Top tips for a pest-free Halloween!

As Halloween approaches, you may enjoy the plastic bats and fake spider webs in your neighborhood, but the real pests trying to invade your home can be the scariest surprise. From rodents sneaking inside to flies eyeing your jack-o’-lanterns, these unwelcome guests are always looking for a way to join the Halloween festivities.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone in pest-proofing your home. Balson Pest Control has put together four quick tips to help you keep pests at bay this Halloween.

1. Inspect Costumes and Decorations for Pests

If you store your costumes and decorations each year, there’s a good chance pests have found their way into your boxes, seeking warmth or a place to feast. Before bringing them out, thoroughly inspect all items to prevent spreading pests throughout your home or getting bitten.

Common Pests to Watch Out For:

• Spiders: These often hide in boxes and dark corners.

• House Centipedes: Found in dark, moist areas, they can move quickly when disturbed.

• Cloth Moths: Can damage costumes and fabric decorations if left unchecked.

• Carpet Beetles: These pests damage various materials, including fabric.

• Psocids: Also known as booklice, they thrive in humid conditions and can be found in stored paper and fabric items.

  
  

2. Monitor Jack-O’-Lanterns for Pest Activity

The juicy flesh of carved pumpkins can attract small flies, turning your festive decor into a pest magnet. Keep an eye on any leftover pumpkin remains and dispose of them promptly after Halloween to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.

Common Pests to Watch Out For:

• Fruit Flies: Drawn to the sugary flesh of carved pumpkins.

• Phorid Flies: Attracted to decaying organic matter.

• Other Small Flies: Various species can infest decaying pumpkins.

  
  

3. Store Candies in Well-Sealed Containers

Halloween treats can be a sweet temptation—not just for you but for pests as well. The sugary nature of candy makes it an ideal attractant for various critters.

Common Pests to Watch Out For:

• Ants: Quickly drawn to sugary foods and can find their way to your candy stash.

• Stored Product Insects: Including moths and various beetles that can infest sweets.

  
  

4. Keep Doors Closed Between Trick-or-Treaters

With frequent visitors on Halloween night, it’s easy to leave your door open. This can provide an easy entry for pests, especially as temperatures drop.

Common Pests to Watch Out For:

• Rodents (Rats & Mice)

• Crawling Pests

  
  

We hope you find these tips helpful for ensuring a pest-free Halloween! If you encounter any spooky pest situations, remember that Balson Pest Control is here to help.

Contact us

Phone: 1.800.563.5185

Email: info@bpcinc.ca