A man discovered a surprising guest in his tree—a praying mantis egg case (ootheca)—while decorating. This inspired him to warn others online about checking their trees for these hidden structures to avoid indoor hatchings.
**What Are Praying Mantis Eggs?**
Praying mantis eggs are encased in brown, foam-like sacs that can hold dozens of eggs. Mantises often lay these on tree branches in late summer or fall. When such trees are sold for holiday use, the eggs might hitch a ride indoors.
**Why It Matters**
While mantises are harmless and beneficial for pest control, an indoor hatching can cause a messy dispersal of tiny insects.
**What to Do**
If you spot an egg case, carefully remove it and place it outside in a sheltered spot or on another tree. Inspect and shake your tree thoroughly before bringing it indoors to avoid surprises