It’s that time of year when you can drive through neighborhoods and see all the amazing jack-o-lanterns everyone has made. Some overly detailed, some overly simplified and hilarious.

It is a short-lived art form and usually only takes a short time for the pumpkins to become flat and semi-liquid. That’s why people do what they can to preserve them. Some use Vasoline, others use weird stuff like WD-40.

There is a popular concoction circulating on the internet that has been used for a while, but it is actually not recommended to use as the mixtures can sicken or even kill some critters in your area.

You may love your carved pumpkin that lasts an extra week, but you won’t like the dead squirrels in your yard.

Save your North Carolinian wildlife, don’t use bleach

Over the years, you’ve probably seen the message that you shouldn’t put bleach on your pumpkins because it is harmful and can be fatal if ingested.

Unlike humans, animals cannot smell the toxic chemical compound you spray on what they see as food. As winter approaches and the nights get colder, the critters in your area will look for something to snack on.

Nature experts weigh in

Agencies across the country have shared posts on social media that animals like squirrels, deer, raccoons, insects, birds and so many other creatures will be snacking on pumpkins.

This is the plea that animal rights and conservation groups are making to convince people not to put bleach on their pumpkins this year.

Safer way to keep your Jack-O’Lantern longer

Conservation groups, and probably some sort of scientist who understands these things better than we do, say vinegar is the best alternative to bleach when it comes to preserving your pumpkin.

Try using a mixture of one part vinegar and ten parts water in a spray bottle and spray your carved pumpkin inside and out. It is in no way harmful to nature.