Dear Heloise: If you have ants or any other critters that you don’t want, spray dishwashing soap spray where they are collecting. You can even spray a circle around them to keep them from dispersing further.

This also works on flying insects. It kills them immediately. So, quit wasting money on harmful insect sprays when this works even better, — Cat Lady, via email

Cat Lady, most bugs breath through their sides, so anything you can use to stop them from breathing is a good idea. Bay leaves repel cockroaches, and sometimes mint will send bugs running so that they can get away from the smell. I try to keep insects out of the house, so sometimes a commercial insect killer works well outdoors. — Heloise

HOUSEWARMING GIFTS

Dear Heloise: Besides wine, what would make a nice housewarming gift? Not everyone drinks alcohol, so I need some new ideas for a gift. — Sarah B., Grand Forks, North Dakota

Sarah, try a homemade baked good such as a pies, brownies, cakes or maybe muffins. You can also get someone a throw, maybe a blanket, or even a bestselling book to put on their coffee table. Even a board game or a large puzzle is usually welcome. — Heloise

WEDDING ETIQUETTE

Dear Heloise: I’ve been told that wedding etiquette has changed. What is correct etiquette these days concerning the acknowledgement of whether I’m attending? — Charles T., Hayward, California

Charles, here are the traditional rules about a replying to an invitation:

If you receive an invitation to a wedding, answer it as soon as you can. If the inner envelope says that “plus ones” are welcome, you may bring a guest with you — but only one guest.

If your children’s names are not on this envelope, they are not invited. Today many more weddings are “adult only” affairs, especially if it’s an evening wedding.

If you do not send in your acknowledgment of whether you’ll be attending, do not attend the wedding. The couple must pay for their guests, and if they don’t get your RSVP of “yes” or “no,” there may not be a place for you. Additionally, if you say that you’re going, you should set everything aside and actually attend. — Heloise