Fall season represents one of the more exciting times of the year. The seasonal change of climate begins ushering in cooler, more pleasant temperatures. The weather change also introduces bright colored leaves as Jack Frost brings us the beauty of foliage. Harvest season also means corn stalks, straw bales, and pumpkins. This allows many decorating opportunities as homeowners begin adorning their home with fall colors.
The varieties of ideas are endless with people using corn stalks, corncobs, pumpkins, and gourds to prepare for Halloween and fall decorations. Golden yellow corn on the cob, bright orange pumpkins along with green, white, and yellow gourds suddenly grace our homes and tables with a plethora of colorful arrangements.
Front porches are beautifully adorned with bales of straw and bundles of corn stalks surrounded with bright orange pumpkins of all sizes. Fall has arrived and Halloween is on the way as kids begin celebrating the season by carving faces in the sides of those pumpkins. There is also a degree of satisfaction in knowing you have created your own arrangements and decorated your home inside and out with minimal expense.
However, it is prudent to know that anytime we bring nature inside, we also bring the risk of attracting unwanted pests and other potential problems, some of which could compromise the health of family members and pets. One of those health risks can come from pumpkins – especially those carved pumpkins. Fungus will quickly begin to grow in that freshly cut pumpkin. You will then see black specks appear as mold and suddenly discolor that beautiful orange decoration.
Minimize the risk of mold or fungus on your pumpkins with careful selection at time of purchase. Look for the brightest orange pumpkins with strong stems that are still somewhat green in color. This is a good indication that the pumpkin is relatively fresh and came from a healthy vine. Also look for any soft spots or discolored areas. This is a probable fungus area and that pumpkin should be avoided. Be sure to inspect the bottom of the pumpkin and any other areas that have had a long-term exposure to the moist dirt.
Inspect your decorations on a regular basis for worms or larvae. Turn the gourds over to see if there is a soft or damp spot. This is a probable location for tiny larvae to begin eating into what was once a beautiful decoration. Also check those ears of corn and corn stalks for cutworms or other pests that may have been transported inside with your decorations. Enjoy the fall season and have fun with your decorations but inspect regularly and discard before those pumpkins begin turning soft and rotting. And, remember, the experts here at Active Pest Control are trained in the latest technology and product uses and can tackle any of your pest control issues, contact us today if you have unwanted fall visitors.
Fall Decorating Tips in Georgia
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