Ways to ward off wasps
Q Do you have any ideas regarding how to keep wasps away?
A If you notice wasps building a nest in the same space year after year, purchase an artificial wasp nest. Or make your own by blowing up a brown paper lunch bag and closing it with a string. Wasps are territorial and don’t like to make their home where someone else already has.
If wasps are not bothering you, leave them alone. Knocking down a wasp nest is risky business; surviving wasps will be angry and may attack. Also, they often rebuild nests in a new, nearby location. If you are desperate to remove a small nest, do so at night when they are sluggish. While wearing protective clothing, pull the nest inside of a sealable plastic bag or coffee can. For large wasp nests, call in an expert.
You can also make your own wasp deterrent: In a spray bottle, combine 1 tsp (5 mL) dish soap and 1-2 cups (250-500 mL) water. Drop in 2-3 garlic cloves. Leave overnight. Spray clothes and skin with the repellent mixture to deter wasps as well as mosquitoes. Or add 1 tsp (5 mL) dish soap to a bottle of Mountain Dew. Place the container away from the seating area and watch those wasps disappear.
Here is another option: Take an open can of tuna and lace it with borax. The wasps gobble up the tuna and will disappear in a few days. Wasps love garbage!
Q Is it possible to remove name labels that institutions like personal-care homes iron on or glue on the back of residents’ clothing ?
A Have you tried lifting a corner and heating it with a hair dryer? Often this is all that is required to soften the glue, allowing the label to peel off. Other options are: Goo Gone, WD-40 or rubbing alcohol.
Q I’m trying to save money by making my own food from scratch whenever possible. Do you have an easy vinaigrette salad dressing recipe?
A Blend until smooth: 3 tbsp (45 mL) red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup (80 mL) olive (canola or vegetable) oil, one tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard, 3/4 tsp (4 mL) minced garlic, 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) salt, 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) pepper and 2 tbsp (30 mL) water. Pour onto lettuce. Add flavour to the salad by including baked, sliced almonds, red onion and/or crumbled blue or Gorgonzola cheese.
TIPS OF THE WEEK
I put antiperspirant on the bottom of my feet before going outside to prevent my sandals from becoming nasty smelling. Submitted by: Heinrich
I hold onto the silica gel packets that I get whenever I purchase a purse or shoes. Every time I store shoes (meaning rollerblades, skates, cleats or boots) in the basement, I place a packet inside to absorb odours. Submitted by: Lauren
I liven up morning coffee by adding 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) vanilla, cinnamon or almond extract to the brew. After I pour the coffee into the cup, I add a pinch of nutmeg. Yum! Submitted by: Myra
I had some sutures on my face and wanted to keep them dry for a few days. I wondered how to wash my hair daily. I tried the following system and was amazed by the results: Soak a washcloth with soap and hot water. Wring out cloth and rub through hair. Repeat several times. Do the same with fresh hot water. Blow dry and presto. Submitted by: Lillian