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Why Every Dog Hates July 4th
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If you have a dog, it’s obvious.
The fireworks start popping off and your dog goes crazy.
He won’t go outside.
He won’t calm down.
He’s twice as likely to have an accident in your house.
So here are a few tips for emergency pet stain removal.
- Remove as much of the liquid urine as possible with a wet vacuum or shop vac.
- Absorb what’s left with paper towels or a towel. Put a weight on top of the towel.
- After you’ve removed as much of the urine as possible, treat it with a neutral PH spotter.
- Pour water on the area and extract the water with a wet vacuum.
- If the stain or odor is still there, call a professional as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.
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Tips on keeping mosquitoes and flies away during your backyard parties
We think everyone can agree, one of the least enjoyable things about summer-time in Florida (besides the humidity) is the unofficial bird of the south- the mosquito. But don’t let them stop you from enjoying your outdoor parties! We’ve rounded up some of the best advice for keeping those pesky, biting creatures away.
- One of the most important things that you can do is get rid of any standing water in the yard. Even the smallest amount of fresh water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you have a pool, then you have an advantage- mosquitoes stay away from the chlorine! So, make sure the pool has plenty of chlorine and that the pump is working properly, and you will be bite-free while you swim.
- Hire an exterminator to examine the hard to reach places, like your gutters, that could be hidden breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Treat your yard the day before your outdoor party with a form of backyard pretreat to kill and prevent bugs from being attracted to your yard. Additionally, you can plant natural repellent in the backyard. Plants such as garlic, mint, and rosemary are supposed to help keep the bugs from being attracted to the area. As a bonus, you can use these herbs when you cook!
- Did you know that mosquitoes are actually attracted to your feet? The mosquito that carries the Zika virus has been found to be attracted to the lower half of your body, and they are especially drawn to sweat and bacteria which makes your toes a treat for the biting pests!
- Mosquitoes are drawn to darker colors. So, if you’re spending the day outdoors, ditch the dark colors and break out your pastels! Wearing light-weight clothing, such as linen, that covers your arms and legs are another tip for keeping you from looking like a tasty treat.
- One of the most effective ways at keeping the bugs away is to use a repellant containing DEET. DEET is not harmful to children if used properly, so make sure you follow the label. If your party extends into the evening, use mosquito repellent lanterns. Try finding some that contain geraniol, it has been shown to keep the mosquitoes away even better than the citronella candles do.
- A tip that is both practical to use in the summer heat as well as helpful for keeping the bugs away is to use an oscillating or ceiling fan! The wind makes it more difficult for the bugs to fly.
- Finally, try keeping a dryer sheet in your back pocket. It has been said to be a deterrent to flies and mosquitoes, it’s worth a shot!
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Tips From the Pros!
Create a vacuum schedule
Have you ever wondered if vacuuming really makes a difference?
Removing soil when it’s on the surface, before it gets tramped down, is the first
and most important step in carpet maintenance. Use slow, repetitive motions that overlap (about four swipes), ensuring you get right up to the edges where dust, pollen and pet dander like to accumulate.
How often do you need to vacuum?
That answer may surprise you. Generally once a week with a CRI-certified vacuum is a good place to start, but depending on how frequently the area is used, you’ll likely want to do it more often. For example, high-traffic or pet areas should be vacuumed daily, medium-traffic areas require about twice a week and light-traffic areas can be done once a week. Just as you wouldn’t wear a shirt over and over again without washing it, you don’t want to go too long between vacuuming your carpets.
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Creating the perfect outdoor space: In 3 Easy Steps!
- Create Conversation Areas with High Quality, Comfortable and Stylish Seating
- Add a Pop of Color
- Provide Areas for Shade
With the hottest part of the year quickly approaching, everyone is looking for the perfect outdoor space to entertain. Following these 3 steps will help you get all of the basics down and turn your patio from blah to beautiful! Once you've got the basics, you can add those unique finds that make the space unique.
*TIP: When picking colors, try to stick with darker neutrals or earth tones, this will help disguise the dirt and keep your furniture looking newer longer
Learn more at: http://sitamontgomeryinteriors.com
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