We all love it that the sun is shining, the hotter weather is allowing us to dress skimpy, and that we can now head outside and really get close and personal with nature. While out on a Ponoka patio last weekend enjoying the sun’s rays and the birds chirping, we were all of a sudden invaded by a work party of ants, the odd big bumble bee, and our annual spring nemesis, the dreaded and hungry mosquito. While we have always admired the classic Wild Rose as Alberta’s official emblem, I do believe that the really wild dandelion has completely taken over the worst flower award, unless you like cooking up a batch of wine?
Yes, it is that time of the year when all sorts of bugs and tiny creatures will appear on the scene to invade our space, and in the case of mice or spiders often give many of us a case of beegeebers. Most of us try to love and understand and appreciate most of nature’s offspring, but it is those that you can’t see or swat that are the unwelcome pests, day or night. I guess there is a reason for such species as skunks, porcupines, gophers, snakes, magpies, and whatever to be on this earth, and if we don’t like it, we had better respect their territory, and then just keep right on enjoying the best of the season.
It will now be urgent that we take along lots of bug spray on all our outings, but I have failed miserably to find the super magic elixir that will clean squashed bugs off our windshields and radiators? I ran across a great story last week about one of summers most pesky and sneaky pests, who love to nibble on their newfound treasures, and then leave a mess behind. Those diminutive and constantly chattering squirrels that love to scamper about everywhere in search of tasty tidbits have long been the source of fascination and frustration for those gardeners and bird enthusiasts who during warm months are constantly engaged in a battle to keep them away from the nuts and seeds that they faithfully put out to feed and attract the birds.
Some folks have even tried greased poles, loud music, and motion activated sprinklers, but nothing really seems to stop the ongoing efforts of the very determined squirrel clan. They have now even come up with a ‘squirrel-proof’ birdfeeder on top of a pole, which is draped in plastic and makes it very hard for the culprit to climb up to get to the treats. Then there is a so-called back-yard nature specialist who suggests that we feed the roving pests other treats like corn, popcorn, or unsalted nuts so that they will lose interest in the bird-feeders and garbage cans, but there will be lots of action and maybe a little bit more harmony among our fur and feathered visitors.
On the hilarious and entertaining side of this conundrum of nature, here are some of the best and most practical strategies to keep the wily squirrel and other roaming creatures and scavengers at bay.
• Dig a moat around your feeder, and then fill it with piranha;
• Trap the squirrels and send them to Antarctica;
• Encourage your neighbours and even your local government to use drones to monitor and deal with the squirrels;
• Buy a squirrel costume, then parade around your yard acting silly and making strange noises. The squirrel and most everyone else can’t figure out what in the world is going on and will likely go away;
• Buy some lasers and set up a hologram show in your yard. The holograms could be of cats and hunters;
• Sit in your lawn chair in the yard and cry. Maybe the squirrel will feel sorry for you and go away? Whatever the case, have fun with family and friends in your yard kingdom this summer, enjoy the wonders of nature, and try to get along with all the two or four or multi-legged creatures who may pay you a visit now and then.
Tried and true old home remedies
• Avoid cutting yourself when cutting veggies by getting someone else to hold them while you chop;
• A loaded mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button;
• You only need two tools in life....WD 40 and Duct tape. If it doesn’t move use a squirt of WD-40, and if it shouldn’t move, but does, use the duct tape. Always remember that if you can’t fix it with a hammer you likely have an electrical problem.
Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting. Have a great week, all of you..
HAMMERTIME