DEAR SUN SPOTS: There will be a benefit for Jim Austin, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, at noon Saturday, June 9, at the Rumford Eagles. There will be numerous bands, food, a Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle. To donate to the auction or help out, contact Jo Thurston Gaudet at 364-3597. Donations at the door.

— Nancy, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know of anyone who can get rid of squirrels in an attic? I think it’s a red squirrel. He’s a cute, sassy little one, but I do not want him in my home! He seems to get in and out of a Havahart trap with no trouble. Thank you.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: Oh dear! These little critters are very problematic. I’m doing battle with them constantly, so much so that I have an ongoing relationship with an exterminator. I once had a tiny squirrel die in the family room ceiling and boy, did it smell horrible. It was surprising that such a little guy could make such a big stink!

If you don’t hire pest control experts, which I highly recommend, your small, sassy friend will soon have his entire extended family, complete with countless cousins, moving in. Although adorable, these squirrels can do a lot of damage in a very short time.

I’m no expert, but in my experience, a professional pest control company will take care of your problem quickly and efficiently and will also strive to seal up any cracks and crevices where these critters are sneaking in. You’ll also want to be sure to check for obvious things like holes in your window screens and soffits and ensure that there are no gaps around doors and windows.

I have dealt with Terminix (1-877-837-6464) and Orkin (1-866-430-4595) in the past and had great success. There is also Androscoggin Pest Solutions (240-7058); Corkd (1-866-537-0373); and Modern Pest Service (1-888-997-3312). Good luck with ridding yourself of this problem!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks for all your community service efforts. Folks sure do appreciate you!

The United New Auburn Association will hold its annual Community Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 23, in the parking lots of Rolly’s Diner and the New Auburn Social Club. Donations of good serviceable “junktiques” will be accepted. No televisions or computers, please. Space for selling all your treasures and items from “Granny’s closet” is $10 and can be reserved by calling Ken Blais at 753-0171.

UNAA will also hold a bottle drive at the same time. Our space fee and the proceeds of the bottle drive will go toward the ongoing upgrades to the historic Marshall’s Popcorn Truck and help boost the fund balance of UNAA.

— Kathy, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you find out if Tractor Supply is going to have a pet clinic this summer, and if so, what type of services are provided for cats and the cost of shots?

— No name, Auburn

ANSWER: Tractor Supply, 1619 Lisbon St. in Lewiston, holds a pet clinic every Sunday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. They provide vaccinations, microchipping and nail trimming. For more information, such as costs, please call the store at 795-8828. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

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.

(youtube.com photo)