Pest Control Experts Warn: Your Jack-o’-Lantern May Attract Unwanted Pests

Scientifically reviewed by Jeff Thompson

-Published on October 10, 2025

-Updated on October 10, 2025

With Americans purchasing 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins annually, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the seasonal decoration rush creates a massive opportunity for unwanted pests to invade homes across the country. As 63% of Americans begin their Halloween decorating on October 1st (according to a 2024 Martha Stewart poll), pest control experts are warning homeowners about the hidden dangers lurking in their festive displays.

Daniel Baldwin, Board Certified Entomologist at Hawx Pest Control, warns that improper pumpkin handling and placement can turn seasonal decorations into pest magnets within days.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. With 22% of decorators saying it’s “never too early” to start their Halloween displays and another 63% beginning October 1st, millions of pumpkins will be sitting outside homes for weeks—plenty of time for pest populations to establish themselves.

The Pest Parade: The Pests Attracted to Your Pumpkins

Ants are typically the first unwelcome guests to arrive. These insects are drawn by the natural sugars in decomposing pumpkins and will quickly form trails leading from your display directly to their nest.

Spiders follow closely behind, using carved pumpkins as both shelter and hunting grounds. The hollow interiors and carved crevices provide perfect hiding spots, while the insects attracted to the pumpkins create an abundant food source.

Stink bugs present a double threat, feeding directly on pumpkin flesh while creating entry points for other pests. These bugs compromise the pumpkin’s structural integrity, accelerating decay and making displays even more attractive to additional pests.

Rodents—like mice, rats, and squirrels—pose perhaps the greatest concern. They chew through pumpkins for both food and nesting materials, and once they’ve established your porch as a food source, they may seek ways into your home for winter shelter.

How to Protect Your Home From Pumpkin Pests

Baldwin recommends a multi-layered approach to pumpkin pest prevention, focusing on preparation, placement, and maintenance:

The key to pest-free displays starts with thorough cleaning. Remove all the extra organic material you can from carved pumpkins, including seeds and pulp, as these are primary attractants. A simple bleach solution, one teaspoon per gallon of water, can sanitize carved surfaces and slow decomposition.
Elevate pumpkins on platforms or tables rather than placing them directly on the ground to reduce access for ground-dwelling pests. Keep displays at least three feet away from doors, windows, and foundation cracks to avoid creating direct pathways into your home.
Wait for cooler late-September weather before displaying pumpkins outdoors, as lower temperatures naturally reduce pest activity. Take advantage of pumpkins’ 2-3 month storage life by keeping them indoors until closer to Halloween.
Inspect pumpkin displays daily for signs of pest activity or accelerated decay. Maintain a clear buffer zone around displays, free from leaf litter and debris that provides hiding spots for pests. Most importantly, seal potential entry points around your home before beginning seasonal displays.
Remove all pumpkins immediately after Halloween rather than allowing them to decompose in place. Decomposing pumpkins become exponentially more attractive to pests and can establish your property as a long-term food source.

The Bottom Line for Homeowners

With the average American household displaying multiple pumpkins for 3-4 weeks, the pest attraction window is significant. A proactive approach, including proper preparation, strategic placement, and immediate post-holiday cleanup, can mean the difference between enjoying your Halloween decorations and dealing with a pest infestation that lasts well beyond the holiday season.

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