Be aware of attracting rodents this Halloween!!!!
Pest control body the National Pest Technicians Association is warning revellers against scoring a nasty own ghoul this Halloween by inviting rodents to their doorstep.
As Halloween approaches, many of us are excited to carve pumpkins, set out spooky decorations, and prepare for trick-or-treaters. However, while you’re focused on scaring the neighbours, you may unintentionally be inviting some real-life pests to your front door.
Those carved pumpkins and festive gourds adorning your porch may add charm to your Halloween display, but they also act as a beacon for rodents like rats and mice.
Our latest blog post takes a closer look at how your decorations could be attracting more than just ghosts and goblins—and what you can do to keep your home rodent-free.
NPTA Technical Manager Grahame Turner warned: “Pumpkins are a treat for more than just jack-o’-lantern fans—they’re also a feast for rodents.
“As the temperature drops and food sources in the wild become scarcer, pests like rats, mice, and squirrels are on the lookout for easy meals. Pumpkins left outside offer an enticing source of food, and the scent of ripe pumpkin flesh can easily lure rodents to your property.
“Recent flooding has likely displaced many rodents, leading to increased activity in rural areas. With their usual habitats disturbed, rodents may be searching for new food sources, making pumpkin displays even more attractive to them.
“Once rodents arrive to snack on your pumpkins, they may start exploring other parts of your home, seeking warmth, shelter, and more food.
“If left unchecked, a Halloween pumpkin display could lead to a pest infestation that lasts far beyond October 31st.”
Our latest blog post takes a closer look at how your decorations could be attracting more than just ghosts and goblins—and what you can do to keep your home rodent-free.

The Risks of a Rodent Invasion
Rodents aren’t just a nuisance—they can pose serious health risks to you and your family. Not to try and scare anyone this Halloween but rats and mice are known to carry diseases such as Leptospirosis, Hantavirus, and Salmonella, which can spread through their droppings, urine, and even by contaminating food supplies.
Additionally, rodents can cause structural damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and even plumbing. What starts as a Halloween decoration could turn into an expensive and potentially hazardous rodent problem.

How to Rodent-Proof Your Halloween Festivities
So, what can you do to enjoy the spooky season while also keeping rodents at bay? Here are a few simple steps to protect your home:
- Limit How Long Pumpkins Stay Outside: Try to avoid leaving pumpkins out for long periods. If you love the look of a carved pumpkin, consider displaying it only on Halloween night and bringing it indoors afterwards. Once a pumpkin starts to decompose, it becomes even more attractive to rodents and other pests.
- Dispose of Pumpkins Properly After Halloween: make sure to dispose of pumpkins in sealed compost bins or rubbish bags. Leaving them in the garden or on your porch for too long is an open invitation to hungry critters.
- Use reusable Pumpkins for Decoration: If you want to avoid the risk altogether, consider using artificial pumpkins or other decorations to celebrate Halloween. They give you the spooky atmosphere you want without the temptation for rodents.
- Seal Potential Entry Points: As rodents begin to forage for food, they may also be seeking shelter for the winter months. Check your home for any gaps under doors, or holes where mice and rats could easily enter. Make sure pipework and vents are properly sealed.
- Remove Other Attractants: In addition to pumpkins, make sure to clear away fallen leaves, excess vegetation, or pet food left outside, even tidy up the ground surrounding bird feeders as all of these can also attract rodents looking for food and nesting materials.
Don’t Let Pests Crash Your Halloween Party
Halloween is all about thrills and chills, but a rodent infestation isn’t the kind of scare anyone wants. By taking a few precautions, you can enjoy a fun and festive Halloween without worrying about unwanted guests sneaking in for a treat of their own.
If you do find signs of rodents around your home, it’s important to act quickly to avoid a full-blown infestation. At the NPTA, we have qualified members who are there to support you with expert advice on rodent control and prevention when needed – visit www.npta.org.uk/member-search/ for more information.