Boric-acid balls kill insects well
HINTS FROM HELOISE
HELOISE
Dear Heloise: I lost your recipe for ant/roach bait and need the portions of boric acid, sugar and flour. The bait was very effective in the past and was placed in such a way that pets couldn't get to them. As an aside, I sprinkled boric acid by the back wall under the sinks in my kitchen and bathrooms. Now when I see a roach, it's a dead roach. — Bill D., in San Antonio
Bill, my roach-killing balls work well to kill ants and roaches, but you need to keep them out of children's reach. Here it is:
„■¼ cup shortening (or bacon drippings) „
■1/8 cup sugar „
■8 ounces powered boric acid „
■½ cup flour „
■½ small onion, chopped finely „
Enough water to form a soft dough
Mix together shortening and sugar, forming a creamy texture. Then mix together boric acid, flour and onion, and add to shortening mixture. Blend well. Add water and mix. Form small balls. Replace when dough gets hard. Label leftover dough so that no one touches it. — Heloise
Sliding cutting boards
Dear Heloise: Regarding the problem with sliding cutting boards, go down to your local woodworking store and purchase rubber feet to attach to the bottom of the board. (Or order them online.) They come in different styles and sizes, and you either screw them on or insert them into a hole that is drilled into the bottom of the board. I've made dozens of cutting boards this way, and it works like a charm! — Rick D., via email
Secondhand shopping
Dear Heloise: College has let out, and a lot of students like to donate items to thrift stores instead of taking their "stuff" home. By going to our local thrift stores during this time of year, I've found a lot of still usable — or often nearly new — household items (curtains, throw rugs, trash cans, twin bed linens, etc.); small appliances; school and office supplies; books; adult bicycles; and even computer parts.
To families who have graduating high school students, I also suggest checking out thrift stores for dorm room items that they can take with them to college next fall. I've seen dorm-sized refrigerators being sold for half price (or less) of what big-box discount stores charge. (Make sure, however, you find out whether your college allows them.) College "spirit" T-shirts, hoodies, and other items of clothing are sold for a lot less at the thrift stores.
Finally, here's another tip for summer: Instead of buying patio lights, reuse your Christmas tree lights. — Lynn B., via email
Lynn, another great place is a charity shop that helps fund a worthy cause, such as the Humane Society, a cause for battered women, and many more places that help people and animals. — Heloise
