A Pet's View / June 2006
Collaborating With Critters
As summer enters full swing, warm temperatures sometimes bring close encounters with furry or feathered neighbors. Homeowners in the U.S. spend nearly $5 billion a year on pesticides in a vain attempt to create “pest-free” homes. Not only are the substances toxic to children and companion animals, they only provide a short-term solution. According to PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, there are safer ways and means for peacefully coexisting with “urban” wildlife to make life easier for residents and visitors.
Keeping trash cans securely covered and in the garage until trash day, or pouring ammonia or pepper in them will discourage foraging.
Keep ants out by washing kitchen surfaces with equal parts vinegar and water and pouring a line of cream of tartar, red chili powder, paprika, or dried peppermint where ants enter the house.
Keep raccoons and other animals out of attics by trimming tree limbs and plants away from roofs and foundation walls.
To avoid contact with wasps, never wear yellow or white while working in the yard, since these colors attract insects. Many insects cannot see red, which makes it a good choice for yard work.
Raccoons who take up residence in the attic may be persuaded to pack up and move to quieter surroundings if annoyed by music from a portable radio for a day or two.
Save frogs and other animals from drowning in swimming pools with a Frog Saver Lily Pad (available at PETAMall.com) or by dangling a knotted rope over the pool’s edge.
Cockroaches are incredible survivors-and they’re very opportunistic. Seal food in airtight containers and take away hiding places for roaches, then place bay leaves, cucumbers, garlic or catnip around the home to repel them.
Ward off mosquito bites by eating brewer’s yeast daily, and make an effective skin repellent by diluting oil of citronella or oil of pennyroyal mint with vodka or vegetable oil.
Deter rodents from places that can’t be mouse-or rat-proofed (like vehicle engines) with a mixture of salad oil, garlic, horseradish, and cayenne pepper. Let it sit for four days, then strain it into a spray bottle and spray on the desired area. Moth balls and peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls usually also work well.
Finally, observe wildlife from a safe, quiet distance. Never touch, approach, feed, or pick up wild animals.
For more tips on living with wildlife all year round, visit HelpingWildlife.com
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