As the leaves fall, the pies bake, and the jack o' lanterns from Halloween season start shriveling on the porch, something else is stirring in the crisp autumn air… pests.
While we humans celebrate fall with comfort foods, cozy decorations, and carved pumpkins, other pests see this season as an open door to your home and feast. And trust us, many insects, rodents, and other tiny organisms are more than happy to give thanks for your hospitality.
Before you're stuck carving a turkey and carving out time to deal with a pest problem, your friendly neighborhood Pest Nerds are here with helpful tips, seasonal insights, and a big dose of pest prevention.
Why Fall Brings Out the Feast-Seeking Pests
When temperatures drop, pests rely on instinct and life cycle changes to find warmth, food, and shelter. That means your home and décor start looking like a five-star buffet.
Common fall insect pests and critters include:
Ants
Fruit flies
House mice and rats
Mosquitoes, flies, and even bees
And since pests eat almost anything (from decaying plants to forgotten foods), it doesn't take much to attract them.
But one fall favorite stands above the rest when it comes to pest magnetism…
The Great Pumpkin Problem: How Décor Becomes Dinner
Those charming decorative pumpkins, cheerful jack o' lanterns, and vibrant fruits displayed on the porch are beautiful… but pests love them even more than you do.
Here's why your pumpkin décor can attract pests:
1. Pumpkins Are Still a Living Thing
Even once picked, a pumpkin is still an organism that breaks down. As they start rotting, they produce a sweet smell that many species (including flies, beetles, and mice) can't resist.
2. Soft Spots = Snacking Spots
As pumpkins rot, soft spots form, creating easy access for insects, slugs, snails, and other organisms that feed on decaying material.
3. Seeds and Fruit Attract Rodents
Rodents like rats, house mice, and squirrels see pumpkins as a perfect blend of fruit, seeds, and moisture. Plus, pumpkin guts = ideal food for hungry fall wildlife.
4. Rotting Material Invites Bacteria and Bugs
Bacteria thrive in decomposing pumpkins. And bacteria attract insects. And insects attract spiders. And spiders attract… well… you get it. It's a full-blown ecosystem building on your doorstep.
5. Jack-o-Lantern Cuts Speed Up the Rotting Process
Once you carve a pumpkin, it breaks down faster. Insects can crawl in, animals can chew around openings, and pests quickly set up shop.
Carved pumpkins aren't just décor, they're a pest's Thanksgiving feast.
Thanksgiving Foods That Invite Indoor Pests
It's not just your porch decorations; your holiday cooking can invite trouble, too. Because pests will eat almost anything, here are the biggest kitchen culprits:
Sweet foods (luring fruit flies, ants, and bees)
Leftovers left uncovered (flies, mice, and cockroaches)
Dropped crumbs (every insect and rodent in the neighborhood says thank you)
Overripe fruits and vegetables (prime feeding ground for flies and mites)
Garbage piling up (organisms, bacteria, and other pests love it)
And don't forget: even small attractants can lead to a full infestation, complete with droppings, gnaw marks, and potential exposure to diseases.
A Few Ways to Keep Pests Out This Thanksgiving
You don't have to toss your pumpkins or cancel the feast! Just show those pests they're not invited.
1. Retire Old Pumpkins Promptly
Once your pumpkin starts showing soft spots, sagging, or signs of rot, it's time to say goodbye. The longer it sits, the more pests it attracts.
2. Keep Carved Pumpkins on Trays or Elevated Surfaces
This helps prevent pests from crawling up and reduces moisture buildup.
3. Try Essential Oils
Peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus essential oils can help deter insects and rodents. While not a permanent fix, they're a nice natural assist.
4. Don't Let Food Sit Out
After meals, seal leftovers, wipe counters, and keep trash bags tied tightly.
5. Clear Outdoor Debris
Fallen trees, leaves, and plants can harbor bugs, slugs, mites, and other organisms.
6. Seal Entry Points
Small cracks offer big opportunities for mice, spiders, ants, and other common pests to move indoors for winter.
7. Call the Pest Nerds
For real prevention, professional pest control helps eradicate the activity before it becomes a bigger nuisance.
Why Professional Pest Control Makes Thanksgiving Sweeter
DIY tricks can help, but when you're dealing with rodent infestations, persistent fall insect activity, or repeat visits from other pests, you need a long-term solution.
Greenix offers year-round protection targeting over 50 species of pests, including the fall favorites nobody is thankful for. We help you enjoy your feast without sharing it with unwanted animals, bugs, or creepy-crawlies trying to sneak indoors for the holidays.
Give Thanks—Not Snacks—to Pests
Thanksgiving is for family, friends, and feasting… not for pests who see your home and décor as a buffet. This fall, show unwanted organisms the door and let Greenix Pest Control keep them from marching right back in.
If your pumpkins, porch, or pantry have become a pest hotspot, the Pest Nerds are ready to help you reclaim your holiday peace.
Happy Thanksgiving from your Greenix family—may your turkey be juicy, your pie be perfect, and your home be pest-free!
