On Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:14:56 +0100, robert
wrote:

In message , Mark Nicholls
writes

In conclusion, at the moment I'm pretty pleased with the Foxwatch, but will
report back if I change that view. I might even invest in a Ca****ch, if the
neighbourhood moggies become too intrusive! Now, if only there was a
Pigeonwatch!...

Interesting, thanks for the feedback. It is useful to know of
successful non-lethal deterrents. What appears to be the effective
range/area?

Good chance for me to post the veggie alternative to slaughtering so
called pests.

http://www.vegansociety.com/html/ani...st_control.php
Humane animal traps
Most good hardware shops will stock live mouse and rat traps, or will
be able to order them from their suppliers.

If you have no local stockist, humane traps are also available online.
For example, Ernest Charles www.ernest-charles.com sells a range
of humane traps and deterrents.

Some branches of B&Q sell the 'Trip Trap' humane mousetrap (one way
trap so you can catch two). Members of the society have caught several
mice with this (reusable). Bait with chocolate or peanut butter.


CHECK TRAPS REGULARLY - at least every 6 hours, preferably more often,
as mice may die in them if not promptly released.


Ultrasound
There are various devices that use ultrasonic sound to deter mice,
rats, ants, spiders, moles; one model covers all. Harmless to birds,
cats, dogs and people, although might not be suitable for homes with
gerbils, hamsters or other rodents. Can be suitable for home, farm,
office & warehouse use. Available from mail order companies e.g.
Starport www.izola.co.uk tel: 0800 542 5307 or DIY Pest Control
Suppliers (also sell non-humane methods) www.diypcs.co.uk tel: 0845
100 0800.


Humane Deterrents
Ants




Paprika is supposed to be the easiest and best deterrent - sprinkle a
line across the ants' entryway, but be careful where it is sprinkled
because it can stain when it gets wet.
Ants also dislike the herbs pennyroyal, lavender, garlic and a liquid
preparation of ferns. Try liberal applications of these (the more
concentrated the better) on a regular basis.

Aphids & White Fly



Indoor plants - outside, dew and breezes discourage nesting. Try to
recreate these conditions by regular spritzing of plants with water
or, for infestations, 1 litre water, 1/2 tsp dish detergent and 1/4
cup vinegar. You could also try a fan for a few hours a day.

Cats & Dogs



Indoor plants - spraying plant with strong scents such as perfume or
air freshener may help
Liberator Cat Collar Stops cats killing! As the cat pounces a light
flashes & an alarm goes off to warn prey. Available from good pet
supply shops.
Coleus Canina - a plant that is scentless to humans but is effective
at discouraging cats by imitating the smell of a tom cat's urine! Also
effective with rabbits and other domestic animals. Available from
Thompson & Morgan www.thompson-morgan.com 01787 884141 or The Plant
Directory http://the-plant-directory.com 01302 782585

Fleas
We know of no treatments that do not kill the fleas. Try combing out
the existing fleas and repel future insects using one of the following
means:


Tea-tree, eucalyptus, mint, rosemary and lavender oil are all good bug
repellents - try making up a mix and spraying a few drops onto your
carpet.
Xenex - a chemical-free flea treatment available from the vet.
Supplement with vitamins and minerals. Chlorella, klamath lake algae,
spirulina and garlic are all thought to help make dogs and cats less
attractive to fleas.
Denes make a liquid garlic that can be mixed with water and used to
groom through the coat to repel fleas.

Flies



Try burning citronella oil or basil oil near open windows to prevent
flies from entering.

Mice

Prevent all access to food, then - once you are sure that they have
left - ensure that all entry points are blocked
They dislike garlic, elderberry liquid or Crown Imperial
(Fritillaria).
See also humane traps and ultrasound

Moles

A mole repeller is available from Green Gardener, Brook Hill, Brundall
Road, Blofield. NR13 4LB. Tel : 01603 715096 Fax : 01603 716986
www.greengardener.co.uk

Rats



Dislike Cat Nip (Nepeta cataria) the plant cats go crazy over.
Prevent all access to food, then - once you are sure that they have
left - ensure that all entry points are blocked
See also humane traps and ultrasound

Slugs & Snails
Notoriously difficult to deter, but plants can be protected from
decimation using:


The Flowerfortress - a round potholder that is an "effective slug and
snail barrier" for outdoor pot plants. Available mail order from
Ladybird garden Essentials, Ladybird House, 27 Harwood Vale, Bolton
BL2 3QU. £9. 99 plus £2.95 p&p. Or in person for £9. 99 from David
Graham, Tel: 0161 860 4869.
Slug it Out - protective recycled plastic ring that sits around
seedlings or plants, its sloping sides and over-lapping lip keep slugs
at bay. Available from The Natural Collection,
www.naturalcollection.com tel: 01225 404010

Spiders

A spray made with chestnut and clove scents deters spiders.
If you don't like catching them, The Natural Collection has a 'Spider
& Bug Buster' - a battery-operated suction device that allows you to
gently vacuum up spiders, wasps, and other crawling and hovering
insects, and release them outside without harming them. Available from
www.naturalcollection.com tel: 01225 404010

Wasps
No known deterrent.


Some people have harnessed the help of a local beekeeper to move the
nest to a safer site. However, you can remove the nest yourself around
April when it is no bigger than a tennis ball. Place a clear polythene
bag over the nest (with the queen inside) and gently remove it. You
can then super glue it in a safe dry place (e.g. old shed, dry old
hollow tree, etc). Generally speaking they are useful garden insects
and come the Autumn they are likely to abandon the nest.
For the eviction of individual wasps, see the 'Spider & Bug Buster'
above.
A list of vegan insect repellents for human use can be found in the
Animal Free Shopper. Most repellents are based on aromatherapy oils
e.g. citronella.