Heloise, syndicated columnist

Dear Heloise: Mothballs might seem like an easy way to scare away animals, but they cause more trouble than they’re worth. They’re full of strong chemicals that can hurt your family, your pets, and the land around your home. The strong smell does more than just scare off pests — it can cause bad headaches or make it hard to breathe. It can also make the air dirty in small spaces like an attic.

People who work with animals say that you shouldn’t use them this way. In some places, using mothballs to scare animals is against the law. If animals are living in your house, it’s better to close up the holes that they use to get in. You should also clean up any food they might find. Using safe traps or calling in a professional can help you solve the problem without using scary chemicals.

Some old tricks just aren’t safe to use anymore. Picking a safer way keeps your family and the animals in your yard much safer. — Dave K., via email

SAFE WATER FOR NETI POTS

Dear Heloise: Is distilled water that is labeled “for small appliances” safe to use in a neti pot? — Jane, in San Antonio

Jane, distilled water is a great choice for a neti pot. This kind of water is very clean and doesn’t have germs that could make you sick. The labels on the bottle might say that it’s for “small appliances,” but this is just one way that people use it. Use distilled water if the seal remains unbroken. Always make sure that the water is clean before you use it.

You can also boil tap water for a few minutes, then let it cool. Never use water that is straight from the sink. Tap water can contain tiny bugs that shouldn’t go into your nose. Stay safe by using water that is distilled, sterile or boiled. — Heloise

CAR SEAT SAFETY

Dear Heloise: Car seats don’t last forever. They have expiration dates, so always check the manufacturer’s label before using one — especially a used seat. The parts inside can break down over time, even if the seat looks OK. Also, if an accident occurs with a car seat inside, you must replace the car seat. Even a small crash can break the straps or the frame in ways that you can’t see. It’s not worth the risk to keep using it.

If you’re unsure on how to install the seat in your car, go to a nearby fire station. Many firefighters will check your car seat for free and show you how to lock it properly. Doing these small things helps keep your child safe. — Mary A., in Vancouver, Washington

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Say “happy 20th birthday” to our senior kitty! We rescued him as a kitten in 2006. He’s still in good health and good spirits. He lives with 10 other rescue cats. We love him very much. He has a purr-fect life in paradise! Purrs and meows! — Timothy Wolfe, Aloha From Maui, Hawaii!

Readers, to see Timothy’s cat and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.