Across Park City, Heber, and the Wasatch foothills, deer are the number one threat to a fall porch, and they love pumpkins. The good news: a few simple, kid- and pet-safe habits keep them away, and every Mountain Pumpkins design is protected through Halloween if they get to it anyway.
You are protected through Halloween
Every design includes our Critter Care guarantee at no extra charge. If wildlife damages your display between install and Halloween (October 31), we will replace the damaged pumpkins, up to half your display, in one visit, subject to availability. The tips below help you avoid needing it. Full terms are in our Refund and Cancellation Policy.
Deterring deer (your first line of defense)
Deer are creatures of habit and spook easily. The goal is to make your porch feel unpredictable and unappealing before they ever take a bite. These methods are safe around children and pets:
- Motion-activated sprinkler or light. A sudden burst of water or a light flicking on startles deer and breaks their routine. This is the single most effective deterrent in rural and foothill yards, and it is completely harmless.
- Strongly scented soap. Shavings of a pungent bar soap (Irish Spring is the classic) in a mesh bag or scattered near the display mask the pumpkin scent deer follow. Refresh after heavy rain.
- Scent repellent sprays. Commercial deer repellents based on putrescent egg, garlic, hot pepper (capsaicin), or predator scent work well. Reapply every few days and after rain. Spray the surrounding area and the back of the display, not the faces you want guests to see.
- Place it where people are. Deer avoid busy, well-lit entries. A display tucked beside a lit, high-traffic doorway gets bothered far less than one out by a dark driveway or garden bed.
- Rotate your tactics. Deer get used to any single deterrent. Alternating between two or three of these every week or so keeps them guessing.
Please avoid anything toxic, such as mothballs or chemical poisons, anywhere children, pets, or other wildlife could reach it.
Squirrels, rodents, and birds
In yards without deer pressure, small critters are the usual culprits. These gentle methods worked well for our customers last season and are safe around children and pets:
- Vinegar-water spray. Mix roughly one part white vinegar to three parts water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the pumpkins every few days, and after rain. Animals dislike the smell and it is harmless to kids and pets.
- A dab of peppermint. A few drops of peppermint essential oil on cotton balls tucked near (not on) the display can help deter rodents.
- Keep it tidy. Sweep up any nibbled bits. Leftover pieces invite repeat visits.
Helping your pumpkins last
Pumpkins and gourds are a living, natural product. They soften and age over the season; cooler weather slows this down, warm or wet spells speed it up. A little surface change is completely normal and part of the seasonal look.
- Keep them out of standing water and off soggy surfaces when you can. Good airflow underneath helps.
- Shade during the hottest part of the day slows softening. A porch with afternoon shade is ideal.
- If a pumpkin starts to go, remove it so it does not affect the ones next to it. We are happy to advise.
- Avoid carving display pumpkins. Uncarved fruit lasts far longer.
If a pumpkin fails unusually early (within 72 hours of install), let us know and we will replace it. See our Refund and Cancellation Policy for the full freshness and Critter Care terms.