Preventing Insect Infestations During Halloween Season

As Halloween approaches, preventing insect infestations in pumpkins and food products becomes crucial. According to AOL.com, selecting the right pumpkin is essential; look for firm pumpkins without blemishes and avoid those with cracks.

Delay carving until just a few days before Halloween to keep them fresh. After carving, applying lemon juice can help slow decay, while options like petroleum jelly can deter insects. Using natural repellents such as vinegar or essential oils around the pumpkin also provides a barrier against bugs.

Keeping pumpkins elevated makes them less accessible to pests. With food products, especially flour, infestations often stem from improper storage or pre-existing conditions. Food safety expert Bryan Quoc Le advises using airtight containers for flour to prevent weevil infestations, which can occur during storage or processing.

Freezing flour for a week can kill weevil eggs, reducing the chances of an infestation just before holiday baking. By following these precautions, you can enjoy a bug-free festive season.