This beloved fall ritual can actually put you and your home at risk: expert

You don’t know Jack-o’-Lantern.

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

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

But once they’re ready to emerge, she noted, they “start to break down and rot” — calling the inevitable result “a major contributor” to attracting insects, creepy crawlies and even larger animals to , and potentially in your home. .

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

To avoid uninvited dinner guests knocking on your front door, paint your pumpkins instead of carving them, suggested Leisz, noting that this way, you still have a creative display—without leave your property vulnerable to intruders.

But the choice of colors does matter, she warned.

“Halloween is known for its bright oranges and blood reds,” she said. “However, these bright colors can actually attract bugs because of their vibrancy.”

“Choose less vibrant colors, such as khaki and burgundy shades, for bigger, more outdoorsy features. These colors still rely on the Halloween aesthetic while helping to deter bugs,” she said.

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

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

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

“Cooler, whiter lights are known to attract flies and moths, with dimmed lighting acting as a magnet for insects,” she said.

“Therefore, softer, less harsh sunlight, such as those with yellow hues, will help reduce the chance of the bugs spreading.”

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

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