How to Keep Bugs Away from a Carved Pumpkin

Carved pumpkins are a fun way to celebrate the season and decorate your home, but bugs and other pests may see your decoration as a yummy snack or the perfect shelter. Learn how to avoid jack-o-lantern bugs to keep your pumpkins looking their best longer!

First, let’s discuss the types of pests that your pumpkins might attract …

Do Carved Pumpkins Attract Pests?

Yes! With their open cavity that provides easy access to decaying organic matter and sugary residue, carved pumpkins certainly attract pests. They become more attractive to bugs as they sit outside for days and their scent grows stronger.

Common Pumpkin Pests

Pests attracted to sweet decaying matter are the most likely to invade your pumpkin. Common insects on pumpkins include stink bugs, aphids, roaches, moths, wasps, hornets, ants and fruit flies. Some of these pests can multiply rapidly in the moist environment. Even rodents like mice and squirrels see a carved pumpkin as a tasty treat, and they often gnaw through the sides to get to the innards.

With the right precautions, you can prevent pests from ruining the festivity of the season.

Related Blog: Common Crop Pests

How to Protect Pumpkins from Pests

As pumpkins decay, their allure to animals grows. Here are a few tips to avoid pests on pumpkins by slowing the decomposition process and treating the surface.

• Choose a freshly cut pumpkin with minimal bumps and bruising.
• Clean the pumpkin with soap and water before carving it.
• Keep the pumpkin out of direct sunlight.
• Bring your pumpkin indoors at night and during inclement weather and rain.
• Spray the pumpkin with peppermint oil to deter the growth of microbes and mold.
• Remove as much pulp and pumpkin seeds as possible when carving.
• After carving, give the pumpkin time to dry indoors before you place it outside.
• Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the carved edges.
• Spray diluted white vinegar on the pumpkin to irritate insects.
• Place a few garlic cloves inside.
• Put the pumpkin on an elevated surface, like a plant stand, to deter rodents.
• Drip some tea tree or lavender oil around each entrance.

Protect Your Pumpkins and Your House’s Perimeter

Just because seasons are shifting and it may be getting cooler outside, doesn’t mean pests are gone. Mosquito Squad’s barrier treatment spray is the ultimate way to help prevent pests from getting near your home and pumpkins. More specifically, we recommend requesting a home perimeter spray for this purpose. Our pest professionals will spray our barrier spray along the perimeter of your home and property to deter pests from entering the area for up to 21 days. 

Protect your pumpkins from pests before it's too late! Contact your local Squad today at (877) 332-2239 or request a quote online.