Why You Shouldn’t Leave Pumpkins on the Porch Too Long
Pumpkins are a major part of fall traditions (and decor), but leaving them out on the porch too long can cause problems you may not expect. Knowing when it’s time to bring them in can save you hassle, keep your home looking nice, and even help your local environment. Here are six important things to keep in mind once you put those pumpkins out.
They Rot Faster Than You Think
Pumpkins may look sturdy, but once carved into jack-o-lanterns or even just left outside in the open air, they break down quickly. Exposure to rain, sun, and cool nights speeds up decay much more than you might anticipate. A softening pumpkin can collapse within a week or two, turning what was once a cheerful decoration into a soggy mess. We all know pumpkins rot, but knowing how long you have befor yours start to rot can help you decide when exactly you should put them out.
Rotting Pumpkins Attract Pests
Something else you're likely aware of, an aging pumpkin becomes an easy meal for bugs, rodents, and even raccoons. Once the skin softens, insects burrow inside, while the eventual smell of fermentation is what draws in larger animals. Not only is it unpleasant to deal with, but it can also invite stubborn pest critters closer to your home than you'd like. As soon as you see your pumpkin starting to turn, it's best to get it out of there.
Mold Can Spread Quickly
When pumpkins sit too long, they'll often start to mold. And that mold doesn't just stay inside the pumpkin, the spores can spread to nearby surfaces like wood, siding, or concrete. That can leave behind stains and smells that are tough to clean. Or, worse, your home can start growing mold itself, and for those with allergies or breathing issues, mold is more than an annoyance. It’s best to remove pumpkins before they reach this stage and spare yourself the extra cleanup.
They Can Become Slippery Hazards
A pumpkin that's started to rot isn’t just unattractive or smelly, it can also be dangerous. The insides turn into a slimy mix that leaks onto steps or walkways. If you or a visitor step on it without realizing it's there, that can turn into a serious slip, even more serious if your pumpkins are atop a set of stairs. Taking a pumpkin away before it reaches that point keeps your porch safer for you, your family, and any guests (including trick-or-treaters).
Old Pumpkins Harm Wildlife
It's tempting to toss a pumpkin into the woods or leave it out for animals as a means of disposing it, but this can actually harm your local ecology. Pumpkins left to rot in the wrong places can disrupt natural diets, attract too many animals to one area, or even spread mold that affects plants and soil. Instead, consider composting them in a controlled way or checking if your community offers a pumpkin recycling program. There might even be farms in your area that take them to feed their animals!
Pumpkins are a joy to display, but they come with a short lifespan once they're out in the open. Leaving them too long risks pests, mold, safety hazards, and a messy porch. By clearing them away at the right time and finding responsible ways to dispose of them, you keep your home clean and help reduce improper waste. We all want to enjoy the season, so let's make sure we're doing it safely.