How Left-Out Pumpkins & Food Attracts Pests
Fall and winter are seasons we normally don’t associate with bugs and pests, but pest prevention (especially during the fall) is of the utmost importance! Even though there’s a nip in the air, you should still be taking steps to keep bugs and pests away from your family. Keep reading for more info!
It’s No Secret—Food Attracts Pests!
One of the worst things you can do when it comes to pests is to leave food out. Autumn in Alabama is a great time for backyard barbeques—the weather is nice and cool, and football season is in full swing! However, make sure you’re mindful of the food you’re leaving out that could attract bugs.
If you’re grilling out, make sure the burger or hotdog toppings are in a covered, airtight container until they’re needed. If you have some snacks or finger foods available, same thing! Keep them covered until someone wants a handful. Don’t forget about your food waste, too. Make sure your garbage is neatly tied up in a garbage bag and your trash cans remain closed and clean—or as clean as a trash can can be!
After Halloween has passed, make sure there aren’t bits of candy or candy wrappers lying around your yard. Trick-or-treaters could have dropped something sugary that’s sure to attract bugs.
Yes, That Includes Pumpkins!
It’s easy to forget this time of year that pumpkins are food! While we use them for cute porch decorations and spooky jack-o-lanterns, all a pest can see is its next meal. But there are a few things you can do to make your pumpkins a little less appetizing!
For starters, try not to leave your pumpkins out for too long. If you want pumpkins on your porch for the whole season, just be sure to swap them out often! A rotting pumpkin is more likely to attract bugs. When you’re carving your pumpkin, try to remove as much of the insides (or the guts) as possible!
And, finally, spraying the inside of your pumpkin with a special mixture will help keep pests away. Simply put one teaspoon of bleach in one gallon of water. Spray your pumpkins daily for the best results!
Other Decor that Can Attract Pests
It’s not just edible things that can attract bugs and pests! Some fall decor makes for the perfect breeding ground or shelter for pests. Once the cool fall weather sets in, bugs and small rodents of all kinds will start seeking shelter for the winter. Big piles of leaves or straw and large hay bales are perfect for this! Use these things sparingly in your decor, and don’t put them too close to your house.
If you plan on having some bonfires this fall, make sure you store your stacks of firewood away from your house as well!
Have a Pest Problem?
There are a lot of things you can do to help prevent pests from ruining your outdoor (and indoor!) fun, but oftentimes there are limits to DIY prevention. If you’re seeing more bugs than you’d like, it’s time to call the professionals at Vulcan Termite & Pest Control! We’ve been serving the Birmingham community since 1965, and we look forward to serving you and your family! Get in touch with us today.