DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone know how to get rid of squirrels and chipmunks? My neighbor feeds them and they’re all over my lawn, deck and have even dug a tunnel under my pool liner. I need help and ideas. — Gerry, no town

ANSWER: I hope you’re able to have a conversation with your neighbor and can come to some kind of agreement regarding the encouragement of these cute, but troublemaking varmints. Not only can they create havoc everywhere they go, but they are the hosts to thousands of ticks and other pestilence too numerous to mention.

Depending on how many chipmunks/squirrels are around, you may want to try a “live” trap baited with peanut butter, knowing that you’ll have to take them at least five miles away from your property. Be sure to wear heavy gloves when releasing them from the trap.

There are commercial repellents that sometimes work, but not always. Moth balls have been used as a deterrent and chipmunks don’t like the smells of certain strong oils like peppermint, citrus, cinnamon, and eucalyptus. Additionally, chipmunks can’t stand the smell of garlic.

After the necessary neighbor talk, get advice from a pest control company licensed to handle wildlife such as Modern Pest Control (modernpest.com, 1-855-856-7372). It may be more money than you want to spend, but well worth it.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have an old (27 years plus) extremely heavy tire filled with concrete that was left at my house when I purchased it 27 years ago. It was the anchor of a homemade tether ball setup which is long gone and I want to get rid of this concrete-filled tire. Is anyone interested? It could be used for an anchor for a float in a lake. I can be contacted at 784-6312 — No name, no town

ANSWER: If you have no takers, you can call The Dump Guy (dumpguy.com, 450-5858) or 1-800-GOTJUNK (1800gotjunk.com, 1-877) 455-7704) to see if they will take it away for you, along with anything else you want to be rid of.

Readers, if you know of someone local who would take this albatross away, please let us know.

I also feel compelled to remind everyone once again that if you have something to give away, please include your town so those interested in your item will know how far they have to drive for it and if it’s worth their time and the price of gas.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few times before, I have looked to you for information. Several weeks ago you informed us that there were two upholstery businesses in the Lewiston-Auburn area. I seem to have lost this information and I would be very grateful if you would repeat it. You provide a great service to our area and I want to thank you for helping me once again. — Jackie, Farmington

ANSWER: I can recommend Doreen Gendron at Unique Designs (754-0048) who is also on Facebook and Donna Marie Harrington at Gamache and Lessard Custom Window Treatments. Donna is their in-house upholsterer, but is self-employed under the business name Comfy Cushion Upholstery by Donna. You can reach her at 212-6195 or e-mail her at thecomfycushionupholstery@gmail.com.

Readers, if you have someone to recommend, you know what to do.

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. Please include your phone number. 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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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