Have you ever noticed how quickly your Halloween pumpkins can become a buffet for pests? Keeping your carved pumpkins looking festive and pest-free requires more than just artistry; it requires a proactive approach.
Every year, I grow a few dozen pumpkins from seed. During the growing season, it's vine borers and deer that I need to monitor. But after letting the family carve the perfect pumpkin, a whole different pest control battle emerges, and oh boy, we've tried so many techniques. Some seem promising but fail (bleach water) while others work very well (cinnamon and cayenne spray)!
Learn how to keep pests away from your carved pumpkins so they stand a chance at remaining a highlight of your Halloween decor with this advice from the pros.
Why Are Pests Attracted to Carved Pumpkins?
Unlike uncarved pumpkins, carved pumpkins with the pumpkin guts removed have open cavities that offer easy access to decaying organic matter and sugary residue. "This makes them a yummy snack and the perfect shelter for many pests," explains Emma Grace Crumbley, an Entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus.
"The most common pests you’ll find making a home in your carved pumpkin include stink bugs, aphids, roaches, moths, wasps, hornets, ants, fruit flies," she notes. "In some cases even rodents like mice and squirrels may see them as a tasty treat.
She also highlights that some of these pests can multiply rapidly in the moist environment that a carved pumpkin provides, whether they're on your front steps or an elevated surface.
How to Protect Carved Pumpkins from Pests
"To ensure the longevity of your carved pumpkin and protect against pest infestations, take steps to slow down the decomposition process and treat the surface," highlights Crumbley. "This starts at the pumpkin patch!"
- Choose a good, firm pumpkin. "When choosing a pumpkin, try to pick a freshly cut option with minimal bumps and bruises," she recommends. Choose a sturdy pumpkin, not one already compromised by soft spots.
- Clean the pumpkin. "Clean the pumpkin of your choice with soap and water before carving," she notes. You want a dirt-free, dry pumpkin as a canvas for pumpkin art.
- Remove the seeds and guts. "While carving, do your best to remove as much pulp and pumpkin seeds as possible." The remaining seeds and loose residue acts as a magnet for pests.
- Let the carved pumpkin dry out a little. "Once carved, homeowners should allow the pumpkin time to dry indoors before placing it outside and avoid putting it in direct sunlight," she suggests.
- Keep it indoors overnight, and out of daytime stormy weather. "I recommend bringing pumpkins indoors at night and during inclement weather and rain," she suggests.
- Apply a barrier treatment spray or strong scent. "Homeowners can also spray the pumpkin with peppermint oil to deter the growth of microbes and mold, and apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the carved edges," she notes. "Diluted white vinegar with tea tree or lavender oil in a spray bottle work well, and garlic cloves placed inside the pumpkin can also help to deter insects." In addition, we've used acrylic spray (spray paint) to add an extra protectant to the exterior of the pumpkin. Bugs and rodents steer clear once they have a taste. Also, adding a sprinkle of cayenne powder and cinnamon powder to the top and inside can protect your pumpkin decorations from pests. Furthermore, opting for real scented candles instead of battery-operated candles can help. The heat and scent emitted act as a deterrent for extra pest control.
