How to Stop Squirrels From Destroying Your Pumpkins
Now that you know when is the best time to carve pumpkins so they don’t rot before Halloween , it’s time to move on to the next big chapter in caring for pumpkin lanterns: how to keep them from turning into squirrel slaughterhouses and thoroughly ruining Pinterest’s curated vibe on your porch. There are several ways to scare furry tailed rodents away from your pumpkins – here are some of the most effective.
Make your own pepper spray
While you can buy a mass-produced protein remedy , you don’t need to. There are many things in your kitchen that perform the same function. Hot peppers, for example. Squirrels don’t like capsaicin, the oil in chili peppers that burns tissue in humans and other mammals. Drizzle the pumpkin with hot sauce, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a liquid mixture of any of these ingredients (or crushed jalapeno if you have them) with a little water and a spoonful of tacky dish soap. anti-bite spray.
(Note, however, that this may not be the best solution if you have small children who touch everything in sight. And be sure to apply these substances with gloves to avoid accidental eye contact.)
Put your pet’s hair to good use
According to Bob Veal , placing a pumpkin on the blanket your dog or cat has slept on can be an effective deterrent. “Squirrels will be alarmed by hair and dandruff, which is a sign that there may be a potential enemy nearby.” If you have a shedding dog in the house, placing his extra fur in a hollowed-out gourd might also work.
Use the power of mint, vinegar or garlic
Squirrels, like people, do not like the strong smells of vinegar. Place bowls in or around the pumpkin to keep them from approaching. (However, don’t spray on the peel, as the acetic acid can damage the peel of the fruit.) They also don’t like the taste of mint, so spray the outside with a mixture of peppermint oil and water, or just put some of Grandma’s favorite candies (unwrapped) inside. Filling the cut center with a strong scent of fresh garlic cloves or coffee grounds for an extra layer of protection.
Don’t relax when you dig your guts
Cleaning a large pumpkin of all of its sticky internal fibers is no easy task, and you might be tempted to do it sooner. But don’t. Continue until all seeds, threads, and bits have been removed to lessen your pumpkin lantern’s appeal to hungry backyard pests. Reducing the humidity inside the pumpkin will also slow down the growth of mold and bacteria.
When all else fails: buy fake owls
Like a scarecrow in a garden, a fake owl can scare squirrels enough to keep their paws away from your pumpkins. Since owls are predators of squirrels, a lure can work wonders by making the squirrels buzz. Bonus points if you can find an electronic that hums, has blinking or glittering eyes, or turns its creepy mechanical head when it detects movement nearby. The squirrels will be back on their acorns before they reach your steps.