Got a problem with squirrels raiding your bird feeder? Instead of using nets and traps, or seeking out awkward places to hang your feeder, why not just change the type of feed? Safflower seeds (which are from a thistle-type flower) are sold at home improvement stores, and while birds love the seeds, squirrels hate them. Once squirrels have a taste of the bitter safflower seed, they will stay far away from the feeder. Giant bags of safflower seeds are also very affordable, so it’s an economical solution, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you find your kitchen swarming with pesky house flies or fruit flies, don’t reach for chemical insecticides to kill them. Instead, just fill a small shallow bowl with two things: apple cider vinegar and a little bit of liquid dishwashing soap. Since flies love the strong, pungent smell of the vinegar, they’ll swoop down for a sip, but the soapy mixture keeps them trapped in the bowl. In no time, your kitchen will be pest-free, naturally.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When dust collects under an appliance like a refrigerator, the reduced airflow can force it to work harder to keep things cold or frozen. A simple trick is to vacuum away the dust, but often the extension hose on a vacuum isn’t long enough or narrow enough at the opening to squeeze underneath. To remedy this, simply take a cardboard paper-towel tube and secure it to the vacuum hose with a rubber band. Then flatten it so it fits snug under the fridge. Turn the vacuum on to suck up all those dust bunnies.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION