Get Rid Of Musty Basement Odors

During the winter is usually when the basement smells the worst.

Thankfully, Clear The Air does a wonderful job at eliminating those musty mildewy odors from your basement. If you dread going in the basement because of the foul odor you have to experience each time, check out how to eliminate basement odors with Clear The Air:

• Hang 1-2 bags in basement. One bag cover up to 100 square feet.
• Bags will continue to eliminate musty odors for up to 3 months.
• If odors are strong (or you have had a flood) also sprinkle Clear The Air Odor Eliminator for Concrete or Carpet granules on floor, leave down 24 hours and sweep or vacuum. Odors will be completely eliminated.
• One canister of Clear The Air Odor Eliminator For Concrete or Carpet granules covers approximately 100 square feet.

Check out a testimonial from a pest control operator who used Clear The Air to eliminate musty mildew odors:

Keeping Your Pets Warm This Winter

The rainy season is upon us and for us Southern Californians, it is getting cold!

It is important to make sure your pets are warm and dry during the winter. Keep them safe, warm and happy with these tips:

• Pets should have a comfortable and clean, dry shelter to stay in especially if your pet spends the majority of its time outdoors.
• Check to make sure your shelter for your pet does not have any leaks and that falling rain cannot splash inside of the dry shelter.  It is important to place it in an area where water does not accumulate.  Bottom line: keep your pet high and dry!
• Continuous rain will usually decrease the frequency of your important walks with your dog. In order to compensate for less outdoor time, play with your pet more indoors either chasing a ball or playing tug of war just to get your pet the exercise he’s used to.
• Pets should always have access to adequate shelter and under no circumstance should you leave your pet tied up in the rain.
• Should there be an emergency you must have an escape or evacuation plan mapped out for your pets.  Prepare a first-aid kit for your pets in case they become wounded and never abandon them during a disaster.

How To Keep Your Pet Warm During The Rainy Season

Pet care tips during winter.

We’re getting into the colder months of the year and don’t you love to be able to go home out of the cold and curl up with your pajamas and sit by the fire.

What about your dog? Don’t you want to make sure he is as warm and cozy as you are when you’re at home?

Clear the Air would like to share some helpful tips to keeping your dog warm this winter:

Keep them indoors. This is the surest way to keep your pets warm. Dogs, while they enjoy outings, are often happier indoors as well so they can dote on their owners. Cats enjoy being able to snuggle up somewhere warm indoors.

Get your dog jackets and sweaters. If your home is a little chilly, cute jackets and sweaters can keep them warm. If they are going outside with you into the snow (dogs more than cats), it’s better to choose something that has a waterproof nylon covering.  Make sure the sweater or jacket fits them properly and they are comfortable enough to maneuver in it.

Check the temperature before going out. In winter, as in summer, the temperature can feel worse than what the thermometer reads. Check the temperature and the wind chill factor to keep your dog from getting a chill.

Proper outdoor housing. If your dog spends a lot of his time outdoors, make sure he has the right housing. His doghouse should have a sloped roof, insulation and even a heater if he is expected to live in there.

Bedding. His bed should be at least 3 inches off the cold floor to avoid drafts. Low platforms made of a light wood or aluminum frame with canvas stretched over it suit these pets just fine.

Booties. Your dog regulates his temperature through the soles of his feet (as well as his tongue, of course). When walking in the snow, booties can help keep him warm. This will also protect him from salt and other products used to melt ice.

Increase feeding. Pets use up more calories in the winter trying to stay warm. Feed them a little more in the winter months, especially if they spend a lot of time outside.

Use a hot water bottle or snuggle disk. If your home is chilly, you can keep your dog or cat warm by using a hot water bottle under his bed or even a snuggle disk, which is a manufactured disk that is heated in a microwave oven and can maintain heat for hours.

Don’t forget the occasional special treat , belly rub or scratch on the head. Nothing warms your dog and cat’s hearts more than special food and attention, so give him both.

How To Care For Your Pets In Cold Weather

Cold weather care tips for you and your pets.

In Southern California our “cold weather” is usually pretty mild compared to other parts of the country.

But keep in mind it does still get cold at night. Cold enough you need to take precaution for your pets.

Clear The Air would like to share some tips on how to care for your pet during the colder winter months:

• Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperatures drop. Of course dogs need outdoor exercise however keeping them outside for lengthy periods of time during freezing conditions can cause health hazards.
• Make sure shorter coated dogs don’t spend too much time playing outside in the cold weather. If your dog will wear a comfortable sweater during walks and outdoor playtime, we recommend it.
• Dogs and cats are safer indoors altogether. Animals left outside unattended pose the risk of being stolen or otherwise harmed.
• Look for signs of hypothermia during cold weather conditions. These include weak pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, stupor or unconsciousness. Consequences of sever hypothermia can cause neurological problems including coma, heart problems and kidney failure.
• Don’t let your pet be exposed to wind chill. If you must keep your pet outdoors, protect him with a dry, draft-free doghouse large enough for the dog to sit and lie down comfortable but small enough to keep in his body heat.
• Pets that spend more time outdoors need more food in the winter. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make sure his water is fresh as well.
• Don’t expose your pets to antifreeze. This is a deadly poison that has a sweet taste which attracts animals. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach of pets and children.

Warm winters are easier on pets

For all you snow lovers, this winter may be a somewhat of a bummer.  However, your pets may be enjoying this mild winter just fine.  Harsh and cold winters can produce threats for pets.  Some winter dangers are harmful to both humans and pets, while others such as road salt getting stuck between the pads of your dogs feet pertain solely to pets.

Even though their wild ancestors were well adapted to the outdoors, domesticated cats and dogs are used to regular indoor climates. This makes them just as vulnerable as humans are when they experience severe winter storms.  Exposure to cold temperatures during snow storms and below zero wind chills can cause hypothermia, frost bite, dehydration, lethargy, arthritis pain and the chance of catching a cold.

With colder outdoor temperatures, there is less opportunity to exercise which can dampen their mood while also increasing their weight level.  In 2009 a survey in the United Kingdom found pets, just like humans, can be susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

In order to avoid any harm to your pets, ensure they are kept indoors during winter weather and make sure to take advantage of warm days and keep your pets busy with activities to avoid boredom.

A good rule of thumb is if you are cold, most likely your pet is too.