C’mon springtime, but, drat the gnats!

Dear Readers: Gnat season is the end of spring into the beginning of summer, and it will soon be upon us. Gnats are tiny black flying insects, related to the mosquito, that can bite and impart a nasty, itchy (and although relatively minor) welt to the skin.

They thrive on houseplants, but the good news is, there’s a way to control them in your home. Mix a drop or two of dishwashing soap with about a cup of water, and either mist the leaves or pour a bit onto the soil. This should kill the gnats. — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Meet Gizmo. Gizmo is Rosie M.’s 6-year-old Tibetan terrier who loves day care and tolerates taking photos while he’s there!

He’s looking quite dapper with a wide red tie and big smile. To see Gizmo and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a funny and furry friend? Email a picture and description to: Heloise@ Heloise.com. — Heloise

FUR BE GONE

Dear Heloise: To remove pet hair on large or small surfaces, I’ve found that the thing that works best for me (I have six pets) is to use a kitchen rubber glove. I just dampen the glove, slide it across the surface, and the fur rolls up and is easily removed from the glove. — Bernadette A. via email

GAS DETECTOR

Dear Heloise: I have a gas furnace, water heater and clothes dryer side by side in my basement. I recently bought an inexpensive ($25) natural gas detector that plugs into my wall outlet near my gas appliances. — Mary, via email

SAYING GOODBYE

Dear Readers: As sad of a subject as it is, we have to face that sooner or later we may have to say goodbye to a beloved pet when he becomes ill.

Many veterinarians agree: Having the entire family present, including the other dogs in the family, is beneficial for all involved, but only if they want to be there.

The other dogs will already know that their pack mate is ill, and dogs and cats instinctively know when it’s time. Watching can provide closure for the whole family. — Heloise

SHOWER SPRAY

Dear Heloise: To avoid hairspray getting stickiness all over the bathroom, my hint is this:

I step into the shower before I spray my hair. That keeps the overspray contained, so I only have to clean the shower of the stickiness, not the whole bathroom. — Pam G., Col- orado Springs, Colorado

P.S. I love when I read someone’s clever hint that I am already doing! It not only makes me feel clever, but connected, too!

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.