Two creatures have been my undoing this week. All my years in rescue mean NADA (nothing). No good deed goes unpunished or so they say. Any way, last year I wrote about the lovely dose of bird mites I may or may not have gotten in my house. Actual cause of itching was never found and went away. Maybe it was chiggers but I was taking no chances this year.
In the fall I hired a team of young men to clean out all old nests and to block off any entrance to my house. I forgot that a Phoebe only needs a two inch projection to build a nest on. I saw the beginnings of the mud castle on the side of my house that the mated pair were building. I immediately went on the attack. With a hoe, broom and mop, I would remove the traces of a nest several times a day. I even nailed a 2x4 into the space leaving them no room. They just moved to the next set of rafters.
This went on for a week and just as stubborn as I was to remove the beginnings of the nest, they were more stubborn in rebuilding on top of the ruins. They were not going elsewhere even though I have three outbuildings that are perfect. Finally being afraid she might start popping eggs out with no place to put them, I let them win. I'm such a wuss. Little bird brains whipped me.
Very quickly they finished the dandy mud and moss castle and there is nothing I can do this nesting season. At least this year the nest is on the other side of the house , away from my bedroom. Toes are crossed. Next year, I will be ready. All spaces between joists will be blocked and I will build Phoebe houses on the out buildings for the little beasts.
Then today, it was so pretty that I decided to wash my little vehicle. Did not notice at the car wash but when I got home and after closing the gate, I noticed a horrible series of scratches on my hood. I mean a lot. There had been a wild animal jamboree on my hood. I wash it every week so this was new. I should have taken pictures but I was too dismayed. My tiny truck is a 2003 but I have always kept her garaged and properly waxed. I was quite proud of her finish and often amazed people when they learned how old she was. She passes the 20 foot test better than I do though we both improve from 20 feet away.
My neighbor has an outdoor cat. I have never seen her on the hood though I always have had to bang on the hood to make sure she is not in the engine area before starting up. Peaches taught me that.
I think my neighbor's cat is the animal of interest in this case. Now this is where I need your help. Right now, I have a table cloth over the hood. Have you ever had to deal with a cat leaving scratches on your car and how did you humanely deal with it? I was able to buff most of the scratches out but really, really want to prevent future episodes. Any ideas?
Checked the hood this morning and I see where the cat likes the table cloth and spent the night quite comfortably. I really don't like having to cover my vehicle every time I leave it so if you know of any tried and true humane repellents, would appreciate it.
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ReplyDeleteThank you all so very much for stopping by with good advice or at least commiseration.
ReplyDeleteWhat I settled on with the cat was buying a cheap rug the exact size of my hood. I placed it nap side down and sticky side up and held in place with clamps. That seems to have done the trick.
Only problem is that I forget it is there and often am outside the car port before I remember I have a rug on my truck. So far I haven't gone down the road like that.
Thank you again for all your comments and caring.
Sad note about the Phoebe. After I left them alone to build the nest, the completed nest was stolen from them by some lazy House Finches. Don't know where they ended up. Not a good year for the poor babies.
I will try to catch up with you all now. Thanks again for your patience.
April 16, 2010 6:46 AM