Archive for the ‘Cat and Pest Control’ Category

What I Have Learnt So Far

Cat and Pest Control, Gardening, Worm Farm/Vermiculture | Posted by Dean
Dec 19 2007

I thought that I would compose an article on what I have learnt about gardening to date. Of course this focuses on my experiences in my little urban patch. Here is the list and my thoughts behind each principle learnt.

Expect Failures
No matter how good and diligent you are, some plants will fail. For example I have a thriving Zucchini seedling out the back, yet two out the front planted in the same base material and receiving similar sun are struggling like the billy-o. I expect that they will soon be fed to the worms for reprocessing.

Expect Success Beyond Expectation
At the same time of expecting failures you also need to expect success beyond your wildest expectation. I am for example trying to work out what I will be doing with the plethora of chillis that are either here, or en route. For me I will be distributing that amongst family members and preserving the remaining crop.

Premium Potting Mix is Worth the Extra Coin
Premium potting mix is indeed worth the coin. Plants that are in the premium potting mixes such as the RichGro Pro Mix that is enriched with Seasol, Osmocote, and Ezi Wet are thriving. Those in the cheaper standard potting mix, such as that available from Coles, although for the most part are alive are not exactly thriving. Definately fork out the extra few dollars and get a premium mix.

Worm Farming is a Must
If you have the room a definate requirement is a worm farm. The farm produces a magnificent liquid fertiliser and a supreme compost. Both of which provide established plants a great boost or a kickstart for new arrivals. Also, it helps keep the costs down, as you can appreciate liquid fertiliser and rich compost purchased from the garden centre is expensive, and when you are worm farming is a completely unnecessary cost. Also as a real advantage your rubbish bin will not be as full or smelly.

I Need More Worms
Currently in my Can’O'Worms I have 1000 worms. I though now believe I require a considerable amount more. As a rough idea I have read that you should have 1000 worms per household member. Given Christmas is days away, and we are again hosting the family dinner, we will no doubt have stacks of peels, fruit and vegetable waste. As a direct result I will be adding at least 500 more, am considering perhaps adding 1000. I am also considering a second Can’O'Worms and utilising the stacks of cardboard that I currently have.

Recycling Rocks
Recycling our own waste is both good for us and the planet. Gardening offers a wealth of opportunities for reuse. For example, worms will eat our food scraps, paper waste, and cardboard. Also whilst on cardboard it is great as a pot liner to prevent water simply seeping straight out, further in the pot it provides a barrier for insects and other bugs climbing in. Finally, on paper I am about to embark on making my own jiffy pots using wet newspaper and the many seedling pots as a mould. Essentially its a paper mache jiffy pot.

Planning
Gardening, in particular gardening for cultivation, requires planning. It is silly to pick plant varieties that require deep roots or a need to achieve a tree size for growing in the urban environment within pots and tubs. Also, need to ensure that the chosen varieties needs are going to be met.

Dedication
Dedication is a must for any gardening project. Although many plants will survive a few days of neglect, few will sustain that for very long. Especially when contained to pots and tubs. The urban gardener needs to keep the water, nutrients, and defences up.

Keeping Felines Away is a Pain
For me I have learnt that keeping near wild cats away from the garden is a real pain in the keister meister. Cats like those currently next door are once removed from being feral. I do not want them anywhere near my garden, especially the producing plants. However, keepng them away is a real pain and requires its own commitment. I am looking forward to obtaining my CATWatch in the new year. Hopefully that will reduce the burden.

For now that is the end of my current learnings. No doubt this will expand over the coming days, weeks and months to come. As I have said before, I am a novice, but learning fast.

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More Additions

Cat and Pest Control, Flowers and Decorative Plants, Gardening, Herb, Fruit and Vegetables | Posted by Dean
Dec 15 2007

Today I officially ended my attempt to grow mushrooms. The attempt was a complete failure that was due largely to the infrequent attention I paid them. The soil was damp and kept in a dark place, but was certainly going nowhere. I thus decided to add the rich peat moss mix to the worm farm as extra nutrition. On checking that I found that my attempts to draw the worms upwards from the original layer was already succeeding within 48 hours. I though have since manually sifted through the produced compost and separated the remaining worms from the super rich soil.

The reason I took the measure to separate the worms and compost was that we went to the big kids toy shop, Bunnings. All that we were going for was to:

  1. Annoy my sister. Well spend time with her during a break as we have hardly seen her all week due to her insane hours.
  2. Pick up several bags of our favourite RichGro potting mix.

