When cats are roaming outside, they like to find warm, hidden places to climb into. During the winter months, many cats will climb into a car’s engine compartment to be near the heat of a recently run engine. To avoid accidentally killing a cat when you start your car, make a habit of banging on the hood before you get in and turn on the ignition. The loud noise is usually enough to convince a cat to abandon its perch and run away to safety. And if you are a cat owner, don’t allow yours to roam outside during the winter months at all.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

While most wild animals adapt to survive even the worst of winter conditions, frogs could use a little help. Even though frogs become a bit dormant in water, when the top layer of the water freezes over, it can cut off oxygen and trap harmful gases inside. And while one might think cracking the ice manually could help them, it actually creates disruptions in the water that can harm dormant frogs. The solution? Toss a tennis ball into the water. It floats and prevents the pond from totally freezing over.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Having mold in your home can contribute to an unhealthy environment, but have you thought about testing your car? If you live in a damp environment or if your sunroof or window were accidentally left open during a storm, water inside your car can become a breeding ground for mold. To test, invest in an inexpensive mold kit from the home improvement store; it’s as simple as leaving the test inside the car overnight and sending it in for results. To remedy mold, work with a local auto detailing shop; they’ll use steam, shampoo and white vinegar to clear it all away.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION