Ridding a yard of skunks; removing vegetable stains from your juicer
| BOSTON
Q. a skunk frequently visits our yard, while friends who live a few houses down the street say they've never seen one in their yard. Why is that?
- P.L., Norton, Mass.
A. You may not be aware, but you may have put out the welcome mat, says Stephen Vantassel of Wildlife Damage Control in Springfield, Mass.
If you see dime-size holes in your lawn, it means a skunk has been scavenging for grubs. They are also drawn to bird feed and open garbage. Wait until trash day to put the garbage out. Relocate bird feeders and keep the area cleaned of spilled seed. Skunks see compost and wood piles as a free buffet.
To rid a skunk of its burrow, make sure it is not occupied and place an ammonia-soaked rag at the entrance.
The primary reason skunks spray is self-defense and they usually, but not always, warn the victim before they spray.
If you or a pet are the victims of a skunk's spray, here are some tips: The standard practice is to wash with tomato juice. Better still, wash with a solution that is one-quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup baking soda, and a teaspoon of liquid soap.
Q. How can I take out veggie stains from my Krups Optifruit Juicer?
- A.J., N.Y., N.Y.
A. Dismantle the appliance as per instructions in the manual. Wash all parts in hot soapy water. All parts are dishwasher safe. Use cooking oil to remove fruit or vegetable stains from plastic parts. Before washing the grater and filter unit, use a soft brush to remove pulp residue. Never wash the motor unit under water. Wipe it with a damp cloth.
Source - Krups On-line Store
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