September 6, 2025

How to Keep Your Pumpkins Fresh and Critter-Free this October

Fall is here, and pumpkins are everywhere! Whether you’re carving jack-o-lanterns or using them for a decorative touch on your front porch, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and critter-free all October long. Luckily, with a few simple tips, you can keep your pumpkins looking great and stop any unwanted nibblers from turning them into snacks.

 

 

 

Keeping Your Pumpkins Fresh

1. Start with a Healthy Pumpkin Choose pumpkins that are firm, free of soft spots, cracks, or bruises. The healthier your pumpkin is from the start, the longer it will last. (And while you’re here, why not check out some of our fun fall activities?)
2. Give Your Pumpkin a Bath After bringing your pumpkins home, give them a quick bath in a water and bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water). This helps kill bacteria and mold that can cause early rotting.
3. Seal it Up If you’re not carving your pumpkin, coat it with a layer of petroleum jelly, vegetable oil, or clear acrylic spray to lock in moisture and prevent it from drying out. This will also slow down the natural decaying process.
4. Keep it Cool, but Not Too Cold Pumpkins love cooler temperatures, but avoid freezing weather. Keep them in a shaded spot away from direct sunlight, which can cause them to soften and rot faster. A porch or covered area is ideal.
5. Hydrate Carved Pumpkins If you’ve carved your pumpkin, it’s important to keep it hydrated. Spray it with a water and bleach mixture (the same solution you used for cleaning) every couple of days to prevent mold growth. Another trick is to bring it inside overnight to keep it out of the chilly night air.
6. Use Pumpkin Preserving Sprays There are sprays designed specifically to preserve pumpkins. These sprays can extend the life of both carved and uncarved pumpkins, helping them last through the whole month.

Keeping Critters Away

1. Create a Barrier with Vinegar or Peppermint Critters like squirrels and deer love pumpkins, but they’re not fans of strong smells. Spraying your pumpkin with a vinegar or peppermint oil solution can deter these furry invaders. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water or add a few drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle of water and mist your pumpkins.
2. Use a Light Dusting of Cinnamon Critters tend to avoid cinnamon! Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon around your pumpkins or on top to discourage animals from snacking. Plus, it adds a lovely seasonal scent to your porch.
3. Hot Pepper Spray For a stronger deterrent, mix hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes with water and spray it onto your pumpkins. The spice is enough to keep critters at bay without harming them, but be careful not to get any on your hands or eyes!
4. Hair or Pet Fur Believe it or not, scattering pet fur or human hair around your pumpkins can deter animals. The scent signals that there may be predators nearby, which often keeps squirrels and other critters away.
5. Elevate Placing your pumpkins on a table, stand, or porch railing can make it harder for ground-dwelling critters to reach them. If they’re slightly out of reach, critters might give up and look for an easier snack elsewhere.

Enjoying Your Pumpkins All Month Long

With just a little bit of care, your pumpkins can last through Halloween and beyond, keeping their festive charm while staying fresh and critter-free. Try out these tips and tricks to make the most of your fall display this year!

Come visit us at any of our 7 locations to pick out your pumpkin today!