Put the run on annoying bugs

Solutions & Substitutions by Reena Nerbas

Hi Reena,
I have a problem with Sow bugs in my basement and garage. Help! ~Tony
Dear Tony,
Sow bugs are a real problem in places where moisture and humidity are high.
To find out where sow bugs are entering, look near (or in) floor drains or nearby damp wood such as paneling or baseboards. Also, check underneath that cardboard box in the basement you haven’t moved in quite some time. Are you able to caulk openings and put in weather stripping wherever needed? A perimeter pesticide spray may help break the cycle for a short time but will not eliminate the problem permanently.
Remember, if you don’t solve the moisture problem, the bugs will return no matter which chemicals you use.
You may reduce the population by sprinkling a small amount
of diatomaceous earth,
boric acid or borax and icing sugar around the house and in cracks
(toxic for pets and small children).
Also, note that damp or wet mulch will encourage insects, especially if it is not kept below the level of the building siding or stucco. Often pest control profes-sionals suggest keeping mulch levels low around foundations.
Glue boards work quite well at catching sow bugs but will also trap other bugs. A dehumidifier and lots of proper ventilation helps.

Dear Reena,
Squirrels have already started digging in my outdoor pots. How can I get rid of them? Kaitlyn

Dear Kaitlyn,
What works for one squirrel will not necessarily work for them all. Here are some effective solutions to try.
Begin by distracting your furry friends with a bowl of store-bought food made specifically for them. Place the bowl far enough away from the pots but close enough that they will see their food.
Wrap chicken wire over plant pots and make holes for the plants. They are unable to chew through wire.
Or secure large rocks over the soil making sure that they cannot lift the rocks. Human hair, blood meal, dog fur and fox urine are options, but seem to lose their effectiveness after a few weeks.
Here is one of my all-time favourite solutions for squirrels who like to dig: push the handle of several plastic forks straight down into the soil, squirrels don’t like the feeling of plastic fork tines on their cute little feet.

Dear Reena,
What’s the trick to baking a pie crust so that it doesn’t shrink down in the pie plate while baking? Rebecca

Dear Rebecca,
Some people freeze pie crusts is firm.
Lift the crust to the counter and gently remove foil, taking care not to tear the crust. Prick the crust with a fork, brush with egg white and bake another five minutes, or until pale gold. Cool.
Or put another pie plate the same size on top of a piece of parch-ment paper on the dough in your pie plate. Bake for a few minutes until the dough holds its shape, and remove the second plate.

Dear Reena,
My children hate eating breakfast. It’s a fight every morning to get them to put something in their mouth.
Any suggestions for something quick that they can shove in their mouth before they head out the door? Matt

Dear Matt,
Yes absolutely, sounds like you are living my life! None of my kids like breakfast, and yet it’s my favourite meal of the day.
The following recipe is easy, healthy, cheap and best of all you can store it in your fridge or freezer, and the kids can grab it before they leave.
Into a food processer mix together one cup of Quick Minute Oats, two tablespoons of peanut butter, one cup of assorted nuts, two tablespoons of coconut oil, and a half teaspoon of vanilla. Form into balls, and freeze.
The nuts can be toasted before processing, if desired. You can add a half cup of dark chocolate chips if that helps entice them.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any sugges-tions in this column. Test all prod-ucts on an inconspicuous area first.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups. Check out her Web site reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.