Do Pumpkins Attract Rodents? What You Need to Know This Fall

Fall is a splendid season, with glorious foliage, chilly nights that are perfect for curling up under a blanket, and pumpkins everywhere. As we head into fall, you may find yourself sipping a pumpkin latte and dreaming of your “gourd-geous” pumpkin decorations.

Before heading to the pumpkin patch, you may want to consider whether pumpkins and jack o’lanterns could end up attracting rats and other rodents. That’s an interesting question. Let’s explore whether pumpkins might bring rodents scurrying to your property and how to prevent it from becoming a problem.

Why Rodents and Critters Eat Pumpkins on Porches

Who doesn’t love pumpkins, right? As it turns out, people aren’t the only ones who enjoy these festive foods. Not only do pumpkins attract rodents, but they also attract other animals, including rabbits, birds, and foxes, who enjoy nibbling on these autumnal fruits.

And for good reason — pumpkins are a food source, although they are not typically the go-to option for many animals. However, as the temperatures drop, mice, rats, and other animals prepare for winter. At that point, fall pumpkins become an attractive option to help animals fatten up for the season ahead.

Carved pumpkins, including jack o’lanterns, are particularly attractive to rats and other rodents and nuisance wildlife. The exposed flesh from cutting the pumpkins makes it easy to sniff out this particular food source. However, even uncarved pumpkins and other decorative, edible objects can act as a lure for rodents and other pests.

Non-Toxic Ways to Stop Rodents from Eating Pumpkins

Looking to keep squirrels, chipmunks, and other rodents away from your pumpkins? Here are a few safe, non-toxic strategies you can try this season to prevent your jack o’lantern from attracting rats and wildlife:

Change the Texture: Rodents will be deterred from items with unpleasant textures. You can achieve this by spraying pumpkins with hairspray, slathering them with petroleum jelly, or coating the outside with spray lacquer.
Change the Scent and Flavor: Adding a little spice to your pumpkins may help repel rodents by making the gourds smell and taste less appealing. Sprinkle some cayenne on the outside, inside, and around the pumpkins. Alternatively, you can make a spray by mixing hot sauce, cayenne, water, and a few drops of dish soap. Spraying vinegar around pumpkins can deter rodents, birds, and other pests, including insects.
Change the Environment: Think of it like trick or treat for rodents — just with all tricks. Place an owl statue nearby to make them think a predator is in their midst or use motion-activated sprinklers to startle them away if they get too close.

Preventing Rodent Infestations in the Fall

Not only can rodents ruin your festive decorations, but the allure of available food may also bring them scurrying indoors. Even without pumpkins, fall and winter are often peak times for rodent activity because the colder temperatures force mice and rats to seek shelter.

How can you prevent an infestation? You can take a few steps on your own to reduce the likelihood of these critters setting up shop in your home or on your property. For example:

Clean up debris like leaf piles outside and piles of boxes or clutter inside to reduce possible nesting sites.
Trim tree limbs and shrubbery back at least 15 inches to create space between vegetation and your home.
Remove bird feeders and baths, seal all food in rodent-proof containers, secure garbage, and promptly fix leaks to reduce rodents’ access to food and water.
Inspect the perimeter of your home and other structures for openings, gaps, and cracks. Seal openings with silicone caulk and steel wool to prevent rodents from entering.

Be aware that you can maintain a pristinely clean home and take all the preventive steps possible and still end up with rodents. If you see signs of rodent activity, such as droppings and gnaw marks, it’s essential to call for professional rodent control as soon as possible. Taking action quickly can prevent a relatively small infestation from becoming a huge problem.

Year-Round Protection

Although fall and winter seasons tend to be more active for rodents, the truth is that you can have mice and rats at any time of year. For the ultimate peace of mind, consider year-round professional services like Catseye Pest Control’s Platinum Home Protection program. This provides removal, professional sealing of any entry points, and ongoing monitoring and treatment all year long.

Another option is to install Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems, permanent barriers that provide chemical-free, safe, long-term protection.

Keep Rodents Out with Professional Pest Control Services

Not only do pumpkins attract rodents, but they can also attract other wildlife and insects. That doesn’t mean you have to go without your favorite fall décor. It just requires a little extra vigilance after you put it out.

Autumn, winter, spring, and summer, Catseye is here to provide exceptional pest control services tailored to each situation and property. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an inspection.

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