As Halloween approaches, the check lists begin. The costume - check. Halloween Candy – check. Find the best looking pumpkin in the patch – check. Carve the pumpkin – check. Preserve the pumpkin – can you check that off your list?

Today we are going to help you cross preserving the pumpkin off your Halloween list so you can spend more time perfecting your costume or other Halloween detail. A carved pumpkin that has sat out can be compared to week old bananas for fruit flies. Fruit flies will create a brown cloud or marking around rotting or spoiled perishables. To prevent insects from taking over your nicely carved pumpkin, follow our tips below.

• Remove dirt: Wipe the exterior surfaces of the pumpkin clean using a damp cloth.
• Remove as much pulp from the inside of the pumpkin as possible. The more “guts” removed, the less of a mold and insect issue you will have.
• Make a bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach and one gallon of water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the pumpkin inside and all cut areas of the pumpkin with the solution. This will kill much of the surface bacteria and mold that cause rotting.
• Let it penetrate and dry for about 20 minutes. Turn the carved pumpkin upside down to allow it to drain.
• If you want to display your pumpkin before October 31st, keep the pumpkin out of direct sunlight and try to keep it as cool as possible. A covered porch is a terrific location.

While no pumpkin can be preserved indefinitely, the bleach solution is a great way to prolong the life of your carved pumpkin, while deterring fruit flies. By the time the doorbell rings and you hear “Trick or Treat” your pumpkin will be glowing instead of being thrown pre-maturely in the compost bin. Just remember after Halloween, as your pumpkin begins to rot to remove in a timely manner so you don’t attract other pests like rodents! Thomas Pest Services wishes everyone a fun and safe Halloween!

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