5 Solutions for Critter-Proof Pumpkins

Treat your pumpkin with an animal repellent to get rid of unwanted critters.

• You can spray the outside of the pumpkin if it has not been carved or opened.
• Sprinkle a granulated product inside carved pumpkins.
• You may have to reapply the product every few days or after it rains.
• The product will repel animals, not harm them.
• Remember that there may be an unpleasant odor that can also distract household pets.

The powerful scent of vinegar can deter animals from snacking on your pumpkins and other fall decorations.

• Rub the outside of your pumpkin with vinegar to deter animals that do not like the scent.
• Vinegar also helps prevent ants from feeding on your pumpkin.
• The acid in vinegar can harm the appearance of your pumpkin if too much is applied.

  

Rub your pumpkin with hot sauce or pepper to deter animals that do not like the spicy taste.

• Habanero bird seed keeps the squirrels away. Spicy pepper works on pumpkins too.
• Rub the outside of the pumpkin with hot sauce or sprinkle dry pepper inside the pumpkin.
• Remember to reapply if rainy weather dilutes the pepper taste.

  

Adding a faux owl decoy to your front stoop can make squirrels and other rodents scatter in fear from this predator.

• The sight of an owl predator is enough to make squirrels and other rodents avoid that area.
• A faux owl animal repellent decoy can also add spooky charm to your Halloween décor.

  

Once you’ve made your pumpkin unappetizing and threatening, consider luring the squirrels and critters away to a different part of your yard with corn, seed, or other foods they find more appetizing.

Key Takeaways

1. Use an animal repellent to make your pumpkin less attractive to rodents
2. You can use hot sauce on your pumpkin because animals do not like spicy flavors
3. An Owl decoy can scare away squirrels and other rodents
4. If your pumpkin does get nibbled on, that just makes it more scary!