Anyways, as always happens we walked out spending over $200. We purchased 4 bags of the potting mix, 2 large tubs, half a dozen vegetable seedlings, a china doll, seeds, ant deterrent, and cat deterrent. The large tubs are being converted to be used as planters. The tubs were $12 each, whilst the equivalent size planter is $48. Easy maths when the only difference is a few holes in the bottom, easily corrected with an electric drill and 5 minutes. One has already had such a conversion performed and is now the home of some of the seedlings cucumber, zucchini and dwarf pumpkin seedlings. The cucumbers and zucchinis are full of buds. I will get the varieties tomorrow when the light returns.

In that tub is 25L of the RichGro mix that has been further enriched with our first harvest of worm produced compost. This has to be the most nutritious potting mix we have ever planted in. In the half barrels that arrived from Deals Direct we have planted the remaining zucchini seedlings and some pak choy. Again this is within the RichGro/Worm compost mix. We are looking forward to our harvest soon.

In terms of harvests we have just enjoyed a rather nice salad with home grown lettuce, chives and parsley being the highlight. 10 minutes from harvest to consumption simply can not be beaten.

Anyways I am off to watch some wrestling before bed … see yas.

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The Cat Infestation

Cat and Pest Control, Gardening, General | Posted by Dean
Dec 14 2007

The last couple of days are quickly becoming the straws that break the camels backs. It all began yesterday morning at 6:30am when I was awoken by Socko in tears. As she drove off to work she saw one of the neighbours kittens laying prostrate on the road, it was clearly deceased. Socko has a very soft heart for animals and cries whenever she sees one suffering or deceased, for example the show Meerkat Manor has been banned from this house due to the distress it caused Socko when one of the meerkats got bitten by a snake. Anyway, Socko cried all the way to work and left me with the task of clearing the deceased kitten from the street, else it would still be there.

Anyways, I went back to sleep and then started work before I decided to carry out the undesirable task. At 10:30am I collected my shovel and several garbage bags and managed to get the carcass into the bags. From inspection of the body it was the kitten that had foolishly buried itself in the cardboard stack a few days ago. Also, I found that there were no visible signs of the animal death being the result of meeting a car tyre. It was also incredibly bloated and stiff. Anyways, the next task was to dispose of the body, which I have since done.

Late last night another local resident asked my Mum if we knew who owned the kittens as they had nearly run one over. We advised her who it was and the situation. She will be ringing the RSPCA to report concern over the situation. Finally, someone else with the gumption to try and take action.

This morning on my way to the letterbox I looked in the cardboard filled trailer (to be emptied tomorrow) and found 3 felines in it sunbaking. They ranged from a real little kitten to a cat perhaps 12 months old. When I bashed the trailer to move them along the elder cat was immediately on the move, however stopped and watched me to see if I would give up. The intermediate kitten was looking for an escape and the tiny kitten had no idea what to do. After moving to get the eldest feline to move on the intermediate kitten leapt out the side. The tiny one just looked at me. After chasing the eldest pest down the fence line and out of the yard I returned to the trailer where the kitten was three quarters out of the trailer. I watched it finally leave the yard and have come in.

Across yesterday I also had further discussions with the RSPCA about CATWatch and their take on it is:

I have discussed this issue with our scientific staff and they have advised that:
1. RSPCA cannot comment on the effectiveness of this device as we are not familiar with the product.
2. RSPCA can see no obvious animal welfare problems with this device
3. If you do obtain this device, please position it so as not to interfere with the cats’ normal territory
4. You should consider carefully the effect this may have on any pets you own
5. and finally, if you do obtain this device, could you please advise this office:
* as to the effectiveness of this product
* if you experience any difficulties with it
* if you observe any animal welfare issues connected with the use of this product,
so that we can update our information data base accordingly.

I have also heard back from the distributor fauNature Pty Ltd with the following results.

Question – Is the CatWATCH device will effective against deaf cats?
Answer – Ultrasonic means the unit emits an alarm that is above our hearing range, however cats can hear it and indeed the unit relies on this fact to work. Deaf cats will not hear the alarm and therefore will not be affected by it. Fortunately the number of deaf cats within the cat population that are deaf is tiny – a significant percentage of pure white cats are deaf, but other than that there is no consistent characteristic that can indicate deafness.

Question – What is the average expected battery life with a regular alkaline battery?
Answer – Battery life expectancy – only the long life alkaline batteries can be used and the average life is three (3) months, slightly less in high traffic areas and slightly longer in low traffic areas. Rechargeable batteries very quickly develop a memory and for some reason do not work, while cheap batteries are exhausted too quickly.

