Over the next fortnight, millions of Britons will be carving pumpkins and placing them inside and outside their home for others to enjoy. But what people don’t know is that there is a risk in doing so this Halloween.
The risk is pests. Creepy crawlies such as spiders, beetles and slugs can enter our home as they look to seek shelter and food.
Particularly if it is a warmer climate as many Brits switch their heating on during this time of year.
This makes homes particularly vulnerable to pest infestation but thankfully there is a solution.
Joshua Houston, pest infestation expert at Household Quotes has revealed why pumpkins could cause problems in your home. As well as four other reasons for pests to invade the home during the colder months.
Bring pumpkins indoors
During the colder months, it will see many homes celebrate the annual celebration of Halloween. This will see a large chunk of the population buy pumpkins to carve.
But what they don’t know is they could be hosts to unwanted guests. These include; squash bugs, squash vine borers, aphids, snails, slugs and beetles. All of which can increase in numbers before becoming a major pest infestation.
Ensure to check your pumpkins thoroughly before they enter the home, as not doing so could lead to an expensive extermination bill.
Cracks
Pests will take advantage of any crack in the home. Areas where this is most common are; the loft, shed and garage. As these tend to be the places where damage is harder to spot, so there’s more time for cracks to build before being exposed.
Perform an inspection of the loft, garage and shed and fill in any cracks that homeowners may find. Ensure to look in the corner of the room, as well as the top and bottom of the walls.
Open doors
Outside pests will be looking for areas that are dry and warm to shelter over Autumn and Winter. They will take advantage of open doors, pet doors like cat flaps can be particularly common ways for pests like rats and mice to gain access.
To avoid this, make sure your front and back doors are shut at all times when they’re out of view. Consider locking your cat flap as well, as this leaves your home vulnerable to any critter looking for somewhere to stay.
Leftover food
Food sources are more limited to pests in the colder months than they are in spring and summer. So any food dropped or left out would be a major attraction to them. You must take good care of your bins.
Keep the area tidy, and make sure they’re secure against the harsh weather to come. As a bin blowing over will spread a lot of food waste, attracting pests.
Poor sanitation
It is important to live in a hygienic environment, as otherwise, the home will attract pests. House flies and cockroaches can carry nasty bacteria which could be deadly if consumed. So regularly clean the home, wipe down services and clean up any spillages right away.
Do a deep cleaning of your bathroom and kitchen areas, as these are the most common places for pest infestations caused by poor sanitation.
Houston said: “Pumpkin carving is extremely popular, it’s a fun activity to do with friends and family. But just be careful that you’re not letting any unwelcome visitors into your home. Be safe by always inspecting the external habitation that you’re planning to bring inside.
“There are other causes of pest infestations during the colder months, make sure to take them seriously and be prepared. Pest infestations can cost a lot of money to resolve, so acting now to protect your property is a wise move.’’
