Dear Sun Spots: Crickets are taking over my basement. What can be done to prevent them from coming in? This is the first time I have ever had a problem like this. Any help you can provide would be appreciated. Thank you. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Is there any way you can get rid of crickets in your apartment or house? – Beverly in Farmington.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located a natural solution to your problem online at http://www.qc.ec.gc.ca/ecotrucs/solutionsvertes/insects.htm. To get rid of crickets, mix some molasses and vanilla extract or lemon juice in water. Crickets are lured to this bait and drown in it. Be sure to plug up any holes in the house where they are getting in.

In addition, Sun Spots thought you might be interested in a little cricket trivia:

According to www.burgepest.com, crickets were introduced into the U.S. in the 18th century. They like warm climates and are usually found outdoors in moist areas. They are attracted to light. They do not survive long indoors. The males make chirping sounds by rubbing front wings together to attract females. The final development of wings and wing covers furnishes the means whereby the male cricket can produce his familiar chirping sound. During the day, they seek cracks and crevices, and they forage at night for food. They feed on vegetable or field crops, also on other insects or other crickets. They can do damage to fabric, leather and fur, and are especially destructive to silk and woolens. Crickets lay anywhere from 150 to 400 eggs at a time. Eggs take 78 to 90 days to mature. Newly hatched crickets can walk, run and jump immediately after hatching. You may want to try Burge’s Power Protection Program. You can reach them at 888-292-7378.

Perhaps other readers who have been plagued with crickets may also have some tips they’re willing to share with you.

Dear Sun Spots: I am a Stanley Home Products dealer, P.O. Box 85 Madison, ME 04950, (207) 696-4270.Thank you. – Elizabeth Coro, Madison.

Answer: Betty M., of Jay (original Sun Spots request Sept. 29) may also be interested in contacting:

Marilyn Morse of The Hairitage House who is also a retailer for Stanley and Fuller brush products. You can reach her at (207) 645-2910, Route 17, 21 East Dixfield Road, North Jay, ME 04262.

Alberta Ridlon, Stanley representative, 352 Pikes Hill, Norway, ME 04268, (207) 443-6573.

Dear Sun Spots: Thanks for the help you have given in the past.

There will be a rummage and white elephant sale at the Calvary United Methodist Church, 59 Sabattus St., Lewiston, Oct. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. We always have lots left over at the end of the sale and donate the items to another group having a sale at a later date. If there is a group in the area that wishes to pick up the items after the sale, please call Judy at (207) 783-4875. – Judy Giffin, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: In the Sept. 23 edition, Roger and Stephanie M. from Minot were questioning Toy Story slinky dog:

I do have a small plastic one from Burger King. If they are interested, they can have it for free. They can contact me at (207) 782-3590. I also have a box I saved of a mixture of Toy Story toys from Burger King.

Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering if I could have Nicholas Sparks’ home address. My sister is a big fan and I want to send him a copy of one of his books for him to autograph for her birthday next month. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots does not usually provide home addresses for celebrities. As you can image it’s usually the fan clubs, publicists or agents, which fans can contact their favorite stars and celebrities through. You may want to try contacting Sparks through Warner Books, 1271 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10020-1300.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.