Dear Heloise: I have a rather embarrassing question: How do I get rid of roaches? I swear I’m not a dirty person. I never leave dirty dishes in the sink. If there is a dish or cup that I can’t wash right away, I’ll stick it in the refrigerator until I can wash it. I scrub my floors on my hands and knees using a strong cleanser. Still, I will occasionally see a roach race across the floor.

My apartment building uses a pest control company, but we can’t seem to kill the roaches fast enough. Can you help me? — Lynn G., Corpus Christi, Texas

Lynn, first, let me say it’s a myth that roaches only live in dirty homes.  Years ago, I lived on the 28th floor of a new high-rise, and roaches came up the drains to eat the soap!

Try this eco-friendly hint: Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar. Place the mixture (about a tablespoon full) on a piece of paper or cardboard or a shallow dish. Set it around the baseboards, under the kitchen sink, behind the toilet, or anywhere else you see a roach. The mixture is fatal to them. Pull up the sink stopper and run just a little water in there to keep them out of your drains. Do this in your bathtub as well.

Another solution is clove oil. Bugs hate the scent. It’s better than an exterminator because hiring an exterminator is very expensive, and they can’t get rid of the roaches forever. Try these two suggestions and let me know how it works out for you. — Heloise

GREASE (NOT THE ­MUSICAL)

Dear Heloise: Many people like to fry up bacon, but they throw out the grease that’s left behind. Why? Bacon grease can be reused to fry potatoes, eggs, pork chops, and just about anything. It adds flavor to many foods and is commonly used in the south. I know we are all looking for foods that won’t raise our cholesterol, but a little fried food won’t kill us. I keep it in a glass jar in my refrigerator. — Janelle R., Lake Charles, Louisiana

DIRT RINGS ON A COLLAR

Dear Heloise: I used to have problems with a dirty ring around my collars. However, I discovered the problem was me. I jump into the shower every morning and quickly wash up. The area I’m embarrassed to say that I neglected was my neck. I thought my neck was clean, but during the day, I’d sweat in this heat. Oils came out, which, in turn, attracted dirt.

Now I gently scrub my neck and behind my ears with a scrubby, and the ring I used to have on my collars is gone. — Just a Guy, in Mississippi

Just a Guy, you can also use shampoo on rings around your collars. Shampoo is designed to break down oils. Use an old toothbrush to lightly scrub the ring, then wash with your regular load of clothing. Or you can take it to the cleaners who do your shirts. — Heloise

TOO MUCH FABRIC?

Dear Heloise: I’ve been sewing all my life. In fact, I make about 80% of what I wear, so I know how clothing should look and what usually looks good on women.

Lately I’ve seen so many women wear baggy, long tops to try and hide weight gain. Being a full-figured gal myself, I know this is a mistake. Have your tops taken in at the waist. (Or if you sew, do it yourself.) Nothing dramatic, just adding a bit of a curve at the waist. This will look more attractive on a woman and make her appear thinner at the same time. — M.E.S., in Indianapolis

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.