Households urged to avoid putting pumpkins outside their homes this Halloween

As the weather cools, rodents begin seeking warmth and food, and your Halloween display could be inviting them in. Some decorations, while appearing harmless and eco-friendly, can unintentionally provide shelter or attract pests. Homeowners are being advised to reconsider using one popular decoration to prevent a potential mouse or rat infestation this season.

A home expert at Quote My Wall shared: "Halloween is all about thrills and chills, but a rodent infestation isn't the kind of scare anyone wants. By taking a few precautions, you can enjoy a fun and festive Halloween without worrying about unwanted guests sneaking in for a treat of their own."

What decoration causes rodents?

Pumpkins are the main culprit for inviting rats and mice into your home. The experts shared: "Carved pumpkins are the first cause of the problem since, after a day or two, they smell soft and sweet, which attracts rodents and may attract mice and rats to the house."

According to Pest Control London, Rats love pumpkins and will happily eat them. Pumpkins are a favourite food for rodents such as chipmunks, squirrels, and rats, so putting pumpkins out in your front garden will attract these pests.

However, homeowners don't have to give up the pumpkin to decorate their house. The experts suggest purchasing a plastic pumpkin instead of a real one so you may use it several times and avoid any infestations.

If you still choose to use real pumpkins, Quote My Wall advises: "Do bring pumpkins indoors overnight or move them well away from doors and windows. Don't leave carved pumpkins rotting on steps."

Homeowners should also be wary of sweets and chocolates left out in the open. They suggest keeping sweet bowls sealed and sweeping up spills immediately.

Other pests

Pumpkins are not the only decorations you should be careful of. Home experts also warn against bright lights and fake webs.

They said: "Adding bright porch lights also attracts flying insects. Spiders follow the insects and begin weaving webs close to the frame and bulb. Then a lot of homes adorn railings and hedges with fictitious spider webs.

"Insects are captured by such gauzy strands, which can also entangle bats and birds. A doorway becomes a breeding ground for pests due to the combination of food odours, bright lighting, and sticky fibres."

To prevent insects from entering your home, switch porch bulbs to warm or yellow LEDs or consider using a motion sensor. Avoid leaving bright blue or UV-heavy bulbs on all night.

Homeowners should also opt for solid outdoor decorations instead of fake spider webs. Do not drape gauzy synthetic webs over hedges or porches, says Quote My Wall experts.