Poop on city property could pose risk
DEAR JOAN »
I have a huge, city- designated eucalyptus in the parking area in front of my house that has become home to creatures who “paint” the area, shrubs and sidewalk beneath with goo as white as snow, and with fist-sized “landmines” — poop of different shades and colors.
It is unsightly to say the least and a possible health problem to those who have the misfortune of tracking through it.
I have tried contacting the proverbial everyone, really to no avail. Short of any one of three unpleasant solutions, do you have any suggestions?
Either the animals or the tree have to go.
— John Mai, San Jose DEAR JOHN »
I’m not sure what three unpleasant solutions you have in mind, but I can think of a fourth — you, in trouble with the law for doing something out of desperation.
From the description of the goo, it sounds like turkey vultures are primarily responsible for the mess. If you have gulls in the area, they could be adding to the mire.
I know it’s unsightly, but turkey vulture poo, because of the powerful digestive acids in the vulture’s gut, actually sanitizes anything it lands on and is not a health threat. An accumulation of other bird droppings, however, can be a health risk. You should try to identify the birds in residence.
You then can file a complaint with the city alleging it has created a public nuisance, a possible health risk and a danger (someone could slip in the mess and fall). You might also have an arborist inspect the tree to see how healthy it is. If it has problems, you can include that risk, too.
Other than that, there’s not much you can do as the tree is not on your property.
DEAR JOAN »
Last night we went to use our gas grill for the first time in months and there, underneath the cover, was a large layer of wood chips taken from my backyard.
Obviously some animal had used the grill as a nesting area. Any idea of what it could have been and how to prevent this in the future? The grill is covered with a tarp, which was held in place by a bungee cord.
— Arlene, Pleasanton DEAR ARLENE »
It most likely was a rat, although we can’t completely eliminate the possibility of an opossum.
Most grill covers I’ve seen are intended to protect from the weather, not from animals, and they certainly wouldn’t stop a rat from getting inside. You could try keeping a repellent (a bowl of hot chili powder or a nylon bag of mothballs) inside the grill between uses or make regular inspections of the grill to make sure it’s rodent free.
DEAR JOAN »
I have a gardening question. Is it safe to water edible greens — lettuce, Swiss chard — with nonpotable well water?
In the summer the vegetable garden is on a drip system. This time of year, we just hand water as needed, using a watering can or hose.
DEAR ANN » — Ann C., Bay Area
Well water generally is considered fine for gardening, including vegetables, but it depends on the quality of the water
If you live in an area where there is pollution nearby, you should be cautious. If you’re concerned, have the water tested, and wash the greens well with potable water before eating.