Halloween decorating is a tradition for a lot of Maryland families. Every year, we see front yards filled with pumpkins, hay bales, and spooky inflatables. It looks great, but what most people don’t realize is that some of those decorations can quietly attract real pests.
And after the Halloween season, we get a lot of calls about unexpected visitors, like mice, rats, ants, and even a few raccoons, who’ve decided to move in their décors. It’s not the kind of “haunting” anyone wants.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins might be the star of your front porch, but they’re also irresistible to pests once they start to rot. The sweet smell of decaying pumpkin can draw in ants, flies, and rodents faster than you’d think.
Pest experts have pointed out that rotting pumpkins are a real problem for homeowners because rats and mice often follow the scent when pumpkins are left out too long, which can become a magnet for hungry rodents.
What you can do: Try putting your pumpkins out just a few days before Halloween instead of keeping them out all month. Once Halloween is over, toss them in a sealed trash bag or compost bin before they start to soften.
Hay Bales and Corn Stalks
Hay bales and corn stalks look warm and rustic, but they also make great hiding spots for pests. Once they dry out, they can shelter all kinds of small critters such as spiders, beetles, and even the occasional mouse.
According to the National Pest Technicians Association, natural decorations can easily turn into pest shelters if left outside too long. The problem gets worse when they’re placed close to walls or doors.
Simple fix: Keep hay off the ground by setting it on a crate or piece of plastic, and don’t wait too long to get rid of it once the Halloween season ends.
Inflatables and Lights
Inflatable decorations are fun, especially for kids. But those little air blowers and motors that keep them running give off heat that pests love. We’ve seen spiders, roaches, and even wasps crawl into the bases of inflatables or tangle around the light cords.
PestWorld points out that bright outdoor lights and extra yard clutter during Halloween can stir up pest activity. If something rustles near your inflatables late at night, it may not be the wind.
Try this: Unplug decorations when you’re not home, and before you store them, make sure they’re clean and dry. Damp boxes and rolled-up cords can attract more pests in storage.
Keep the Frights Fun, Not Frustrating
Halloween should be about candy and costumes, not pest problems. But as the weather cools, more insects and rodents look for shelter, and your fall décor might be their invitation.
Our team at Womack Pest Control knows these seasonal patterns inside and out. We’ve been helping Maryland homeowners for more than 80 years, and every fall we see the same concerns: small pest issues that start with outdoor decorations and end up inside the home.
One Last Halloween Reminder
When you’re packing up your decorations, take a few minutes to check for signs of pests. Look for chewed materials, droppings, or webs before you bring anything indoors. It’s a small step that can save a lot of trouble later.
Halloween should be full of fun scares, not real ones. With a few smart habits and a little help from Womack Pest Control, you can keep it that way.
Check out our Service Plans or contact us at 301-381-8526 for more information.