Question – Is there a limit to the number of devices per mains adapter?
Answer – Number of Units per adaptor – given the units operate on 12vlt (using electricity) and draw very little energy in principle you are probably talking minimal effect. The most we are aware of having been lined up in series is 3, but if you were thinking of more than that we are happy to look into it.

I have since discussed with Socko and we are still deciding on our course of action. I really do like to look of CatWATCH, but with out impending move we may not need a device soon. I may still buy one of these and use a spray on the fences and in the backyard as per the earlier RSPCA communications. I really want to keep the feline infestations out of the yard, but cost is a factor.

In the mean time I shall continue to move the “skanks” and kittens on by whatever means is necessary. 1 x Super Soaker soon to be loaded with Citronella Oil/Water mix.

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Cats, not a Musical

Cat and Pest Control, Gardening, General | Posted by Dean
Dec 12 2007

Well the scourge of the Cats continues. They are reaching plague proportions with another pregnant “skank” (next doors constantly pregnant females) sighted in the last 2 days. On Sunday (9th December) I e-mailed the RSPCA requesting advice on how to humanely to deter the feline pests from my yard. They are still yet to respond. They are probably too busy dealing with abandoned puppies and kittens as is common at this time of year. Piece of advice for all, never buy a puppy or a cat for a present on instinct, sit down and consider the cost implications and whether the pet will still be loved and wanted in 6-12 months. Anyways, back to the plague at hand!

Yesterday one of virii, oops kittens, decided to play in the trailer, which is loaded with cardboard and waiting for a tip run. Normally that would not have bothered me, but knowing the numbers around at the moment I thought it best to get it to move along back to where it belongs (ie. the neighbours yard) before they were all in there. When I tried scaring it off it got itself confused and decided to bury itself to a safe place deep within the cardboard. It could well still be there, although it would be awfully wet given the rain.

Later in the afternoon not one, but two of the “skanks” brazenly jumped off the fence and ran under the house in front of me. No doubt they were rendevousing with one of the lucky tom cats in the area, lucky cos theres always at least one “skank” ready to raise it’s tail. Luckily though the “skanks” were not heard copping a serve. That said I am fed up with constantly having to defend the yard against these god awful infestations. Needless to say I have now had enough.

Now, I hear you ask why can I not talk to the neighbour. Well she is quite old and set in her ways. Further, it is clear that English is not her first language, so comprehension is simply not there. In fact I have heard one of the many community workers try to explain to her that she had far too many animals and it ended with the old lady in tears and under the impression that the community worker wished all her cats eliminated.

That is not the case. What is required is for the numbers to be thinned out through:

  • The sale of the healthy kittens.
  • Those that are found to be suffering with severe health challenges such as being blind or deaf should be put down, given they are outdoor cats it is best that happens than them be run over because they could not sense the vehicle coming as has occurred in the past.
  • The “skanks” should be desexed to prevent a rampant plague again. Sorry to the Toms you will need to find a new harem.

However, it appears that the plethora of community workers simply do not have the power and/or intestinal fortitude to actually take the steps to ensure that the above occurs.

As a result I have been doing some research. I do not want to spend regular copious amounts of money and introduce a chemical solution to my garden. I would prefer to spend some money up front and solve the issue for good.

As such I am thinking of purchasing 1 or 2 CatWatch devices. A CatWatch device detects the presence of an animal and then blasts them with an ultra-sonic sound that has been specifically developed to annoy cats. The cat will soon learn to stay away or it will hear the adverse sound.

Units are either battery or mains powered. The mains power kit is optional. However, with the mains power the sound is boosted by 35% which is going to be required in my yard. In terms of cost the units are available for $135.00 each and a mains adapter is $22.50. I can also purchase a connector kit for $13.50 and utilise 1 mains adapter for 2 (or more) devices. I think I will go down that path and ensure the “garbage”, they have gone beyond a litter, of felines is kept away from my fruit and vegetables.

So all up im looking at $306 to keep the neighbours sprawling pack of cats out of part of my yard. I will still need to purchase some rocks to scatter around the White Bird to ensure that the scourge do not begin using its pot as a toilet. I also need to contact the distributor about the effects the unit will have on deaf cats, if it will have no effect I will performing more research until I can safely say the invasion of the hordes is cessated.

