Don’t Let Pests Attack Your Pumpkin

Halloween is synonymous with pumpkins. Whether you’re carving festive decorations, or making pie, pumpkins are always a big part of the his is that pumpkins can quickly attract pests like mice and insects. These pests do not see your pumpkins as decorations. Instead, they see them as a tasty treat. This is basically why pests attack pumpkins.

Why do mice like Halloween pumpkins so much?

One of the biggest reasons why mice attack pumpkin decorations is because it’s easy pickings and pest behaviour changes in autumn. You see, pumpkins usually have an extremely hard exterior that makes them difficult to get into. This makes it almost impossible for mice to get to the tasty flesh inside. When the pumpkin is hollowed out and carved into, this makes it infinitely easier for mice to feed on them.

Another reason is because a carved pumpkin releases a very attractive aroma. Mice can smell that the pumpkin is open and accessible. The scent will attract mice, even from long distances away. Basically, even if you don’t have mice in your house to begin with, you may end up experiencing a mice attack if you leave carved pumpkins out for any length of time.

One final point is that you must remain vigilant. Check your pumpkin every day and look for nibbling from invading rodents. Also look for things like mice droppings. If you spot any of these tell-tale signs, then bring your pumpkin inside immediately.

How to prevent a pest attack on your pumpkins

There are a few things you can do to prevent this. First of all, it helps to hang the pumpkin or raise it up off the ground. You see, mice can climb and jump, but hanging the pumpkin makes things a bit harder for them. The higher you can raise them up the better.

To minimise the effect of insects, what you should also do is spray your pumpkin. Carved pumpkins quickly become affected by bacteria and mould, which start the deterioration process. Carved pumpkins need to be preserved from rotting, and therefore attracting insects like fruit flies. This is why experienced pumpkin carvers spray water on their creations every. The point of spraying is that not only does this keep your pumpkin moist and clean, it also helps to prevent a pest attack.

You may also want to use additional methods of pest control around Halloween and reach out to a professional for mouse removal. For example, you can place mouse traps near the pumpkin, or even inside the pumpkin itself. You may also want to place insect traps in and around the pumpkin as well.

Something else to bear in mind is that pests are also attracted to other Halloween treats. If you’ve left a basket of sweets and biscuits outside your door for trick-or-treaters, then be careful. It’s probably a good idea not to leave it out overnight, because this will attract mice and insects alike. Once again, hanging the basket of treats or raising it up off the ground is a good idea.