Dear Reena: Can you tell me the best way to keep bats out of my attic and basement? Will mothballs work?
Paul
Bats living in a home is a health hazard. You are wise to take action. It is not recommended to use chemicals, such as mothballs, to deter bats. While bats do not like the smell of mothballs, the large number of mothballs needed to repel them will likely be hazardous to other people living in the home. Begin by figuring out where the bats are entering your home. Contact animal control to properly and safely remove them from inside. Use caulk to seal all small holes. Attach mesh wire to all openings.
Dear Reena: I have never had difficulty threading a needle before. However, recently I started having trouble seeing the eye of the needle. Do you have any simple tricks for this?
Kennedy
A magnifying glass can help with this challenge. Here is a hack that works like magic: Place the thread across the palm of your open hand. Lay the eye of the needle on top of the thread. Vigorously move the eye of the needle back and forth on the thread 鈥� the thread will eventually move into the eye of the needle. Pull the thread and begin sewing. This takes a few tries to master, but will get easier after you get the hang of it.
Dear Reena: Every few months, our bathroom sink becomes clogged. Do you know of any alternatives to drain cleaners?
Dave
Before reaching for drain cleaners, use the toilet plunger to force out sink clogs. Put the plunger over the sink hole; push the plunger back and forth. Another option is to purchase a plumber's snake (about $10). Remove the sink plug. Feed the snake into the drain and use according to directions.
Extra Tip: Keep hair from clogging up drains by inserting a hair catcher. This little gadget is inexpensive and easy to pop into drains.
Kitchen Helpers
鈥� I like to place a bowl or plastic container (already dirtied, of course) in the sink and fill it with warm, soapy water. As I prepare and cook, any utensils, small tools and little bowls go straight into the sink once I鈥檓 done with them. By the time I鈥檝e finished, they鈥檝e had a good soak and are ready for the dishwasher. Also, it may sound obvious, but I always teach that the right side of the sink is for rinsed/scraped dishes only 鈥� that way I can load them right into the dishwasher quickly.
Kate
鈥� To recycle food scraps and biodegradable waste, I use ordinary paper lunch bags that are much cheaper than the heavy-duty ones sold for this specific purpose. I use two bags, one inside the other, and have bought a metal container from the dollar store that I keep the bags in beside my kitchen sink. As they fill up quickly, you end up putting them in the green bin frequently, reducing the possibility of smell. The only drawback: What you put in should not be overly wet, as the bags would soak through and tear when you go to dispose of them. If you develop a problem with fruit flies in the summer months, a simple chip clip applied over the folded top of the bags will keep them sealed.
Dale
鈥� Keep bananas fresh for longer by wrapping the stem with aluminum foil.
鈥� When a recipe calls for fresh lemon juice, don鈥檛 waste an entire lemon by cutting it in half. Poke the lemon with a metal skewer and squeeze out the amount of lemon juice the recipe requires.
Laura
Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first. Ask a question or share a tip at .
