AS households across Scotland gear up for Halloween, many will be decorating with cobwebs, creepy garlands, and carved pumpkins.
But experts at Auction House London have warned that some spooky decor could leave homeowners with a nasty shock – and a hefty repair bill.
Some Halloween decor could leave homeowners with a nasty shock and a hefty bill[/caption]
They reveal that damage to walls, windows, and floors from hanging decorations could even set you back thousands.
1. Flammable fake cobwebs
Tis’ the season when pumpkin spice candles are lit and fake cobwebs are hung around every nook and cranny.
But these highly flammable fake cobwebs can be a recipe for disaster in your home.
Halloween cobwebs are typically made from synthetic materials like polyester, which contain petroleum-based chemicals that are highly flammable.
When exposed to open flames such as candles, they can set alight, or when placed near decorative lights and electrical fixtures they can increase the risk of electrical fires.
Fire damage to homes can cost thousands of pounds to repair depending on the severity.
2. Blood stains on furnishing
Fake blood is at the core of most Halloween outfits, it’s also used by many as part of their home’s spooky decor.
However, this artificial liquid can be a nightmare to remove if it’s dropped on your carpet or furnishings.
Removing fake blood stains may require renting a professional cleaning machine, which could cost around £30.
To avoid the hassle and expense, try applying the fake blood over an apron, towel, or old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.
3. Pumpkin pests
Nothing’s scarier than dealing with an insect infestation, and that’s exactly what you risk when you leave your pumpkins out for too long.
As they begin to rot, pumpkins become a prime target for fruit flies and other pests.
Like any fruit, pumpkins naturally release moisture and sugars as they decay, which attracts fruit flies and other insects searching for food and a breeding ground.
To avoid this, dispose of your pumpkins before they reach this stage. The average cost to exterminate a fly infestation starts at around £80.
4. Damaging decorations
Spooky ghouls, hanging bats, and pumpkin-shaped fairy lights create the perfect Halloween atmosphere when displayed on your walls, but the real horror comes when it’s time to take them down.
If you use nails or sellotape to hang decorations, you risk leaving behind sticky residue, unsightly holes, and even chipped paint.
Fixing this damage can be expensive, especially if a decorator is needed, potentially costing hundreds of pounds depending on the extent of the repairs.
To avoid this, opt for wall-friendly adhesive strips to protect your walls and keep things hassle-free.
5. Spooky window stickers
Glass stickers may add a spooky touch to your windows during Halloween, but the sticky residue and possible scratches they can leave behind could be expensive to fix.
Professional window cleaning starts from around £40, depending on the damage.
To avoid this hassle, try using suction hooks or double-sided tape with card decorations for a cleaner, mess-free alternative.
6. Door damage
Whether you’re opting for an autumnal look or something spooky, wreaths are a seasonal staple – but the damage they can cause is far from welcome.
Repainting a door with scratches can be tricky to get just right when you’re not a professional, and could end up costing hundreds of pounds to fix.
Instead, try attaching felt to the back of your wreath or use a foam ring to prevent scratches as the wreath moves.
