The pandemic has led to more people buying fresh Christmas trees as a way to try to make Christmas at home feel more special. But did you know that those pinecone looking things on your REAL tree are indeed… NOT pinecones. 

If you find one of these “pods” on your Christmas tree, experts say you should remove the branch and take it outside to your garden or another tree. These “pods” are actually praying mantis eggs that according to a researcher at the University of Illinois say, “Once in your warm house, the baby praying mantis can hatch from its egg and starve.” If you think that its just ONE baby praying mantis that would be hatching from that sappy-looking sack on your tree… you are sadly mistaken. These walnut-shaped masses can actually hold 100 to 200 praying manti inside. 

Don’t believe us? See for yourself below and don’t forget to shake those trees before bringing them into your home.