Homeowner advice for cleaning up Halloween pranks

Halloween traditions often include pranks, sometimes occurring on nights known as Mischief Night, Devil’s Night, or Cabbage Night. These activities can range from harmless hijinks to destructive messes that homeowners must clean up.

For common pranks like TP-ing, experts suggest using a rake, a long pole, or a leaf blower to remove toilet paper from trees and gutters. It is recommended to act quickly before moisture from rain or dew turns the paper into a difficult mess. If the paper is already wet, homeowners should remove it in clumps and use a hose to clean remaining bits. The Davey Tree Expert Company advises against attempting to burn toilet paper to remove it.