5 Ways to Keep Squirrels From Eating Your Halloween Pumpkins

Halloween is just around the corner, and families worldwide are getting ready. Little kids are excited as they go to the stores with their mothers and buy pumpkins to carve. The family all gets together and carves the best pumpkins, and the kids get to use their creativity. They set their pumpkins on the front porch for all to see, and the family goes to sleep. 

The next morning, the kids are excited to go out and see their pumpkins, but they only see mere remnants of what used to be. The pumpkins have been destroyed by the neighborhood squirrels. Let’s stop this before it even happens! How can we stop squirrels from getting into our pumpkins? 

1. Add Repelling Scents

Now, this might turn you off at first because you’re probably imagining rat poison or something. But hang tight; that’s not the solution. We won’t leave your front porch smelling nasty and repelling visitors away from your house!

One of the most common repelling scents for animals is cayenne pepper. According to Halton Region Master Gardeners, “Cayenne pepper can irritate the skin and eyes of creatures (except birds).” 

Another common repellent, according to Martha Stewart, is to try and use a peppermint or a eucalyptus oil. Just put the oil in a spray bottle, dilute it down with water, shake it well, and spray it on the pumpkin. 

2. Set Up Animal Decoys

If repelling scents isn’t an option for you and you want something a little easier, then consider setting up animal decoys. Just as farmers would set up scarecrows in their fields, you can do something similar near your front porch. 

Setting up an owl or a fox near your front porch, specifically close to your pumpkins, may just be enough to deter these little squirrels from getting into your freshly carved pumpkins. 

3. Set Up Motion Activated Lights

As we know, most animals come out at night. Which is why we get shocked when we come out in the morning and see our pumpkins ruined. Setting up motion-activated lights may be just enough to scare these squirrels away. Right when they get close to the pumpkin, the sensors will activate, shining a light. Most squirrels will get spooked and will scurry off, leaving your pumpkins safe from being eaten. 

4. Cover Pumpkin in Petroleum Jelly

Another great solution for your pumpkin is to use petroleum jelly. Just smear the jelly all over the pumpkin and set out on the front porch like normal. What’s interesting about using petroleum jelly is that it also has the potential to prolong the life of your pumpkin. 

5. Add a Squirrel Feeder Close By

Last but certainly not least, you can also add a squirrel feeder close to your front porch or wherever you keep your Halloween pumpkins. If squirrels can be enticed with something more appetizing close by, they will certainly go for it. Squirrels are omnivorous eaters, and their favorite foods are fruits and seeds. 

Summary of the 5 Ways to Keep Squirrels From Eating Your Halloween Pumpkins 

So, to wrap up, no matter which method you like best, there are plenty of options for your family to help keep squirrels or even other critters away from destroying your Halloween pumpkins.