Dear Heloise: If you have ants or any other critters that you don’t want, spray dishwashing soap spray where they are collecting. You can even spray a circle around them to keep them from dispersing further.

This also works on flying insects. It kills them immediately. So, quit wasting money on harmful insect sprays when this works even better, — Cat Lady, via email

Cat Lady, most bugs breath through their sides, so anything you can use to stop them from breathing is a good idea. Bay leaves repel cockroaches, and sometimes mint will send bugs running so that they can get away from the smell. I try to keep insects out of the house, so sometimes a commercial insect killer works well outdoors. — Heloise

HOUSEWARMING GIFTS

Dear Heloise: Besides wine, what would make a nice housewarming gif

See Full Page