This fall ritual could leave you and your home in danger: expert

You don’t know Jack — o’-Lantern.

Carved pumpkins might be a treasured fall tradition, but one expert is warning that the spooky season staple can turn your home into a total pest magnet.

“Porch pumpkins are non-negotiable for Halloween,” said Cassandra Leisz, Creative Director at innovative interiors brand, Ruggable.

But as soon as they’re ready for display, she noted, they “begin to disintegrate and rot” — calling the inevitable outcome “a key contributor” for attracting bugs, creepy crawlies and even larger animals to, and potentially into, your home.

In fact, the USDA warns that furry friends including fox, mice, raccoons, squirrels and deer are almost guaranteed to take an interest in the seasonal snack left out by scores of Americans — more often than not helping themselves to the free buffet.

To avoid uninvited meal guests knocking on your front door, paint your pumpkins rather than carving them, Leisz suggested, noting that this way, you’ve still got a creative display — without leaving your property vulnerable to intruders.

But color choice matters, she cautioned.

“Halloween is renowned for its bright oranges and blood reds,” she said. “However, these bright colors can actually attract bugs due to the vibrancy.”

“Choose less vibrant colors, such as khakis and burgundy shades, for larger, external features. These colors still lean into the Halloween aesthetic while helping deter bugs,” she said.

Her personal favorites are “assortments of cream, pale orange and warm green.”

And at any time of year — pumpkins or no pumpkins — how you light your porch can go a long way towards deterring animal incursions, Leisz said.

“Swap out bright white outdoor lighting for a softer, yellow tone,” she suggested — noting that bugs in particular prefer the former.

“Cooler, white lights are renowned for attracting flies and moths, with the starkness of the lighting acting like a magnet for the bugs,” she said.

“Therefore, softer and less harsh solar lights, such as those with yellow undertones, will help to reduce the chance of bugs flitting around.”

And a happy side-effect of the switch? Improved aesthetics.

“Not only will this help to reduce the number of critters on your porch,” said Leisz, “but it will also create an inviting, yet spooky, ambience to capture the essence of All Hallows’ Eve.”