It's the time of year when you can drive through neighborhoods and see all of the great jack-o-lanterns everyone's been making. Some overly detailed - some overly simplified and hilarious.

It's an ephemeral art form, and it's usually just a short time before the pumpkins are flat and half-liquid, which is why people do what they can to preserve them. Some use Vasoline, some use weird stuff like WD-40.

WD40. Anti-rust cleaner on a white background
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There's a popular concoction circling the internet that's been used for a long while, but it's actually not recommended to use because the mixtures can sicken or even kill some of the critters in your neighborhood.

You might love your carved pumpkin lasting 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 occaisonal message about not putting bleach on your pumpkins because it's harmful and can be deadly if ingested.

Getty Images/iStockphoto
Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Unlike humans, animals won't smell that poisonous chemical compound you're spraying on what they see as food. As winter gets closer and the nights colder, the critters in your neighborhood are going to be out looking to find something to snack on.

Wildlife Experts Weigh In

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

This is the plea that animal rescues and protective groups make to convince people not to put bleach on their pumpkins this year.

Safer Way To Keep Your Jack-O'Lantern Longer

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

credit: Youtube @ StiltbeastStudios
credit: Youtube @ StiltbeastStudios
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Try using a mixture of one part vinegar to 10 parts water in a spray bottle, and spray your carved pumpkin inside and out. It's not harmful to wildlife whatsoever.

SWEET: 16 Totally Awesome '80s Candies We Were Obsessed With

Get ready to dive into a list of the most awesome '80s candies—those iconic treats that starred in movies, were sometimes more plastic than candy, and captured our hearts with their unforgettable flavors and wacky packaging.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

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