Hello Wild Side Readers,

Did your dog or cat get a little too curious about that black and white critter visiting the backyard? Now you have a pet that reeks to high heaven and you are looking for the best way to de-stink-ify your beloved furry friend. If a cat, dog, or even a house has been unfortunate enough to receive a dose of skunk spray, here is a good recipe to use:

• 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of liquid soap

Mix this solution together and use immediately. Do not mix it in advance and place it in a closed container, as the released oxygen may cause the container to explode. Scrub the pet with the solution, wait roughly 5 minutes, and then rinse.  Avoid contact with your pet’s eyes and other sensitive areas. Feel free to scrub, rinse, and repeat if needed. This solution can also be used to remove skunk spray from hard surfaces. Good luck and here’s hoping your dog learned its lesson this time….

For more information on skunk odor removal, check out this fact sheet from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Marne Titchenell

Wildlife Program Specialist

Hello Wild Side Readers,

It is distressing when a bird collides with your window. In the United States, approximately 500 million to 1 billion birds die annually from collisions with buildings, automobiles, powerlines, communication towers, and wind turbines. Windows reflect trees and vegetation, such that birds confuse them for a continuation of the habitat. Breaking up that reflection, or removing it, can reduce window collisions.

The below information on reducing window collisions is from the NEW guide Managing Small Forest Patches for Birds .  The resource is intended to help landowners manage their woods in ways that provide resources to birds throughout the year. While this guide is written for landowners with small forest patches on their property, the information is also great for homeowners interested in attracting birds to their backyards.

Simple modifications can make residences much safer for migratory birds. The following methods are suggested for homes with large glass windows, especially those adjacent to forest patches and other vegetation:

• Eliminate exterior decorative lighting, especially upward-facing spotlights.
• Draw blinds at night and turn off lights in rooms that are not in use.
• Move house plants away from windows so birds don’t mistake them for available habitat.
• Position bird feeders and birdbaths either within 3 ft (1 m) of the window or further than 15 ft (5 m).
• Use products such as ABC BirdTape or Feather Friendly DIY tape to make windows safer for birds.
• Use Tempera paint (available at most art supply and craft stores) to create patterns on windows with brush or sponge, or use a stencil.
• Tempera is long-lasting, even in rain, and non-toxic, but comes off with a damp rag or sponge.
• Add screens to window exteriors. Not only will screens break up the reflection, but if birds do collide with the screen it will cushion the blow and significantly reduce the chance of injury.
• If fitted screens cannot be used, lightweight netting may be stretched over windows. The netting must be several inches in front of the window, so birds don’t hit the glass after hitting the net. Several companies, (www.birdscreen.com, www.birdsavers.com) sell screens or other barriers that can be attached with suction cups or eye hooks (also see www.birdbgone.com, www.nixalite.com, or www.birdmaster.com).

Hello Wild Side Readers!

I’ve been getting A LOT of questions lately on critters around homes causing problems. I recently gave a few webinars on this topic. Below you will find my presentation slides from Hardin County’s ‘An Evening Affair’ webinar on Monday, June 22, 2020. I’ve also recorded the same presentation here, for the Master Gardener Horticulture Lunch and Learn Series, in case you’d like to watch it.

In addition to my presentation slides, you will find additional resources that I referenced during my presentation.

• Wildlife Conflict in the Garden – presentation slides

Fact Sheets:

• Coping with Canada Geese: Conflict Management and Damage Prevention Strategies
• Deer Resistant Plants List – by Garden Sites and Conditions
• Deer Resistant Landscape Plants  – Rutgers (invasive plants are highlighted – I don’t recommend planting these as they can be aggressive or escape to natural areas)
• An Overview and Cost Analysis of Deer Repellents for Homeowners and Landowners
• Community Deer Advisor – Decision Support for Communities Managing Deer
• Urban Coyotes
• Community-Level Strategies for Urban Coyote Management
• USDA APHIS, Wildlife Damage Fact Sheet Series Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
• Ohio Woodland Stewards – Publications on Wildlife, Forestry, Invasive Species, and Ponds
• Deterring Nuisance Wildlife from Bird Feeders, University of Nebraska Extension

Websites, articles, and more:

• Grub control article  on Buckeye Yard and Garden Line
• List of Ohio Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operators – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Leave it Wildlife – information on orphaned wildlife – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• List of Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Reducing Bird Collisions with Windows
• Sparrow Spooker – tool to use on top of bluebird boxes to keep sparrows away. For more information on attracting birds to backyards, see this article.
• The Story of Chunk the Groundhog and coexisting with wildlife

Enjoy and good luck finding your level of coexistence with our backyard furry and feathered friends.

Marne Titchenell

Wildlife Program Specialist

“You don’t mind if I eat this, right?”