Crow's birdbath antics irk SJ owner
DEAR JOAN >> A solitary crow arrived in my small backyard two days ago. I watched with much curiosity as this was my first.
Two months ago, I purchased a birdbath. The diameter of the bowl is probably 16 inches. All of the darling finches, sparrows, chickadees and small birds are using it, but this evening at dusk, the crow arrived at the bath with something in its beak. When it left, I went out and, to my sorrow, it was an egg and the carcass of a just hatched baby bird.
I know they are egg stealers, and this is nature in action, but do I have to forsake the bath to keep the crow from returning?
— Gratia Rankin, San Jose
DEAR GRATIA >> When we invite and welcome wildlife into our yards, we must accept that the view isn't always pleasant. The crow has to eat, too, but we'd often rather not see what it is eating.
You don't have to give up your birdbath, but if you keep it, you might see more crows. The birds have a tendency to dunk their food in water, sometimes to soften it up, but at this time of year, they also might be soaking food to bring water back to their own nestlings.
The best way I know of putting out an unwelcome mat for crows is to hang a fake dead crow in an area where the crows will be certain to see it. You need to do this under cover of darkness, so that the crows don't see you do it.
I know it sounds crazy, but it apparently works. The crows see what they think is a dead brother and avoid your yard like the plague.
DEAR JOAN >> I bought some dining room chairs at a yard sale. They each have a padded seat.
The family holding the sale had several large dogs (we don't have any pets). I am only a little concerned that I might have brought home some fleas in the chairs.
How long should I leave these chairs in the garage before I can vacuum them and figure that they are flea-free? Should I put them out in the sun for a while? My preference is not to use chemicals, but I even more strongly prefer not to introduce fleas or other sorts of such pests into my house.
Do you have any suggestions?
— Ole Ohlson, Pittsburg
DEAR OLE >> The first step would be to determine if the chairs have any fleas lingering in the cushions or fabric. Fleas don't like living on things they can't feed off, so they likely will be jumping ship at some point. At night, set a small bowl or plate of warm water with a few drops of liquid dish soap near the chairs. Check it in the morning to see if there are any fleas in the trap.
You also can purchase an insect trap that has a light and sticky paper to capture all manner of insects, including fleas.
Do this a few nights in a row. If you find fleas, then you can deal with them. If not, take the chairs inside and enjoy them.
If you find fleas, vacuum the chairs and reset the trap. Repeat until your trap is clear. You also can sprinkle the chairs with baking soda or salt. Leave them for a couple of days, then vacuum well. In all cases, empty the vacuum bag each time.