Pest control experts have warned that rats could invade homes to feast on discarded Halloween pumpkins. Leaving carved pumpkins at doorways after October 31 celebrations may attract rodents, particularly as colder weather begins.
Kevin Lawrenson, chief executive officer of the National Pest Technicians Association, said the hot summer has led to a high number of rodents looking for a place to go for the colder months. He advised disposing of the pumpkins as soon as possible.
Why Pumpkins Attract Rodents
Lawrenson said: "Halloween is such a great time for families to take their young kid out trick or treating and decorate the house, carve pumpkins, leave them out on display."
He explained: "When people carve pumpkins and leave them outside the house for periods on end, they literally are an attraction to rodents, such as rats. You wouldn't go and leave your rubbish outside the front of your house to attract rats to it, would you?"
Previous Rat Problems in Birmingham
Lawrenson recalled rats seen in Birmingham last year, including some described as "cat-sized", after tonnes of rubbish piled up in the streets amid a strike by bin workers. He said food and waste left outside homes contributed to the rodent issue in the city.
He said: "Please don't do the same with pumpkins because the last thing you want on Halloween, or in the days afterwards, is to have rats running around your house."
Advice for Homeowners
Lawrenson noted: "(Pumpkins) are quite sweet, strong-smelling items and they will rot, and they will serve to attract any rodent that's foraging for food." He added that as it becomes colder, rodents will look further afield to find warm places to live.
He advised anyone with a rodent problem to contact pest control services, adding: "What you don't want to do, I guess in reality, is something that you've done at this time of year leads into ruining both Halloween and also Christmas."
