QUESTION: We seem to have a lot of ants on the lawn and in my flower patch. The ants have started eating my lilies and to me this is now an all-out war! I don't share my flower garden and veggie garden with any type of bug or ant!
I've tried many types of ant killers {organic and chemical} anything from powders to spray. I was told boiling water would kill them but that didn't work. Even tried mixing peanut butter and borax together and that didn't work either. I try to use non-toxic chemicals because I've got four young children that play outside a lot, so any suggestions at this point, would be great. Ruth, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Anthills seem to sneak up on homeowners. One day there are no ants and then boom, they are everywhere and into everything. With so many species of ants, what works for one will not necessarily work for another but don't give up!
Try cornmeal. Sprinkle a generous amount over ant hills. Leave it for a few days and reapply. Also reapply cornmeal after rain. When it comes to boiling water or borax, both solutions are very effective on certain species of ants. However, do not put either of these directly on your grass; doing so will kill the grass.
I was once told by an entomologist that an effective way to kill ants is to put a metal pipe inside the ground where the ant hill is; boiling water is then poured down the hole. Another option is to place a dish of white glue on top of the ant hill to catch all of the ants around.
QUESTION: I just moved into a brand new home and would like to hang pictures. Can you tell me any guidelines or decorating secrets for the correct way to place pictures on the wall? Much appreciated. Warren, Carberry
ANSWER: If you're hanging artwork by yourself, cut paper templates to size for each piece of art and attach the paper cutouts to the wall with painter's tape. This will give you the option to stand back and see how the artwork's size relates to your room and your furniture. Take time to move templates around to find the perfect spot prior to hanging the picture. You can even take a photograph of the grouping to see if you like how it looks.
In general, artwork should be hung so that the centre point of the picture or grouping is at about eye level for the average person. While this won't be possible in every situation, it's a good guideline to keep in mind. Here is a good rule of thumb; when hanging art over a piece of furniture it should not be longer than the width of the furniture. The artwork should be about 75 per cent of the furniture width. Another decorating rule is to use odd numbers of objects whenever possible (the only even number that you should use is two).
QUESTION: You've helped me in the past, so I am hoping you can help me solve this problem. I have a recipe for supper squash and am having difficulty trying to peel them. Do you have a solution? Thanks, Pearl, Winnipeg
ANSWER: There are several varieties of squash available. The easiest to cut is probably butternut. Cut off about one quarter-inch from the bottom of the squash in an even slice. Then cut off a quarter-inch from the stem end. Holding the squash in one hand, use a sharp vegetable peeler to peel off the outer layer of squash. Harder to cut squash is best cooked with the peel on. Put squash into a large pot of boiling water. Simmer the squash until a toothpick can penetrate the skin only (about five minutes). Cool. The squash can now be peeled effortlessly with a peeler.
QUESTION: How can I deter mice from invading my trailer (when closed for the season)? I'm looking for 'out of the box' solutions. Much thanks. Lisa, Starbuck
ANSWER: The most effective way to keep mice out of trailers is to stuff every tiny little crack or hole with steel wool. Mice cannot chew through steel wool and this is a great way to keep them from becoming uninvited guests. Some people have had great results at keeping mice out by placing fabric softener sheets around their trailers. Other people say they return from holidays and the mice have made nests with the sheets, so it seems to depend on the little critters that you get.
Another suggestion is to find small plastic bottles with holes, put a little fox urine in them and hung them under the trailer. Lastly, line the bottom of the trailer with thin sheets of galvanized metal or roof flashing; seal all corners, seams and intrusions with metal foil tape.
Entertaining Tips of the Week:
-- If you are invited to a dinner, you may want to bring a hostess gift. While in some cases, not bringing a hostess gift is perfectly acceptable, it is a nice gesture that shows you appreciate the hospitality shown to you. Hostess gift ideas -- food i.e. almonds or fruit, wine, stationary or candles.
-- Some etiquette experts caution against bringing flowers as a hostess gift as the flower colour may clash with the dinner party colours but I say who doesn't love receiving flowers? So go ahead and bring those pretty, fragrant petals.
-- Avoid bringing: Air freshener, gift certificate for a diet centre, the item that you received the last time that person visited your home, a lifesize cutout of yourself, a pack of cigarettes for someone who just quit smoking, tear gas, antacid and lastly the breath freshener/anti-perspirant combo.
"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing" -- Dale Carnegie
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming!
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org. You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
