Got ants? There are two easy ways to get them out of your house. First, mix 1/4 cup of peppermint castile liquid soap with a quart of water. Spray the minty, soapy mixture at entry points throughout the house where you see ants. Soap and peppermint is a combination ants hate. Next, take a look at your indoor houseplants, because unfortunately, the damp soil is the perfect environment for ants to nest. This may be the spot where all those ants are coming from. If they are, repot the plant in sterile soil and scrub the original pot clean.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you sprinkle Epsom salts into the bathtub to help relieve sore muscles, save a few tablespoons to help give your plants a boost, too. Epsom salt is made up of hydrated magnesium sulfate, which is a mixture of magnesium and sulfur. Plants love these minerals, and giving them Epsom salt helps boost the color of their leaves and creates stronger and bushier flowers. Just add two tablespoons of the salt to 1 gallon of water, allow to dissolve and water away.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you’re picking up food items to donate to your local food bank or shelter, keep one rule in mind when buying things like pasta sauces, nut butters and other jarred items: Avoid glass. Because containers of food are often transported to multiple locations, glass containers can shatter. And because safety is a priority for both the recipients and volunteers, many food banks will reject food donations packaged in glass. Instead, look for shatter-proof plastic containers for these items.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION