Ways to Save Life and live harmoniously with wildlife and other creatures.
A collection of information from the Dhamma Sukha Yahoo List members!
1) A kids toy called a “bug collector” that sucks bugs into a clear tube. You can the take the
gun outside and expel them unharmed.
2) Pick up worms from puddles so they don’t drown.
3) Remove creatures from paths and roads.
4) Buy “feeder” creatures. Set them free.
5) Put a bell on your cat.
6) Pop bottle rings for slugs – cut a collar with zig-zags from the bottle and put round at risk
plants.
7) To discourage ants from invading:
a) Cayenne pepper
b) Citronella oil for underside surfaces. Apply with cloth for difficult to get to places
c) Talcum powder – ants don’t like crossing it.
d) White vinegar. They don't like it and it’s easy to spray in the kitchen.
8) Mosquitoes Citronella (other insects too) repellent. Burn in hanging lamps or candles in
BBQ area.
9) Spiders
a) For large spiders that get inside, with a dustpan and brush, corner them (if they run)
or take them on as they rear up to threaten you. Gently push the spider downward
with the brush, place the dustpan next to the spider, then gently work it onto the
dustpan, using minimal force. Then take the spider outside and let it go.
b) For spiders that are near the ceiling, bring
them down with a broom first, then use the dustpan and brush as previously
described. Be careful not to drag spiders too much with the brush or broom because
that can critically injure them.
c) Spread lemon slices along window sills, doorjambs and any other place a spider can
get inside. Spiders taste organs are on the bottom of their feet and lemons really send
them running... "
10) Cockroaches - Cucumber slices
11) Rats and mice,
Have-a-hart rat traps for mice and rats. Available at Home Depot. Catches them and
then you relocate them. 12) Cats: –
a) Black pepper keeps cats away.
b) “Get Off” from pet stores often works.
c) Cayenne pepper.
d) Anything that is very strong citrus scented.
13) When mindfully walking, reserve a little bit of attention to what's in your path. I am
able to walk effectively, AND miss stepping on large numbers of ants, small beetles,
etc.
When you throw away rubbish that contains plastic rings (seals, parts of lids, etc)
cut the ring so it doesn't end up around the necks of foraging birds. More than once I
have seen a wild bird destined to die because they have a plastic ring around their
necks
14) Rodents, small mammals, snakes etc. – A black snake in your home.
15) Seal all small holes giving access to your home, especially in the Spring, with
Polycell, or similar.
16) Put chicken wire over chimneys.
17) Capture houseflies at night when they are crawling on the ceiling by approaching
them from below with a mason jar. They swoop down on take off and fall into the
jar. Release outside.
18) Put up a bat house--gives bats an alternative to your belfry.
19) Seal up cracks especially in kitchen and bathroom to discourage silver fish.
20) If you live in the country and have some forested land or fields, post it against
hunting.
21) During deer season put out deer corn to attract deer from unposted land.
22) Team up with local farmers who use sustainable practices and 'sponsor' animals.
23) Rehouse bee swarms in unsuitable areas.
How to do it.
It's best to start as soon as the swarm settles in. This way they have not had time to deposit wax
or honey in the walls. They are also more apt to move again. The bees will have found a way
into the walls through cracks in the clapboard or mortar. You have to seal off as many cracks as
you can, leaving one exit and one hole which you will plug with cork. You can remove the bees
to a hive or you can just remove them and have them move on.
To remove them to a new hive you need to have a bee box ready with honey combs. The
commercial honeycombs tend to be large as commercial bees are bred to be big. Feral bees can
be half the size. Some organic or sustainable beekeepers would have smaller combs.
A collection of information from the Dhamma Sukha Yahoo List members!
1) A kids toy called a “bug collector” that sucks bugs into a clear tube. You can the take the
gun outside and expel them unharmed.
2) Pick up worms from puddles so they don’t drown.
3) Remove creatures from paths and roads.
4) Buy “feeder” creatures. Set them free.
5) Put a bell on your cat.
6) Pop bottle rings for slugs – cut a collar with zig-zags from the bottle and put round at risk
plants.
7) To discourage ants from invading:
a) Cayenne pepper
b) Citronella oil for underside surfaces. Apply with cloth for difficult to get to places
c) Talcum powder – ants don’t like crossing it.
d) White vinegar. They don't like it and it’s easy to spray in the kitchen.
8) Mosquitoes Citronella (other insects too) repellent. Burn in hanging lamps or candles in
BBQ area.
9) Spiders
a) For large spiders that get inside, with a dustpan and brush, corner them (if they run)
or take them on as they rear up to threaten you. Gently push the spider downward
with the brush, place the dustpan next to the spider, then gently work it onto the
dustpan, using minimal force. Then take the spider outside and let it go.
b) For spiders that are near the ceiling, bring
them down with a broom first, then use the dustpan and brush as previously
described. Be careful not to drag spiders too much with the brush or broom because
that can critically injure them.
c) Spread lemon slices along window sills, doorjambs and any other place a spider can
get inside. Spiders taste organs are on the bottom of their feet and lemons really send
them running... "
10) Cockroaches - Cucumber slices
11) Rats and mice,
Have-a-hart rat traps for mice and rats. Available at Home Depot. Catches them and
then you relocate them. 12) Cats: –
a) Black pepper keeps cats away.
b) “Get Off” from pet stores often works.
c) Cayenne pepper.
d) Anything that is very strong citrus scented.
13) When mindfully walking, reserve a little bit of attention to what's in your path. I am
able to walk effectively, AND miss stepping on large numbers of ants, small beetles,
etc.
When you throw away rubbish that contains plastic rings (seals, parts of lids, etc)
cut the ring so it doesn't end up around the necks of foraging birds. More than once I
have seen a wild bird destined to die because they have a plastic ring around their
necks
14) Rodents, small mammals, snakes etc. – A black snake in your home.
15) Seal all small holes giving access to your home, especially in the Spring, with
Polycell, or similar.
16) Put chicken wire over chimneys.
17) Capture houseflies at night when they are crawling on the ceiling by approaching
them from below with a mason jar. They swoop down on take off and fall into the
jar. Release outside.
18) Put up a bat house--gives bats an alternative to your belfry.
19) Seal up cracks especially in kitchen and bathroom to discourage silver fish.
20) If you live in the country and have some forested land or fields, post it against
hunting.
21) During deer season put out deer corn to attract deer from unposted land.
22) Team up with local farmers who use sustainable practices and 'sponsor' animals.
23) Rehouse bee swarms in unsuitable areas.
How to do it.
It's best to start as soon as the swarm settles in. This way they have not had time to deposit wax
or honey in the walls. They are also more apt to move again. The bees will have found a way
into the walls through cracks in the clapboard or mortar. You have to seal off as many cracks as
you can, leaving one exit and one hole which you will plug with cork. You can remove the bees
to a hive or you can just remove them and have them move on.
To remove them to a new hive you need to have a bee box ready with honey combs. The
commercial honeycombs tend to be large as commercial bees are bred to be big. Feral bees can
be half the size. Some organic or sustainable beekeepers would have smaller combs.
