Beware Pumpkin Pests 

Halloween brings many traditions with it, including pumpkin carving. Families head to the pumpkin patch to enjoy a fun day choosing the right fruit to bring home to carve into a scary or funny face to place on the porch for the neighborhood to see. Pumpkin carving -and the entire day at the pumpkin patch- create phenomenal memories that last a lifetime. Sadly, pests enjoy pumpkins as much as humans. Pumpkins taste great and provide them with a meal at their beck and call. Pests and rodents quickly destroy an already carved and decomposing pumpkin once they discover it's on the porch, but there are steps that can maximize its lifetime.

Pumpkin Pests: Look Out for Critters

Fruit flies and assorted other pests are attracted to decaying matter like the rotting flesh inside a pumpkin. They pose the greatest threat to pumpkins. Ensure complete removal of the seeds and innards to reduce the risk of fruit flies. Chipmunks, squirrels, and other rodents also see the pumpkin as a delicious, readily available meal and will not hesitate to feast.

Take Away the Scrumptiousness of the Pumpkin

Rodents and pests won't bother with a pumpkin that doesn’t tempt their taste buds. Take the flavor away with one of the following strategies:

• Place a citronella candle inside the pumpkin to deter pests
• Spray hairspray on the pumpkin
• Spritz the pumpkin with a bleach mixture consisting of one gallon water to one teaspoon of bleach
• Coat the outside of the pumpkin with petroleum jelly or vapor rub
• Place owl decoys near the pumpkin to keep squirrels away
• Pour Red pepper flakes into the pumpkin

Choose a firm, damage-free pumpkin since it will decay at a slower pace. Additionally, carve the pumpkin at the right time. Far too many people carve pumpkins too early, resulting in rot before Halloween night. Experts recommend carving the pumpkin no more than two weeks ahead of the holiday.

How to Preserve Your Pumpkin

No pumpkin lasts forever but there are simple tricks that preserve it for the entire Halloween season. Keep your carved pumpkin in good condition by keeping the stem in place and cutting a hole in the back instead. You can also bring in the pumpkin each night and place it in the refrigerator to reduce the risk of pests or rodents. Protect your carved pumpkins from pests and enjoy the Halloween holiday a little bit more by implementing the information above into your plans.

Southern Pride Pest Control is a full-service pest control company headquartered in Muscle Shoals, AL. SPPC specializes in pest control and prevention services including termite control, rodent control, bed bug control, ant control, mosquito control, and can even help with moisture control around your residence or commercial property. Established in 2010, Southern Pride Pest Control is a reliable source for quality pest-management solutions delivered by a team you can trust. 

Call us today for any of your pest control needs.