Australians are being warned about an array of huge risks in the latest Halloween decoration trends.
As Australian households lean more into the American Halloween trend of decorating homes for the spooky season, local councils, environmentalists and concerned experts have sent out stark warnings about the risks involved, warning they
could have severe effects on the environment as well as people’s safety.
Many local councils and wildlife conservation groups have come forward across Australia warning not to use fake spider webs in order to protect local wildlife.
According to BirdLife Australia, Halloween decorations can be a horror story for birds and other native wildlife, as they can get tangled in the material.
Scientists estimate about 30 per cent of Australian bird nests incorporate human-made materials
With the spooky season coinciding with breeding season for many Australian birds, BirdLife Australia warned it is important to be wary of what decorations may be available to them.
Willoughby Council and the Inner West Council in Sydney have come forward to tell locals to avoid the fake spider webs, warning local wildlife can also ingest them thinking they look like food and become sick.
Birds, possums and flying foxes are at high risk, particularly through entanglement.
Instead, experts are encouraging Halloween decorators to avoid plastic and use decorations made of straw, twigs, sticks and organic materials.
However the most common organic decoration is the carved pumpkin, which could also cause severe issues.
Experts warn this could welcome unwanted animals, particularly rats which Sydney residents in particular are having an increasing issue with.
One pest controller told News Corp Australia in May that Sydney’s rat population has been “exploding” as local councils shift away from weekly bin collections.
Rats and other species of rodents love munching on pumpkins, especially if they are carved and cut open allowing them to get to the fruit inside.
Rat removalist Nathaly Haeran — who owns Pesty Girls pest management — said she was called to 15 to 20 houses a week in Sydney over rat infestation issues.
“I’ve never seen it this bad in my 23 years on the job,” she told News Corp Australia, revealing some rats were growing to the size of cats.
“They’re getting bigger, smarter and more suspicious.”
A decomposing pumpkin leftover after all the fun has finished is the perfect lure for house invaders
Warnings have also been issued to families around Western Australia after safety experts found alarming issues with button battery powered items that don’t meet the minimum safety and information standards.
This includes light-up decorations and lanterns.
During a sweep of Halloween-themed products from six online shopping platforms, Consumer Protection bought 49 button battery-powered items and found only three met the minimum safety and information standards.
Commissioner Trish Blake said the warning comes after three children died around the country after eating button batteries, according to reports in The West Australian.
“So we’re saying to parents and caregivers, think about what you’re buying for Halloween, and at any time, about anything that has a button battery in it,” Ms Blake said.
“Anything that flashes or lights up, that moves, or has some wireless electronic function is highly likely to have a button battery in it.”
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