10 Ways to Prank-Proof Your Home on Halloween

Halloween has the potential to bring out the world’s best fun or worst mischief. To ensure that your holiday is full of treats instead of tricks, consider these tips to protect your home from Halloween pranksters.

Share

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Be a Good Neighbor

istockphoto.com

Be a friendly neighbor this Halloween—and every day of the year. Vandals are less likely to target the house of someone they know and like.

Related: 9 Ways Your Neighbors Can Screw Up Your Home Sale

Keep Your Porch Lights On

istockphoto.com

This Halloween, keep your porch and exterior lights on all night. Vandals are less likely to act if neighbors and passersby can easily spot them.

Related: 8 Budget Buys for Your Best-Ever Fall Porch

Install Motion-Sensor Lights

istockphoto.com

Consider installing exterior lighting equipped with motion sensors, which turn on the lights as people walk around your property. This will lead the way for honest trick-or-treaters while discouraging would-be pranksters.

Related: DIY Deals: Outdoor Lighting

Park Your Car in the Garage

istockphoto.com

On Mischief Night, parked cars are an easy target for pranksters. Prevent your ride from getting egged or spray-painted by putting it in the garage. If you don’t have a garage, consider moving your car to a neighbor’s.

Related: 7 Steps to Making Your Garage More Livable

Tape Up Your Mail Slot

istockphoto.com

A mail slot is convenient for you—and also for punks wielding smoke bombs. Tape up this weak link in your home’s defense to avoid receiving any unwanted “mail” on Halloween night.

Related: 8 Clutter-Cutting Strategies for Managing Mail

Sit Outside During Trick-or-Treating

Make your presence known on Halloween night. Instead of waiting inside for trick-or-treaters, be proactive and greet them on the porch. Sit ready with a bowl of candy and a smile, so everybody knows their movements are being watched.

Related: 10 Fall Door DIYs for the Best House on the Block

Bring in Toys and Lawn Equipment

istockphoto.com

Bring your loose toys and lawn equipment inside before Halloween night. This precaution prevents theft and vandalism, and it also keeps the objects from becoming trip hazards during trick-or-treating. 

Related: Winterize Your Lawn and Garden in 7 Steps

Pretend You’re Not Home

istockphoto.com

Don’t want to participate in Halloween this year? Close your curtains and turn off your interior and exterior lights. If you pretend you’re not at home, trick-or-treaters will pass you by. Keep in mind, however, that a quiet home may attract vandals. 

Related: 10 Things a Burglar Doesn’t Want You to Know

Temporarily Remove Your Mailbox

istockphoto.com

If mailboxes in your neighborhood tend to get stuffed with rotten eggs or bashed with baseball bats on All Hallows’ Eve, consider taking yours inside for the night. By doing so, you’ll avoid having to clean or replace your mailbox on November 1.

Related: 10 Ways to Buy Better Curb Appeal for Under $50

Use Flameless Candles

istockphoto.com

A jack-o’-lantern can easily get kicked over, either accidentally or on purpose. Minimize the risk of fire by using flameless candles instead of the real-deal wax variety.

Related: 12 Brilliant Hacks for Your Best-Ever Halloween Pumpkin