Dear Henrietta:
I just moved here from New Jersey and I’m living in Trent Woods. I’m used to being in the city, and I’m getting freaked out by the wildlife around my new home—particularly the lizards and frogs. My husband keeps forgetting to close the door on our patio and they are getting into the house! Last night when I went to shut the door, a green tree frog jumped on my head and got caught in my hair! He tells me to just catch them and throw them out the window, but I can’t bear to touch them. What do I do? Please help.
Signed,
Hairy Situation
Dear Hairy Situation,
It’s not uncommon for people to be afraid of reptiles, particularly snakes and lizards. I’ve lived here in New Bern all my life, so I’ve figured out a few ways to keep them outside.
Here’s my best advice:
• Keep your screens closed in the warm summer months. It prevents them from coming
in through the doors and windows.
• Spray some vinegar on the ground near each entry point. Reptiles don’t like how the
vinegar interacts with their skin, but it’s still humane.
• Buy some pots and plant herbs that repel bugs, and in turn, repel frogs: citronella,
lemongrass, mint, catnip, sage, petunias, marigolds, rosemary, lavender, and basil.
• Turn off some of your outside lights at night. They attract bugs.
• Last, get yourself a cat. I have five. If any little critter gets into the house, chances are,
your cat will catch it for you and take it outside.
I hope this helps and remember: there are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them. Try to live in harmony with the natural world around you.
Love,
Henrietta
Henrietta Craven was born and raised in New Bern and enjoys gardening, hunting bears and improvisational dance. She is a self-proclaimed expert on a wide variety of subjects including (but not limited to) fashion, mixology, and cooking. Henrietta resides in a lovely Victorian home in downtown New Bern with her five cats: Graffenreid, Bethune, Devereux, Stanton and Carraway.