I’ve seen rashes in social media posts recommending the application of adhesive tape bands around tree trunks to prevent Spotted lantern free And other garden pests access the tree canopy and munch on the leaves. But they also catch those bands Caterpillar, butterfly, bees, birdsit would be difficult to release without tearing your limbs and breaking the wings.
Similarly, glue traps are cruel devices, holding everything from cave crickets in the basement to horrifying mice and rats, from starvation to death.
Recently, after noticing the sound of sounds from my attic, I discovered that the squirrel’s family had settled down after a pre-prepared vent was accessed by a pregnant mother. At that point, it was easy to secure vents, but they would have trapped the creatures indoors.
After monitoring the run above me for a few days, I guess after their early morning dance party, the squirrels would leave the house every day and return after sunset. So, one morning when the disco closed, I sealed the vent openings and locked them. The problem has been resolved.
It took more patience than setting traps or poison or calling someone to “care,” but it was worth the wait (and it didn’t take a coin).
Coexist with wildlife
So-called “nuisance” animals, such as squirrels, bats and raccoons, live their lives like us, and need food, water and shelter like us. It’s not their fault that we cut down their forested homes, paved pastures, and built neighborhoods in their habitats. they have I won’t go anywhere elseSo what we can do is treat them humanely, Share space (outdoor) With them as much as possible.
But when they enter an indoor living space, that means kicking them out as I am. But prevention could have been better. Looking for openings around attics, basements, windows, doors and soffit, remember that the mouse can squeeze holes as small as the diameter of the pencil.
Please also check the gaps under the eaves. There is no chimney cap and broken vents. Make sure there are no animals indoors before sealing. If you have unwanted residents, wait for them to leave or seduce them so that they don’t die at your walls.
If you are worried about chewing insects, there is a better way to control them than using them Pesticidescan expose people, animals, groundwater to harmful chemicals and kill a variety of other insects that serve as an important food source for birds. The product also requires repeated applications to maintain its control.
Instead, they remove mosquitoes from their backyard by preventing breeding in the first place.
Do not allow water to gather anywhere on your property. You fall into the habit of emptying plant pot saucers and covering up trash cans, including lids, tires, children’s playsets, and other post-rainfall (or irrigation sessions).
Add BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). Mosquito dunk and mosquito bits, For standing water sources such as bathtubs for birds where insects lay their eggs, or ponds. Biological controls prevent mosquitoes, gnuts and black fly larvae from developing, but are considered harmless to humans, pets, wildlife, beneficial insects, fish and plants.
To discourage wildlife, make your property as physically active as possible by avoiding feeding your pets outdoors, covering tightly secured trash cans, sealing entrances, closing garage doors, and installing fencing.
If you have a baby, don’t leave your mother. Just like the squirrels in my attic, I wait a few weeks until they are old enough to leave on their own. Or, ask a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for help.
Avoid moving animals. Many will not survive. Often, others will come back from a greater distance than you imagine. It may also be illegal in your state.
Reaching for a spray may seem like an easy and effective route to a pest-free summer, but unless you are facing a legitimate invasion, it should not be considered. And then, in that case, start with the safest and most toxic methods and escalate only if necessary.
Indoor problems
For example, kitchen ants can be effectively controlled at bait stations.
Some cockroaches can be controlled with bait, but if you can’t, my blessing is to hire a certified pesticide applicator (common sense must win, as cockroaches grow quickly). Don’t forget your role by keeping things cluttered, keeping things clean and sealing off entry gaps to prevent recurrence.
Similarly, there is no chance that there is only one mouse in your home. To eliminate rodents inside, choose a powerful snap trap that kills animals instantly without causing them to suffer.
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Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the Associated Press and publishes her award-winning weekly dirt newsletter. You can sign up here For weekly gardening tips and advice.
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