How to Prevent Squirrels from Eating Your Pumpkins
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Try this easy tip to stop squirrels from eating your Halloween pumpkins.
I was so excited to decorate my porch for Halloween this year so I went out and got some pumpkins and a mum weeks ago.
It was so much fun setting up my fall front porch and, once I was done, I took some pictures to remember our first Halloween in our new house.
All seemed well for a few weeks, then one morning things changed.
I noticed it as soon as I took Finn out for a walk. My big orange pumpkin had a hole eaten right in the top.
I looked around for the culprit and saw a guilty-looking squirrel sitting on my fence staring at me. Perturbed, I moved the pumpkin next to the front door hoping that it would deter him.
The next day I went out to walk Finn. I checked on my big pumpkin first thing and saw that the squirrel hadn’t touched it. Success!
Upon further inspection though, I noticed that one of the little pumpkins was gone.
Stolen…by a pumpkin thief!
I looked around and sure enough the squirrel was sitting at the base of a tree with my baby pumpkin in pieces all around him. Needless to say that I yelled at him and chased him up the tree. I’m sure that my neighbors probably think I am nuts.
Later that same afternoon, I went back out to check on the porch. The pumpkin thief had struck again and took another baby boo.
I’d had enough so I decided to look on the internet to see if there was anything that I could do to prevent them from eating my pumpkins (while not harming the squirrels).
After I spent over an hour reading different solutions, from using hairspray on the pumpkin, to using vinegar, and even using human hair around the pumpkin, I decided I would try some good old fashion Vaseline.
I rubbed it over the whole pumpkin and, wouldn’t you know, the squirrels have left them alone.
It’s only been a week, but none remaining pumpkins have not been nibbled on. I’m hoping that the Vaseline will do the trick.
I’ll let you know if the thief returns. 😉
Have you had squirrels eat your pumpkins? What do you do to stop them?
So glad to find your post! Came home today to find a chunk of pumpkin missing… I have bought several for decorations… never even thought the little buggers would be interested.
All slathered up now! Thank you!
I’m so glad that you found us, Laura. I hope that this works as well for you as it did for me. 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend!
every year I mean to try this, and every year the squirrels win first! next year, I will do this!
I don’t want the squirrels to win either! LOL I’m really surprised it has even worked, but whatever it takes right? Thanks so much for stopping by.
K.
I would have been pretty upset if some animal ruined my pumpkins! That’s a great tip–I’ll be pinning this! I’ll have to try it out on my pumpkins. I’m glad I stopped by from Work It Wednesday–have a wonderful day!
Hi Carrie. The vaseline has been working great…still no squirrels. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Happy Halloween!
K.
That squirrel was a big time menace! Glad you found a solution. Have a Happy Halloween!
Pam
Hi Pam. So far so good with the vaseline, no squirrel pumpkin eating at my house. Thanks so much for visiting!
Happy Halloween to you too.
K.
Oh my, that is a really bad squirrel. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Thanks Marty. The vaseline seems to be working…no more bad squirrel!
K.
I have experienced exactly the same thing — Chicago squirrels are bold.The good news is that your pumpkins will look really luscious with the vaseline on them. Fun post!
Yes, Jennie, they do look luscious. The squirrels are very bold here. I can walk Finn in our front yard and they don’t even run, they just watch us. Never seen anything like it.
Thanks so much for visiting.
K.