HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: This week’s Sound On is actually a big thank you to all the frontline soldiers working side by side, literally putting their lives on the line to protect and care for all of us during this global pandemic.

While we are now staying at home to avoid this extremely dangerous virus, our country’s first responders and medical professionals are meeting it head-on, separated from their families, to care for those of us who have contracted it. We should be thankful and pray every day for these selfless people who carry on even as their colleagues have fallen ill or died.

Together, we will get through this scary time, and we will always remember those who were taking care of us and paid the ultimate price.

DEAR HELOISE: I have pets, children and fire ants. Harsh chemicals are out of the question, so how can I get rid of these painful pests?

— Carolyn in Texas DEAR READER: Boil a big pot of water and pour it down the center of the nest. This is the easiest and safest way to kill the nest and queen.

DEAR HELOISE: I’m so tired of having hair spray all over my bathroom counter and mirrors, but my bathroom is so tiny that there isn’t much I can do to prevent this problem. Got any hints for me to solve this sticky situation?

— Ashley in Nevada DEAR READER: Step into the shower and spray your hair. Clean and squeegee the shower with each use, and the rest of the bathroom stays spray-free and unsticky.

DEAR HELOISE: I use a paintbrush (new, of course) to clean my windowsills and baseboards. This allows me to get in the corners with ease. Once I’m done, I just vacuum and my whole room is clean.

— Nancy, Ohio

DEAR HELOISE: I received a telephone call this week with a recording on the other end that said: “This is your utility company. Your service will be disconnected in 30 minutes. Call this number, ______.” Clearly, this was a scam, since I’m never behind in my utility bills! However, there are many people who would fall for this ruse by unscrupulous scammers. If you get a call like this, write down the number and turn it into your local public utilities company. Do not call the number yourself.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio,TX 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email