‘Tis the time of year when you can drive around the neighborhoods and see all the amazing jack-o’-lanterns everyone has made. Some of them are too detailed, some are too simplified and hilarious.

It is an ephemeral art form and it 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 strange things like WD-40.

There is a popular concoction circulating on the Internet that has been used for a long time, but its use is actually not recommended because the mixtures can sicken or even kill some creatures in your neighborhood.

You may like the fact that your carved pumpkin will last a week longer, but you won’t like the dead squirrels in your yard.

Protect your North Carolinian wildlife, do not use bleach

Over the years, you’ve probably seen the occasional message not to add bleach to your pumpkins because it is harmful and can be fatal if ingested.

Unlike humans, animals don’t smell the toxic chemical compound you spray on what they consider food. As winter approaches and the nights get colder, the animals in your neighborhood start looking for something to nibble on.

Wildlife experts weigh in

Agencies across the country have shared social media posts stating that animals such as squirrels, deer, raccoons, beetles, birds and many other creatures eat pumpkins.

With this appeal, animal rescue and animal protection groups want to convince people not to treat their pumpkins with bleach this year.

Safer way to store your jack-o-lantern for longer

Wildlife officials, and probably a scientist who understands these things better than us, say that the best alternative to bleach when it comes to preserving your pumpkin is vinegar.

Try using a mixture of one part vinegar and 10 parts water in a spray bottle and spray your carved pumpkin inside and out. It is not harmful to wildlife at all.