Bugs find yellow light bulbs unattractive

Dear Heloise: My question for you is about yellow “bug” light bulbs. Do they really help to keep bugs away? My grandparents have used them for years in every outdoor light, porch light, garage light, etc., to keep the bugs/night flying insects away. I buy and use them, too, but wonder if they are really necessary, and if so, how do they work to keep bugs away? Any help with this is much appreciated! Thank you for all your wonderful hints! D.D. Curry in Springfield, Ill.

Bugs are attracted to plain bulbs because they can see blue or ultraviolet light. Yellow bulbs don’t repel bugs; they just can’t see the light as well. So if you are trying to keep bugs away, light the area from a distance so the bugs aren’t attracted. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Most mothers save all the greeting cards from Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas and birthdays that their children made way back when they were small. I have been sending the cards back to my daughter on those special days, even though it may have been 40, 50 or even 60 years ago. I find this a very meaningful communication on these special holidays. Virginia Pannkoke, Prescott, Ariz.

Dear Heloise: As it is often hot and dry here in West Texas, I am very conscientious about wasting water. Each morning when I give my dogs fresh water, instead of pouring the leftover water down the drain, I use the water to water my plants! My houseplants seem to thrive on the recycled water. I also use the recycled water on my pepper plants just outside the front door.

When loading dirty dishes into the dishwasher, don’t rinse with water. Instead, use a spatula to scrape the dishes and then load. You would be surprised at all the small ways we are wasting good water down the drain! Rhonda Bills, Ranger, Texas

Dear Heloise: How am I supposed to launder the new smooth padded bras? Can I put them into the washer, or do I need to hand-wash? What about drying? Kelly, Louisiana

Hand-laundering is always best, but if you fasten the hooks on the bra, place it into a mesh zippered lingerie bag and wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, it should be OK. Remove the bra from the washer, smooth out and reshape the cups. Hang over a pants hanger or lay flat to dry. Do not put the bra into the dryer. Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I was updating my ancient address book, I realized how little information “Elizabeth Jones” and a street address gave to anyone but me. After I go or after I get forgetful, who is going to know that Elizabeth Jones is really my favorite Aunt Betty? I took a pen and added a brief description to each entry. Joan, via e-mail

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate