From repellents to lemon juice, here are a few simple ways to keep pests off your pumpkins.
Brie Goldman
Pumpkins are a favorite Halloween decoration because they areeasy to carve for jack-o-lanternsand use forfall craft projects.
Unfortunately, pumpkins are also an attractive food source for pests and insects.
Credit:Brie Goldman
Here are natural and non-toxic ways to prevent bugs from ruining your Halloween.
How to Prevent Bugs from Ruining Your Pumpkins
1.
Pick the Right Pumpkin
Whenselecting a pumpkin for carving, choose a firm and undamaged one.
Look for a deep orange outer shell with a bright green stem.
The outer layer of the pumpkin is a protective layer.
So, avoid pumpkins that are damaged or cracked.
you’re able to evensave the seeds to roast.
Treat the Outside
If left untreated, most pumpkins begin to rot a week after carving.
To prolong the life of a pumpkin,treat the outside with lemon juice.
Another trick is to apply petroleum jelly or vapor rub around your pumpkin to create a protective barrier.
Bugs find it difficult to crawl over the slick surface and into the sweet spots theyre after.
The strong mint vapor rub scent also acts as a deterrent.
Use Natural Bug Repellents
Use natural repellents to keep pests at bay.
Spritz and refresh every couple of days.
Most insects dislike the strong scent and will stay away.
Its more difficult for insects to gain access to higher spaces.
Check your pumpkin daily for signs of bugs or rot.
After carving the pumpkin, protect the inside by spraying it with a bleach and water solution.
Create the solution with a teaspoon of bleach in a gallon of water.
