How To Keep Bugs & Spiders Away From Your Jack-O-Lantern
Choosing the Right Pumpkin for Pest Prevention
Keeping bugs away from your Jack-O-Lantern starts before you ever carve it. Choose a pumpkin that’s firm, evenly colored, and free from soft spots or cracks. Damage or bruising can attract fruit flies, gnats, and other pests looking for an easy meal. A healthy stem is another sign of longevity; make sure it’s sturdy and securely attached, since a broken stem can create an open door for pests to enter.
Best Pumpkin Varieties for Fewer Bugs
Some pumpkin varieties naturally resist pests better than others. Hybrid pumpkins often have thicker skins and longer shelf lives, making them less prone to rot and insect activity. If you enjoy unique heirloom pumpkins, choose varieties known for durability. Starting with a pest-resistant pumpkin means less worry about bugs finding a home in your Halloween masterpiece.
Cleaning Your Pumpkin to Keep Insects Away
Before you start carving, clean your pumpkin thoroughly. Wipe down the outside with a mild bleach or vinegar solution to kill bacteria and mold spores that attract insects. When cleaning the inside, remove all pulp and seeds to reduce moisture and organic material that bugs feed on. The cleaner your pumpkin, the longer it will last on your porch or steps.
Carving Tips for a Longer-Lasting Jack-O-Lantern
Carving style plays a big role in how long your pumpkin stays pest-free. Avoid overly large openings that expose too much flesh to the air. Smaller or more detailed cuts will help your pumpkin dry evenly and resist decay. Once carved, lightly coat exposed areas with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to lock in moisture and make it harder for bugs to land and feed.
Natural Bug & Spider Repellents
In addition to bugs, spiders often take up residence near Jack-O-Lanterns because they’re drawn to the smaller insects that gather around light and scent. Keeping spiders away can be as simple as using natural repellents. Combine essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella with water and spray around your pumpkin and porch area. These scents deter both insects and spiders while leaving a pleasant aroma.
If you’re seeing a lot of spiders around your home this fall, it might be time to schedule professional spider control. Our team offers effective treatments to reduce spiders, webs, and the small insects that attract them.
Using Herbs & Spices for Pest Control
Household spices can double as natural pest deterrents. Place fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage near your pumpkin, or sprinkle ground cinnamon and cloves inside it. These aromas are naturally unappealing to many insects, including ants and beetles, and can help keep your Halloween display fresh.
Keep Your Home & Porch Pest-Free This Fall
If bugs and spiders are finding their way beyond your pumpkins and into your home, you may need professional help. Seasonal pest activity increases in fall as insects and spiders search for warmth. Pest & Termite Consultants provides proven pest control in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding Triangle area.
We specialize in year-round protection against:
- Spiders and webs
- Ants and roaches
- Termites
- Mosquitoes
- Rodents
Contact Pest & Termite Consultants
Enjoy a pest-free home and porch this Halloween season. Call Pest & Termite Consultants at (919) 246-8831 or request service online for reliable pest and spider control in Raleigh, NC.
