any creepers as to not bring them home

 

[horseshowmom]

Last night we bought a live Douglas Fir at Lowes. When we got it home and unwrapped, it has alot of white cotton ball type things on several branches. The stuff is a little sticky but can be pulled off.
I googled to find out what this is and read about alot of diseases common to Christmas trees especially Douglas firs. This is our favorite tree and I have never seen anything like it.
Does anyone know anything about what this could be?
We are planning (hoping) to decorate it tonight.

You might call Lowes just to be sure, but if it were me, I would just trim off the branches that have the stuff as long as it didn't cause any issues with the looks of the tree.

 

[tyniknate]

Definitely sounds like spiders. I would return the tree. We had tiny little spiders all over the living room for months after taking our tree down a couple years ago. Turns out they came from the tree......even after cutting it live and having them shake it. Absolutely disgusting! I now inspect the trees very carefully BEFORE we cut one to take it home. I also spray it lightly before bringing it in the house with a spider spray. That was a one time deal for us! Makes me itch just thinking of it.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

Oh my!
It is way too big for me to handle. I think I will spray bug spray around it and have husband take down and return tonight.
Thank you all. I love the way someone on here can answer any question.

 

[Ginny Favers]

Are your sure its not spider egg sacks? When heated in the house they will hatch.

This is my worst nightmare.

 

[pixiewings71]

Yes, sounds like spider eggs to me as well. Definitely get it out as soon as you can and take it back. Good luck!

 

[bpesch]

My first reaction was spider egg sacks also. With a healthy dose of shiver in there!

 

[bumbershoot]

Are your sure its not spider egg sacks? When heated in the house they will hatch.

Which is why we are switching to artificial from now on. Has happened too many times in our house!

 

[Belle & Ariel]

OP here.
We brought it home inside our minivan and I did not want to return it in there knowing it was full of bugs.
I called and asked if I could bring in pictures and get a refund and they are picking it up tomorrow so I do not have to put it in the family vehicle. We will haul it outside when hubby gets home.
I am very pleased with their customer service and though I feel bad, will be buying my tree elsewhere this year. It will be very carefully inspected so this does not happen again.
Thanks again to all you for figuring out what this was. I had never heard of such before.