Hints From Heloise: Bees begone!

Dear Heloise: I discovered honeybees in the eaves and behind the fascia boards of my house. Wow, what a mess! Of course, I wanted to save the bees; I just didn’t want them in my house!

I looked up the Texas Beekeepers Association (look to see if your state has a Beekeepers Association), which put me in contact with a professional beekeeper. He came to my home to assess the situation. He developed a plan to remove the bees and the honeycombs safely and rehome the bees. For me, this was a better, more humane option. An exterminator wanted a lot of money to remove the bees, and he would have killed them.

My hint is to check the eaves and overhangs of your home for bee infestation. I was very pleased with my bee removal. -- Elizabeth in Central Texas

Wow! Who knew? Apparently, this is more common than you think. So, folks, if you hear buzzing anywhere in your house, take note. -- Heloise

HANDBAG HINT

Dear Heloise: Women should be selective when buying a purse. I always look for ones that zip shut and have no open areas where something could fall out or thieves could reach in and grab something out of it.

Another hint is to have a small purse specifically for shopping. There are some cute ones with long straps that are big enough to carry your wallet, keys, pen, coupons, etc. These are great because they leave your hands free, and you’re secure in knowing your purse is attached to you. -- Pam in Rootstown, Ohio

DOG ON BOARD

Dear Heloise: When my dog is in the back of the car, she is quiet. One day, I forgot her and left her in a hot, stuffy garage for a short while.

She was fine, but I felt terrible, and to make sure this never happened again, I wrote “Dog on Board” on a sports visor, and I hang it on my car’s rearview mirror every time I put her in the car. -- Diane in Little Rock, Ark.

Glad things turned out okay. -- Heloise

SHOPPING EASE

Dear Heloise: When money is tight and I’m on a budget, I avoid the mega-retailers and supercenter stores. They sell large quantities of items that cost more. I frequent my neighborhood supermarket for smaller portions that are cheaper.

I know, when you do the math, the larger quantities are cheaper per unit, but for the short term and in a pinch, smaller is better -- for me, at least! -- Gloria in Ohio

MARVELOUS MAILER

Dear Heloise: My cellphone provider sends my statement in a reusable envelope. I thought this was a great idea. You tear off the bottom of the envelope, place a stamp on it and send in your payment. I applaud the company for trying to save paper and help out the environment! -- Janet, via e-mail

Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.

2012, King Features Syndicate