DEAR JOAN: We use a product that comprises “dried blood” to discourage moles, deer and squirrels. Would that additionally deter lizards?
I’ve learn that espresso grounds deter lizards, however why purchase two merchandise when one may do? We’re not espresso drinkers.
— Okay.M., Cupertino
DEAR Okay.M.: So far as I do know, the scent of blood doesn’t discourage lizards from their residency in your yard. It’d even have the alternative impact, though I doubt it might rile up the Western fence and alligator lizards which might be widespread in our space. Bigger lizards appear to be drawn to the odor of blood, however I’m guessing your lizard points don’t contain komodo dragons.
I’m unsure the product could be that efficient towards moles, deer and squirrels, however regardless, something that comprises blood merchandise ought to be used sparingly, because the scent of blood may appeal to giant predators.
Getting again to the lizards, there are specific scents that may repel lizards. These embody onion and garlic, vinegar, scorching peppers and occasional grounds. You may make a sprig with the vinegar, mixing equal components vinegar and water, or by mixing scorching chili powder with water and a drop of dish cleaning soap. Onions, garlic and occasional grounds will be scattered round.
The bottom line is to seek out the place the lizards hang around, and apply your deterrent there.
You can also make your yard much less enticing to lizards by eradicating hiding locations akin to wooden piles and shrubbery, and eliminating meals and water sources.
I’m puzzled, nevertheless, by why you’d need to frighten lizards away. They’re useful companions within the backyard, consuming giant portions of bugs, slugs and snails. Each the fence and alligator lizards are primarily carnivores and don’t usually eat or hurt vegetation. For me, they are often simply as entertaining to look at as squirrels.
DEAR JOAN: We had gutter guards put in in February this 12 months. They did a pleasant, neat job.
A couple of days later we heard a drilling noise from the gutter outdoors our visitor room.
The noise would begin up, then cease for a couple of hours. We tried to determine how a woodpecker may have been trapped contained in the gutter as there aren’t any openings. The gutter folks got here again to open it up and noticed nothing.
We’re in our 80s and never good on ladders. The fowl has been drilling on and off since February. I heard him yesterday. How may it have survived that lengthy with out meals or water?
Do you might have any concepts ?
— Jean T., Lafayette
DEAR JEAN: Oh heavens sure, keep off the ladder.
You may have a thriller there, however I’m fairly positive we are able to rule out a woodpecker trapped contained in the gutter. It wouldn’t have lasted various days, definitely not 5 months.
Nevertheless, the noise may very well be brought on by a woodpecker drilling on the gutters or close to to one in every of them. You may also have a crow or scrub-jay perching in your gutters and utilizing the duvet as a platform for pounding on a nut it discovered.
To know for sure, you may have to park your self in a shady spot close to the place you retain listening to the noise and see who visits.
The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at [email protected].
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