Hints from Heloise: Killing bugs, feeding feral cats and more

To kill a bug or not to kill a bug

Dear Heloise: A while ago, you advocated for killing bugs with insect spray. These creatures have their place in the cycle of life and provide food for a number of other creatures. Please don’t tell people to kill them just because we can. — Esther F., Macon, Georgia

Esther, are you aware that the humble mosquito has killed more people worldwide in one year than guns? In fact, they’re considered one of the most dangerous insects on the planet. They carry an assortment of diseases, such as malaria, the West Nile virus, dengue fever, and more.

There are many insects that are harmless, but there are some that cause pain and even death, while others destroy crops. Here in the Southwest, we even chase away harmless spiders. Both scorpions and tarantulas hunt spiders for food. And, trust me, you don’t want to be stung by a scorpion!

Yes, many insects have their role to play in our ecosystem, but some are dangerous and should be avoided as much as possible. — Heloise

FEEDING FERAL CATS

Dear Heloise: I feed feral cats that don’t live far from my home. I’ve managed to capture several of them and get them spayed and neutered. The whole group is looking better with proper nutrition. My only problem is that ants will frequently get into their food. How can I keep them out? I don’t want to use any bug sprays that could make the cats sick. — Nell W., Naples, Florida

Nell, most nurseries sell plant trays that are designed to catch water. They are placed under potted plants. Get one or more of those and fill it with water. Get a food bowl with a heavy bottom that is slightly smaller than the plant tray. (Most pet stores sell them.) Place this in the center of the tray. Fill the center bowl with food. Ants will not swim in the water.

Make sure that it’s easy enough for the cats to get the food from the bowl, but not close enough for the ants to get into the bowl. — Heloise

DRY SKIN

Dear Heloise: My skin is very dry, but I’m allergic to nearly every face cream on the market. My skin is smooth and wrinkle-free, but so is everyone’s skin at my age. (I’m 22 years old.) Can you recommend anything I can use at bedtime that won’t make my face itch like crazy?

My doctor told me that I don’t need anything, but I know my face will start aging soon if I do nothing. I usually work from home and meet with clients face-to-face on occasion. I don’t want to look as though I don’t care about my appearance. — Ada M., San Francisco

Ada, have you tried petroleum jelly or even olive oil? A friend of mine uses extra virgin olive oil on her skin. However, before you try anything, please ask your doctor what they think is best. If your doctor still tells you that you don’t need to use anything, maybe you need to get a second opinion. — Heloise

BOXES OVER BAGS

Dear Heloise: Instead of cloth or paper bags to replace the dreaded plastic bags, ask your grocery store for a cardboard box that they can discard, which will fit perfectly into the bottom of their largest grocery cart.

It should also have holes for your two hands to carry it on each end. A bit of maneuvering is required to get it into the cart, but it is free, works great, and avoids any bags: plastic, cloth or paper. — J.K.L., in Texas

SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com

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