Content updated: October 9, 2025

Key takeaways

  • Seasonal decor items, such as pumpkins, gourds, and hay bales, can attract various pests, including fruit flies, rodents, and spiders.
  • To protect fall decorations from pests, clean them thoroughly before storage, use airtight plastic bins instead of cardboard, and ensure they are completely dry to avoid attracting fall pests.
  • After storing your decorations, regularly check for signs of pests or deterioration. Early detection can help prevent infestations and protect your home and decor.
  • Consider utilizing pest control services like Terminix. Our technicians can provide targeted treatments to help protect your home during the fall season and beyond.

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As the leaves begin to change, many of us transform our homes with beautiful fall decorations. However, while we embrace the season's charm with pumpkins, gourds, and colorful foliage, it’s essential to consider that these decorative items can also attract pests. From pesky insects to critters looking for a warm hiding spot, your cozy fall decor may be more than just a seasonal statement—it could be a beacon for fall pests. Learn how to protect your fall decor with pest control from Terminix.

pumpkin patches

Is your fall decor attracting pests?

Here's a look at some popular decor items and the types of fall pests they might draw in:

  • Pumpkins: While pumpkins are a staple of fall decor, they can attract a variety of pests, especially if left outside for an extended period. Fruit flies, beetles, and even rodents are often drawn to the sweet smell and soft flesh of pumpkins, particularly as they begin to decay.
  • Gourds: Similar to pumpkins, gourds can also attract pests like fruit flies and rodents. The moisture and sugar content in rotting gourds can attract these critters, leading to potential infestations around your home.
  • Squash: Decorative squash can be another attractive target for pests. Squash bugs and aphids may take a liking to real or fake squash, particularly when placed in gardens or close to other plants. If left out when they begin to decompose, they can also lure in rodents.
  • Corn: Decorative corn, particularly if it has any remnants of kernels or husks, can attract insects such as weevils and moths. These pests find the dried corn appealing as they search for food sources or breeding grounds.
  • Hay bales: Hay bales often serve as excellent nesting sites for small rodents like mice and insects. Mice, spiders, and even wasps can find refuge in the warm, dry spaces within hay bales, making them a potential hazard in outdoor decorations.
  • Corn stalks: Corn stalks can also attract a range of pests, including spiders and beetles. Their dry and fibrous nature can serve as a perfect hiding spot for these insects, especially if they are damp or in contact with the ground.
  • Mums: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are notorious for infesting mums and can quickly spread to nearby plants. They may also attract beneficial insects, which can turn into unwanted visitors if populations explode.

pumpkin in garden

Storage tips to preserve your fall decorations

Pests can wreak havoc on our homes. They can cause structural damage, chew through wiring, contaminate food, and pose health risks. Whether you want to keep pests away from pumpkins or stop them from chewing through your decor, here are some tips to prevent fall pests:

  • Before storing your fall decorations, ensure they are cleaned thoroughly. Dust, dirt, and food residues can attract pests.
  • Store decorations in airtight plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes. Airtight containers help keep out moisture and pests, while also protecting your items from dust and damage.
  • Before storing, check all decorations for signs of wear or damage. Repair or dispose of any items that show signs of mold or rot, as these can attract pests.
  • Ensure that your fall decorations are completely dry before storing them, and keep them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid areas prone to humidity, such as basements.
  • Consider placing natural pest repellents in your storage bins, such as cedar chips or lavender sachets, to deter pests.
  • Place bins on shelves or pallets rather than directly on the ground when storing them. This can help reduce exposure to moisture and make it harder for pests to access your items.
  • Do not store plant-based materials like straw or dried flowers, as these can attract pests.
  • Regularly check your stored decorations for any signs of pests or deterioration. Early detection can prevent a full-blown infestation.

Protect your fall decor with Terminix

By being aware of the types of decorations that attract these critters and implementing effective storage and maintenance strategies, you can enjoy the season without worry. Terminix offers professional pest control solutions to help you protect your home from fall pests. With expert knowledge and targeted treatments, Terminix can help prevent pests during the holidays, ensuring that your decorations remain a highlight of the season rather than a source of frustration.