Praying mantises lay egg cases (oothecae) outdoors in late summer or fall.
Christmas trees are grown on outdoor farms, so branches can already have egg cases attached.
The ootheca looks like a small brown, foamy, walnut-shaped lump, which is easy to miss.
When the tree is brought indoors, the warmth can trigger early hatching.
Is it dangerous?
❌ Not dangerous to people or pets
❌ Not harmful to the tree
continued on next page
For complete cooking times, go to the next page or click the Open button (>), and don't forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.
