The leaves have turned into an amazing array of browns, reds, and gold. The air is lighter and crispier. The temperatures have dropped. This can only mean one thing – that fall has arrived! Seemingly overnight, people all around the country and throughout the State of Indiana are excited to bring out the decorations like the pumpkins, the gourds, the hay, the scarecrows, and more! Many have even started to decorate for the Christmas holidays!
Unfortunately, many of the seasonal decorations that emerge in the fall may result in the attractions of various types of pests. These include flies, roaches, rodents, and other common pests. In this guide, we will share some solid, productive information on how you can prevent pest infestations with pumpkins and other types of fall decorations.
Why Do Natural Fall Decorations Attract Pests?
Fall decorations that contain organic or natural substances will attract pests that are attracted to the base organic material – such as the insides of a pumpkin or leaves. This is especially true if those decorations are left outdoors for extended periods.
The smells and organic material make for a perfect location for various types of insects to lay eggs. When taken inside, the decorations that include eggs will eventually go through the process of egg hatching. When this happens, you will find that your home is a breeding ground for a severe infestation. By reading this comprehensive guide, you are taking a proactive step to prevent fall infestations in and/or around your home or other on-site buildings, such as a barn, a shed, and/or a garage.
Which Pests Are Attracted to Pumpkins?
The following pests are those that are attracted to pumpkins that are used for fall decorations:
Insects
- Aphids – These insects are most commonly attracted to the stems and the leaves that are on pumpkins. In addition to this, they may find their way inside of the pumpkin if it has been cut and left outdoors.
- Cucumber Beetles – This type of insect actually feeds on the plant and the pumpkin as a standalone fruit.
- Cutworms – These insects prefer to feed on pumpkin plants and fruits that are young.
- Fruit Flies – These insects are attracted to the fermenting pulp that is inside of pumpkins that are carved.
- Ants – If a pumpkin is carved and has damp and sweet pulp, ants will be instantly attracted to the fall decoration and an infestation will start to occur.
- Fungus Gnats – These insects are very attracted to the pulp of a pumpkin if it is fermenting. This could lead to a very large infestation.
- Yellowjackets and wasps – These insects are attracted to the sugar-based juices found in pumpkins.
- Beetles – This type of insect goes after the insides of the pumpkins that stand as decorations
- Gastropods – These insects include both slugs and snails. They go after the tender flesh that is associated with young pumpkins and/or giant fruits.
- Fruit Flies – These insects go towards the smell of pumpkins that are fermenting. If your pumpkin is starting to decompose as an outdoor decoration, throw it away immediately to prevent an infestation.
Other Pests
There are other pests that are attracted to pumpkins and outdoor fall decorations. These include the following:
- Squirrels
- Vine Borers
- Mice
- Rats
- Raccoons
- Deer
What Types of Pests are Attracted to Fall Decorations That Include Leaves?
There are many different types of pests that are attracted to fall decorations that use leaves – such as the giant pumpkin bags and maybe even scarecrows. While scare crows are typically composed of hay, some portions may use leaves. Natural materials are highly attractive to aphids, mites, bark beetles, stink bugs, spiders, cockroaches, ants, rodents, earwigs, and moths. It does not matter if you have a wreath decoration, a tree decoration, or a bag decoration, you should use special care when using leaves so that you do not end up fighting an infestation.
Preventing Pest Infestations with Fall Decorations
It is possible to put up fall decorations without attracting and developing a pest infestation. The following tips will help you:
- Inspections – If you decide to bring in a pumpkin or another type of fall decoration. You should inspect it thoroughly in order to make certain that there are no pests in or on the decoration.
- Storage – If you are storing your fall decorations, you should choose an area that is both cool and dry. Additionally, it is important to store only in hard plastic containers that are airtight. If you have decorations that are bad – like a decaying pumpkin – do not keep it, throw it away.
- Clean Thoroughly – If you are bringing decorations in in order to put them away, you should make sure that you clean them as thoroughly as possible.
- Unpacking Safely – If you must unpack your fall decorations, be certain to do so in a suitable area in case there are pests that were stored with the decorations.
- Eliminate Food-Based Decorations – if you have decorations that are made of food, you should discard them immediately. Examples include carved pumpkins, fall-themed popcorn garlands, and basket gourd decorations. If you fail to do this, the decomposing scents will attract a variety of pests.
Top Fall Decorations That Attract Pests
There are – at least – four types of fall decorations that are known to attract pests. These include the following:
- Pumpkins – Out of all of the decorations, pumpkins are among the most common. This is especially true if the pumpkin is carved.
- Potted Plants – If you are looking to add a little bit of greenery to your fall festivities, potted plants are an excellent choice. You must watch for pests that dwell in soil – like fungus gnats. Paperwhites and poinsettias. Be certain to watch for flying bugs, or tiny insects on your potted plants.
- Attics – Most people store their decorations in their attic. Unfortunately, the attic gets the brunt of the complications if a pest infestation occurs. For example, if you stored the decorations in a cardboard box and centipedes or silverfish has infested them, unpacking and moving the decorations will result in an increase of activity. Rodents may also infect decorations that are stored in the attic.
- Seasonal Trees – Many people are now decorating Christmas trees around the year and the holidays that occur. Halloween and fall-themed Christmas trees are exceptional in style and décor and right now, they are considered to be unique. If you create a fall-themed tree, inspect it carefully before storing it or moving it from an outdoor living space to the indoors.
How to Preserve Pumpkins So They Don’t Attract Pests
If you are going to use a pumpkin or several pumpkins in your fall decorations, you should be certain that you use a preservation product in order to keep the fruit alive longer and keep the pests away. The first is a preservation spray. They protect the fruit from rotting and from insects. There are also insect repellent sprays that you may use on or near the pumpkin so that pests do not go near the decoration.
Are There Natural Remedies to Keep Pests Away from Fall Decorations?
There are many natural remedies that may be used to keep pests away from fall decorations. These include the following:
- Vinegar and Water – By combining vinegar and water, you can create a natural cleaner. You can actually spray this on the pumpkins, allow it to sit, and then wipe off.
- Essential Oils – By combining certain essential oils, you can create a product that repels most of the pests that are attracted to fall decorations – such as gourds and pumpkins.
- Baking Soda – You may create a special paste product by using baking soda. Just combine it with water and apply the mixture to the surface of the carved pumpkin. It will keep the insects away and will help to preserve the pumpkin so it stays fresher for a longer amount of time.
How to Keep Your Pumpkins Fresh Longer
If you utilize pumpkins in your fall décor, you should place an emphasis on learning how to make them remain fresh longer as rotting pumpkins easily result in the attraction of all types of pests. You may store them in an area that is both cool and dry, use a sealant on the fruit and check for signs of decay and pest attraction on a regular basis. Lock in the moisture of the decorations as much as possible and take the steps that are necessary to ensuring your home stays pest-free.
If you require assistance in preventative pest control or have spotted pests that you need help with, you may contact us here at All Pest. We specialize in identifying infestations, preventing insects from gaining access to your home. If you already have pests in or around your home, we are capable of exterminating them and taking back your home. To learn more about our services, you may contact us now at: 765-965-2171
