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Want rid of roost

3 min read

Dear Heloise: I own a house with a boathouse where PIGEONS roost. I tried the “owl theory,” but it didn’t work. You might suggest this: Hang some plastic glitter stars or other decorations. Let them hang down a few inches, where the wind and sun catch them, and the birds will not fly near them. It worked for me! — Ronald G., Friendswood, Texas

Hi, Ronald. I know what you mean about some of those pigeons. They do seem to really get around! This hint works well, whether it’s to keep birds from roosting or from flying into windows, like our big picture ones. Hang some decorations or ribbon (I even taped a few pieces of ribbon on the glass door), and it’s usually just enough movement to ward off the birds. — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Melba and Bud Carter in Montalba, Texas, sent in a picture of their gray toy poodle, Tufer, sitting in the middle of a field of bluebonnets. Melba and Bud say that Tufer loves to travel with them in their motor home and play with the rabbits that live on their property. To see Tufer’s picture, go to my website, www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets.” — Heloise

SNAKES IN THE GARDEN

Dear Heloise: My mother-in-law found a few garden snakes in her small garden. She moved into a townhome, but she must have her garden to stay busy and happy. What should she do? — Hannah in Texas

Most folks don’t care for snakes, especially if you are tending a garden or a flower bed. I live in the “semicountry” in San Antonio, and we do have some of the slithering critters around. Several have found their way into our home through the years. I was NOT happy!

Many times, snakes find warmth in and around houses during the winter. Sometimes they are out sunning themselves, but oh how I wish they would do that in someone else’s yard!

First, seal all cracks between the house and patio, foundation and basement windows, if you have them. Snakes like to hang out in tall grass, overgrown shrubs, piles of wood, etc., so DON’T stack wood against the house or outbuilding, and keep it off the ground, if possible. Don’t give them a place to make a home. Don’t leave pet food out, which brings mice, which in turn brings snakes looking for a meal.

Live and let live, I say, but don’t come into my house uninvited! — Heloise

E CAPSULE FOR HANDS

Dear Heloise: As I walk every morning, I take a vitamin E capsule along. I stick a pin into it and rub the oil into my hands, nails and cuticles. By the time I get home, the oil is absorbed, and my hands are soft. — Valerie, via email

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