Carving pumpkins is one of the most popular activities in October. But jack o’lanterns aren’t just a symbol for Halloween, they also are critter magnets. We asked Meg Pearson, wildlife training manager, for her insights on what pests are attracted to pumpkins and tips on how to stop squirrels and critters from eating your pumpkin.
Why are pests attracted to jack o’lanterns?
Though your annual jack o’lantern is a fun, temporary piece of autumnal decor, it can essentially act as a free meal, served on a platter for the local critter community, most of which is constantly on the prowl for their next meals. The fact that the pumpkin is carved up only makes it easier for local wildlife to access its tasty insides, which many animals will happily chow down on, regardless of whether it’s fresh or rotting.
What serves as a festive decoration for us, is seen as an outdoor buffet to the local wildlife population.
Which pests are attracted to jack o’lanterns?
Many smaller animals, like mice, rats, and squirrels, will be interested in eating your jack-o-lantern, but it may also attract larger animals, including raccoons, opossums, deer, and more.
What are the best ways to deter them from gnawing on them?
The best way to keep local animals from approaching your home and eating your jack o’lantern is to keep proper care of your lawn: keep it mowed and be sure to regularly rake your leaves, as many smaller animals thrive in areas with unkempt lawns.
You may also want to keep your jack o’lantern on some sort of elevated surface that may be difficult for a mouse, rat, or squirrel to access, possibly deterring them from trying after a few attempts.
You must keep animals from approaching your house, in search of food, because after they finish scarfing down your jack o’lantern, they may decide to see if they can enter your house in search of even more food, and then you’ll have a much more serious critter problem on your hands. Be sure to seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation this fall, as many animals will be looking for a warm place to live through the winter, especially if it serves as a consistent food source.
Other seasonally appropriate preventative measures to stop critters from entering your home?
One of the best things you can do to keep nuisance wildlife away from your home and yard is to keep a clean, sealed space. For your yard, this means raking leaves and trimming branches and bushes. This prevents the animals from burrowing and climbing. You’ll also want to seal up any gaps in or around your home such as areas under decks, any sort of visible gaps in the foundation or outside of your home. Critters seek shelter and warmth, and openings in your house provide that for them. Finally, keeping trash tightly sealed and bringing in pets’ water and food dishes will deter critters from your property.
