Critters & Weather

The Luxe Protection Protocol

Proven Results for the 2026 Season

Our Weekly Critter Spray Service Is Included in Every Package.

This concierge service ensures your estate remains flawless from October 1 through at least November 1. At Luxe Pumpkins, we do not just style your porch; we defend it. Our 2025 season was a masterclass in preservation, with 98% of our pumpkins remaining untouched by local wildlife. While the squirrels of Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Elmhurst, and the rest of the western suburbs are notoriously determined, our proprietary "Luxe Defense" strategy has proven to be their match.

The Weekly Concierge Difference

We believe that a $1,500+ investment deserves more than a "drop and go" delivery. Our Weekly Critter and Freshness Check is a standard inclusion for our premier clients.

• Weekly Inspection: We visit your estate weekly to ensure every heirloom pumpkin is positioned for maximum longevity.
• Professional Re-Application: Our team applies a professional-grade, eco-friendly deterrent spray during every visit.
• Wildlife Strategy: If we do notice "nibbles" on a specific pumpkin, we strategically move it to a "sacrifice zone" in the bushes. We allow them their prize elsewhere to keep your main display pristine.

Your Personal Defense Kit

To ensure your display remains the envy of the neighborhood between our concierge visits, every Luxe client receives:

• The Luxe Signature Spray Bottle: A complimentary, full-sized bottle of our proprietary, pet-safe critter deterrent.
• Active Preservation: If you happen to notice a stray nibble between visits, please give that specific area a light spray before we arrive for your next scheduled check-up.
• Complimentary Refills: We are happy to refill your bottle if needed during our weekly visit.

About Hairspray: The "Aqua Net" Method

The strongest at-home method is hairspray. Our owner, Trayce, calls it "the Aqua Net pumpkin." It creates a sticky chemical protective coating that many homeowners use to discourage nibbling.

Important Note: If you spray your pumpkins with hairspray or any chemical sealant, Luxe Pumpkins cannot collect them at the end of the season. These pumpkins are no longer safe for the farm animals we donate to at the end of season. If you plan to dispose of the pumpkins yourself, feel free to spray away!

Responsible Disposal

If you choose to treat your pumpkins with chemicals, we can no longer pick them up for disposal. We recommend bringing them to a community Pumpkin Smash event for responsible composting.

2025 Success Report: By the Numbers

98% Success Rate

Out of the thousands of pumpkins we installed last season, only a handful were nibbled. If it happened at all, they usually targeted a single, less-special orange pumpkin. We consider that a sacrifice. They want that specific piece, so we move it to make it easy for them, distracting them from the true sculptural beauties in the display.

Zero "Mush" Policy; Freezing Weather

Mushy pumpkins are created by one thing: weather. When pumpkins freeze then unfreeze, the thaw damages their structural integrity. It is the thaw more than critters. If we are expecting a true Chicago freeze, some clients prefer to move their most special heirlooms inside until it passes. I am always happy to send my "muscle" to assist with this. If a freeze is coming, we will be in touch.

Thanksgiving Longevity

Most of our 2025 clients enjoyed vibrant displays through Thanksgiving due to our active weather-monitoring protocol.

Experience the Peace of Mind of a Managed Display.

Our founder discussed the battle with critters during her recent appearance on WGN TV. You can view that segment here.