Dear Joan: This summer, I added a PVC extension cord to the faucet in the backyard so that I can easily water my new bushes on the two decks at the back and side of the house.

Although I thought that the cold night might break the PVC, I did not turn off the water in the extension. Well, sure enough, my wife asked me to pay attention to the water spouting from the new faucet at the end of the first deck. I checked for cracks and was shocked to learn that the leak was caused by animals chewing on the PVC elbow.

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My wife collects acorns and feeds them, and they fight the blue birds for food. If we place acorns from time to time, they will become very aggressive and will come forward and peek at the sliding glass door.

What can I put on the pipes to stop anything chewing them without harming any animals?

Dear Gene: It may be a squirrel, or it may be. It could also be a mouse. Rodents’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, and they must bite to keep their teeth short.

This does not mean that you have to endure them biting your pipes. It is difficult to convince highly motivated rodents not to chew. But I heard that someone mixed some chili into tar and smeared it on the pipe. I suggest wrapping the pipe with welding wire, hardware cloth or metal flash. They are unlikely to chew metal, although they will go to the city to eat lead and copper.

You can also try to provide them with alternative sources, such as a small pile of wood nearby.

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Dear Joan: We met a lot of wild animals at home, which is good. However, a wild female turkey settled in our court in late December and is becoming a pest.

I have a bird feeder, and she picks up the scattered seeds, but she also drives away other birds. She is very aggressive. Now she is camping on my deck and the result is very bad.

I don't want to hurt her, but I also want to continue feeding my feather friend. How can I persuade her to leave, or at least stay away from my deck?

Dear Sharon: You need to take a tough attitude towards Miss Turkey. You can spray her with a hose, make a lot of noise, hit the pot or blow the horn. You can also charge her when opening and closing the umbrella.

None of these things will cause harm. She should get news soon that she is no longer welcome. You may also want to stop feeding the birds within a few days until you are sure that she has left.

The result came out. Three dogs and five kittens have made predictions about the team that will win Sunday's Super Bowl.

These pets are from the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek, and can choose to have a meal from two bowls, the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons.

The dogs are unanimous in their choices. The kitten is more interested in auditioning for part of the kitten bowl. They looked so cute, tore up the venue and refused to pick any winners.

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