How to Preserve Your Pumpkins This Halloween

The scariest part of Halloween may not be the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins you see around every corner. It actually may be witnessing your pumpkins rotting from the elements or being infested by creepy crawlies. This sounds like the perfect scary movie, right?

Pumpkins begin to mold and rot when exposed to air, water, and pests, like most produce. To avoid decomposition, there are several easy at-home ways to keep your uncarved Jack-O-Lantern looking fresh a few weeks after all of the trick-or-treaters have gone home.

Step 1
Take your pumpkins and wash them in the bath, sink, or a bucket with dish soap. Be sure to lightly scrub them to remove excess dirt (dirt speeds up the rotting process).

Step 2
After rinsing your pumpkins with clean water, fill up the bath, sink, or bucket with water and bleach (about one to two tablespoons per gallon of water). Allow your pumpkins to soak for three to four hours, rotating them as needed.

Step 3
Dry your pumpkins off with a towel to get them completely water-free.

Step 4
Apply a thin coat of clear, water-based polyurethane for extra protection and longevity.

Step 5
Once your pumpkins are dry and protected, it’s time to place them outside for their spooky and spectacular close-up!

Once the season is over, be sure to properly dispose of your pumpkin by composting or burying it in your backyard and letting nature take its course. Don’t leave it out for wild animals to eat.

Got spooky bugs crawling around this Halloween?

Don’t get haunted by insects this fall. If you need assistance with controlling creepy crawlers, we’re here to help. Call Hughes Exterminators today.