Don’t let your carved pumpkins kill squirrels in North Carolina

It’s that time of year when you can drive through neighborhoods and see all the amazing jack-o-lanterns that everyone has made. Some excessively detailed – some overly simplistic and amusing.

It’s an ephemeral art form, and it usually only takes a short time for the pumpkins to be flat and semi-liquid, which is why people do what they can to preserve them. Some use Vasoline, some use weird stuff like WD-40.

There is a popular concoction circulating around the internet that has been used for a long time, but it is actually not recommended to use it because the concoctions can sicken or even kill some of the creatures in your neighborhood.

You might love your carved pumpkin that lasts an extra week, but you won’t like the dead squirrels in your yard.

Save your North Carolina wildlife, don’t use bleach

Over the years, you’ve probably seen the occasional message not to apply bleach to your pumpkins because it’s harmful and can be fatal if ingested.

Unlike humans, animals will not smell the toxic chemical compound you spray on what they see as food. As winter draws closer and the nights grow colder, the critters in your neighborhood will be out to find something to snack on.

Wildlife experts weigh in

Agencies across the country have shared posts on social media that animals like squirrels, deer, raccoons, insects, birds and so many other creatures will eat pumpkins.

This is the plea animal rescue and protection groups are making to convince people not to put bleach on their pumpkins this year.

Safer way to keep your Jack-O’Lantern longer

Wildlife agencies, and probably some kind of scientist who understands these things better than we do, say that the best alternative to bleach when it comes to preserving your pumpkin is vinegar.

Try using a mixture of one part vinegar to 10 parts water in a spray bottle and spray your carved pumpkin inside and out. It is not harmful to wildlife at all.