Helpful Hints

DEER READERS: A reminder that this time of year, deer (among other mammals) are "in the rut" -- which means it's their mating season.

Set off by the shorter days and an increase in testosterone, male deer can become aggressive and violent.

Keep a close eye on your pets, especially dogs. Cats are at risk for attack, but by nature they tend to avoid deer, whereas a dog is more apt to want to chase and play with a deer.

Never leave food in your yard. Make sure your fencing is secure, and have your dog on a leash. Don't leave your dog outside unsupervised.

The rutting season slows down in December.

DEAR HELOISE: There's a skunk hole under one of my sheds, and I discovered a way to keep skunks from using it: I put my used coffee grounds in front of it. I started noticing no activity at the skunk hole.

My motion-sensing camera catches skunks wandering through my yard fairly often at night. I see them go near the skunk hole, sniff it and keep going.

-- Linda C., Washington

DEAR READERS: Growing succulents (cacti, et al.) can be challenging. Here are some hints:

• Set them in a south-facing window for best light.

• Don't be afraid to water them. They get a good soaking during a desert deluge. Wait for the soil to dry completely before watering again.

• They need a good-draining, sandy soil.

• Don't crowd them together, despite what you may see online.

Pick an easy-to-grow succulent, like aloe, if you're a newbie.

DEAR HELOISE: This is in response to Kathleen from Pennsylvania's concern about lint. I save mine to use as a fire starter when we are camping. Lint burns easily without putting ash or debris into the air.

To store pieces of lint, I use an old toilet tissue or paper towel roll. You'd be surprised how much lint can fit in these tubes for storage until needed for use.

-- Jennifer S., California

DEAR HELOISE: While opening bottles, cans and cartons, their contents (like cooking oil, nail polish remover and liquid detergents) came close to splashing my face. I create mental reminders to turn my face away while opening them.

-- Miss Maui Mary,

via email

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email

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