Happy Halloween

Pest Control Precautions for Trick or Treating on Halloween

Even though it is getting cold outside, there is a possibility of pests being attracted to your home and Halloween festivities. It is expected to be a little on the warm side this year on Halloween, so rodents, and other pests can be drawn to the sweet sweet sent of pillowcases filled with candy.
Here are some essential pest control precautions you can follow to keep your Halloween pest-free and safe for your little trick-or-treaters:

1. Keep Candy Secure
Halloween candy is undoubtedly an attractive treat for rodents, ants, and cockroaches. Rodents and ants are particularly drawn to sweet, sugary foods, and if candy is left unwrapped or unattended, it turns into a pest magnet.
• It may be a good idea to store candy in airtight containers until it’s time to distribute it to trick-or-treaters.
• Avoid leaving candy outside or in easily accessible places where pests can get to it.
• Clean up any candy spills or crumbs right away to reduce pest invitations.

2. Light Your Pathways
Outdoor lighting is essential for keeping trick-or-treaters safe, but some pests are particularly drawn to bright lights at night.
• Use yellow “bug lights” instead of white bulbs to reduce insect attraction.
• Consider using motion sensor lights that only activate when needed, limiting the amount of time lights are on and reducing the number of pests drawn to them.

3. Keep Outdoor Decorations Clean and Pest-Free
Halloween decorations can create a fun, spooky atmosphere, but they can also provide hiding spots for pests. Items like hay bales, pumpkins, and corn stalks are popular decorations but can attract rodents, spiders, and other pests if left unattended for too long.
• Avoid placing pumpkins or food-related items directly on the ground; use stands or tables to elevate them.
• Dispose of rotting pumpkins and other decorations promptly after Halloween, as they can quickly become a feast for pests.
• If you use hay bales, be sure to store them away from your home’s foundation and inspect them regularly for signs of pests.

4. Check Trick-or-Treat Bags
When the fun is over, and your kids are ready to dive into their candy stash, it’s a good idea to inspect their trick-or-treat bags. Candy that’s been left outside or carried around the neighborhood could have picked up unwanted visitors.
• Before letting your children eat their candy, inspect it for any signs of pests, including ants or small insects.
• Discard any candy that has holes or tears in its packaging, as this may indicate it’s been tampered with or exposed to pests.

5. Use Pest Deterrents
If you live in an area with a high risk of pests, you may want to take extra precautions by using natural pest deterrents. Certain herbs and oils can repel insects, and you can incorporate these into your Halloween setup.
• Consider using essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella in sprays or diffusers to keep pests at bay.
• Scatter crushed mint or bay leaves around entry points to deter ants and other insects.

Halloween is full of fun, not pests! Take these precautions, and you can protect your home, candy, and trick-or-treaters from unwanted pests this Halloween. Sealing up entry points, keeping candy secure, and maintaining cleanliness will go a long way in ensuring that your Halloween is safe and pest-free.
Evans Pest Control wishes everyone a Happy Halloween and may your trick-or-treating be filled with treats, not tricks from pests!

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