Households across the UK are being urged to sprinkle cinnamon on pumpkins this Halloween to deter unwelcome pests.
Children (and adults) up and down the country will get into the festivities on Friday by dressing up and carving pumpkins in celebration of the spooky day. The tradition of pumpkin carving is thought to have originated in Ireland with the legend of Stingy Jack. According to Irish folklore, Jack was a man who spent a lifetime tricking the Devil into changing his form and as payback, he was forced to forever roam the Earth guided only by a burning coal he placed into a carved-out turnip. People would then carve scary faces into turnips – and later pumpkins, as they were easier to carve – to try and frighten off Jack’s spirit.
Now when people put a carved pumpkin outside their house, it is generally considered a sign that they are taking part in the festivities and welcome trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.
But the problem with leaving pumpkins outside your home is that they quickly start to wilt and rot, particularly in the cold and wet weather, and so they can attract unwelcome pests like rats, mice and insects.
Rodents are not only drawn to shelter when temperatures turn cold, they are also drawn to food sources and the smell of decaying pumpkins can prove particularly attractive, which can result in an infestation if there are accessible entry points in and around your home.
Luckily, there is a very simple and cheap way to prevent unwelcome visitors like rats and mice, and all you need is some cinnamon.
According to pest experts, sprinkling ground cinnamon on, in and around your pumpkin can keep pests at bay as the pungent smell is unappealing.
Cinnamon also contains compounds like eugenol, which is found in many insect repellents, and can be effective in deterring common pests.
Experts at Pest and Termite Consultants said: “Household spices can double as natural pest deterrents. Place fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage near your pumpkin, or sprinkle ground cinnamon and cloves inside it. These aromas are naturally unappealing to many insects, including ants and beetles, and can help keep your Halloween display fresh.”
You can either sprinkle the ground cinnamon in and around your pumpkin to deter pests from coming near it, or make a homemade solution by mixing a few tablespoons of cinnamon with water and spritzing this all over and around your pumpkin.
Once your pumpkin starts to show signs of decay, like browning, mould or turning soft, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. This typically happens around three to five days after carving, but it can be longer in colder weather.
Explaining how to properly dispose of a pumpkin after Halloween, Josh Clarke from London rubbish removal experts Clear It Waste said: “Each Halloween, pumpkins are consistently disposed of incorrectly. Do not put pumpkins in your general household waste bin.
“They will decompose in the landfill and produce methane gas. This is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and is damaging for the environment.
“Instead look to compost. Remove any candles or paint/decorations, and place the pumpkin in a compost bin or pile. Chopping the pumpkin into smaller pieces can also help it decompose more efficiently.
“Alternatively, use your food waste bin. Check with your local council or recycling service to see if they offer food waste collection for organic materials like pumpkins.”