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A New Blog After Months of Nothingness

Cat and Pest Control, Flowers and Decorative Plants, Gardening, General, Herb, Fruit and Vegetables | Posted by Dean
Dec 09 2007

Time to write a new blog seeing as I have not updated since April Fools Day after seeing the 300 for the first time at the cinema. I have since bought the DVD and seen it again at IMax when it made a limited run return trip. The reason that I have been slack in posting new material has largely been due to work pressures and commitments that have seriously drained my free time. I have been largely ignoring this site whilst ensuring the directories tick over.

Also, recently I decided that I wanted to spend more time outdoors and relaxing. Building some distance between my laptop and me as it was becoming far too easy to slip in an out of work mode, for example at 10 o’clock at night I was jumping onto work and picking stuff up unnecessarily. This has resulted in one little stress monkey who is holding on for leave beginning at the close of the next business week. Hooray no more work until the new year! That said the need to build that distance took effect several weeks ago.

So in order to alleviate stress and because of a desire to increase our level of self-sufficiency I have taken up gardening. We have limited usable sun filled area due to a plethora of units and established and shady trees around the yard. Also, given we plan on moving early in the new year we have decided that our best strategy is to take on the challenge of cultivation in pots. This will make the plants easier to transport when the time comes.

After an early drama with one of our pots not draining that led to several plants drowning we have the following plants and shrubs thriving in the pots:

  • The Fruits and Vegetables
    • 2 x Grosse Lisse Tomatoes
    • 1 x Beefsteak Tomato
    • 1 x Cherry Tomato (attempt 2)
    • 2 x Yolo Wonder Capsicums
    • 2 x Chili Plants
    • 1 x Egg Plant – did not really want it but it came in a seedling pack
    • 1 x Green Lettuce
    • 1 x Red Lettuce
    • 1 x Strawberries
    • 2 x Passion Fruit
    • 1 x Spinach
  • The Herbs
    • 1 x Curry Plant
    • 1 x Chives
    • 1 x Mint
    • 1 x Parsley
  • The Show Ponies
    • 1 x Jasmine
    • 10 x Dwarf Lavender
    • 4 x Fairy Lights
    • 1 x Blue and White Bird of Paradise
    • 5 x Red & White Petunias

Of course the current weather conditions in Sydney have assisted no end in supplying ample water to the plants and a lot of warmth, fair to say it has been a bit like a green house when you don’t have a greenhouse of late. Horrible weather for me personally, but fantastic for the plants.

We have been using a mix of potting mixes. Beginning with a Coles brand mix and since moving through a Yates mix and now to a RichGro. I think we will stick with the RichGro given it is enriched with Seasol, Ezi Wet, and Ozmicote, Each plant that has been planted in this mix has instantly taken off. Whereas the others have taken a bit more encouragement and H2O to establish. All though are now very healthy plants.

In terms of garden harvests we have only had some curry plant and parsley. That said going by the abundance of buds and flowers appearing on the plants that is set to change shortly.

Also, whilst mentioning the garden, last weekend saw a monster cleanup. We managed to take a full trailer load to the tip and then promptly managed to get at least another trailer load of green waste ready to go. That is now stacked in the back yard slowly turning into mulch. Although, with our imminent move we probably won’t see that used. The cleanup continues with the vast amounts of leaf litter being dropped from the trees around us. Most of which are not in our yard.

After the bulk of the cleanup last weekend we set up our outdoor Christmas decorations. It looked great with 5 inflatable displays, 1 light tree, and several garden lights set up. Unfortunately since then 2 of our inflatable displays have died due to water in their air blowers. Not happy Jan about that and am awaiting a return e-mail from Christmas Warehouse on whether we can get replacement units. The display has also been attacked by next doors cats with one of the star lights broken.

The crazy old lady next door continues to support an insanely high amount of cats. Currently there are at least 10 next door. Most are kittens, and with the sighting of yet another pregnant cat there are more on the way. The RSPCA have been around several times since we have lived here, but nothing has changed in regards to her pussy habits. It is ridiculous and we now have them living on/in our stuff.

Yesterday was a prime example. In the yard currently I have a large cardboard box that the new Victa came in. In the box I have various gardening supplies, ie. pots, snail pellets, etc. Anyway I moved the box yesterday in order to get to the things underneath it. Next thing the box has fallen from a stable position. I have snapped my head around and this little rat cat furball is running away. So I smacked the box with a bamboo stake and another little rat cat furball jumps out and runs off. It is ludicrous that we are now expected to put up with it. I am on the verge of contacting the RSPCA and requesting they lay traps in our yard to round the cats up and take them away.

Anyways, I best be off again and start building another table for Christmas in the marquee set up out the back.

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