With Halloween approaching, many people around the world are planning to decorate their homes with lights, witches’ webs, and carved pumpkins.
But experts warn that some of these decorations could be attracting unwanted four-legged visitors to your door.
Decorating experts advise reviewing your plans before putting up all the spooky elements, as they can attract mice, rats, and even spiders.
Carved pumpkins are a major problem
After a day or two, carved pumpkins start to take on a sweet, musty scent that can attract unwanted critters.
Bright porch lighting also attracts flying insects, which can then bring in spiders, while fake webs can trap small insects.
“Halloween is all about fear and excitement, but a rat infestation isn’t the kind of scare anyone wants,” says a spokesperson for Quote My Wall. “A few simple precautions can help you enjoy the holiday without worrying about unwanted guests getting in.”
Tips for avoiding the problem
Bring pumpkins inside at night or place them away from doors and windows.
Replace porch lights with warm or yellow LEDs and avoid fake spider webs.
Keep candy covered and clean up any spills immediately to avoid odors that attract critters.
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in the U.S., rats can transmit disease, and prevention is key. Dr. Jim Fredericks, NPMA Vice President, warns:
“Mice can get into your home through holes smaller than a dime, and rats through larger openings. They don’t care about the condition of your home—if there’s food and shelter, they’ll try to get in.”
Experts recommend:
Seal all possible entrances and holes.
Remove clutter and regularly check for droppings, chewed wires, or nesting material.
“The most effective prevention is before the first signs of a problem appear,” adds Dr. Fredericks.
Rat population up this year
UK residents have been warned of an increase in rat activity due to a season rich in nuts and tree nuts. Experts say this could trigger a new wave of rat activity, which is taking advantage of the extra food supply.
Hunters also report catching rats exceeding 50cm in length in some areas, describing the situation as a “terrible infestation”.
How smart are rats?
Rats are highly social, social animals that can bond with humans.
They can feel empathy and respond to the pain of others.
Studies have shown that when rats are shaken, they produce sounds similar to human laughter.
They are extremely clean and groom themselves regularly.
Research from New York University has shown that when they are frightened during the day, they relive the fear memories during sleep to learn and retain the information.
Rats maintain “mental maps” of the environment they explore and can remember the routes they take as if in a dream.
Other studies have shown that rats help each other in exchange for favors, showing a type of social intelligence very similar to humans.