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Signs of Rodent Infestation After a Freeze

. Posted by • Houston

Signs of Rodent Infestation After a Houston Freeze — Here’s What Houston Homeowners Should Know

Hard freezes don’t hit Houston very often. But when they do, something predictable happens about a week later: homeowners start noticing signs of rodent infestation. Scratching in the attic. Scratching in the attic at odd hours. Droppings in the garage that weren’t there before. Chew marks are showing up in places you’d never expect.

The freeze itself isn’t when people notice. They’re too busy worrying about pipes and staying warm. It’s afterward—once life goes back to normal—that the evidence shows up. If you’re dealing with this right now, you’re not alone. And if you haven’t seen anything yet, this is actually the perfect window for rodent control before another cold snap rolls through.

What Makes Freezes So Bad for Rodent Problems

Rats and mice do just fine outdoors most of the year in Houston. They burrow under … Read Full Post »

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Yard Fungus: Identification, Treatment and Prevention

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Yard fungus is common in Texas and often signals underlying lawn stress rather than a surface-level issue. Identifying the disease early and addressing moisture, soil and maintenance problems is key to restoring and protecting your lawn.

Is yard fungus taking over your property? As a Texas homeowner, it’s important to understand how to identify, treat and prevent the most common types of lawn fungus. 

Yard fungus is common in Texas for a couple of reasons. First, fungus thrives in heat, humidity, drought cycles and compacted soil. These are all elements that are abundant throughout the Lone Star State. 

While yard fungus may seem like a small issue at first, it can point to larger underlying turf problems. Fungus is a common symptom of turf stress. These include poor drainage, overwatering, improper mowing, nutrient imbalance, compacted soil and other issues that impact the health and … Read Full Post »

Palm Tree Care: A Complete Guide for Healthy Palms in Texas

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a palm tree

Palm trees are staples of many Texas landscapes, but they require a different approach to care than traditional shade trees. While palms can thrive in the Lone Star State, challenges like extreme heat, high winds and storm exposure make proper maintenance very important.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to care for palm trees the right way in Texas, including how to water, fertilize and trim them. 

This guide also includes expert insights from J Zambo. J is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services and has over 20 years of experience. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.

Palm Tree Care Basics: What Every Palm Needs

There are two crucial aspects of caring for palm trees: 

  • sunlight requirements
  • soil requirements 

When these environmental needs are met, palm trees can thrive in Texas.

Sunlight Requirements

Most palm trees thrive in … Read Full Post »

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DIY Pest Control Solutions: Pros and Cons

. Posted by in • Houston

Home Pest Control Solutions

DIY Pest Control Solutions: Pros and Cons

Pest control is critical to maintaining a safe and healthy home environment. Common household pests, such as ants, spiders, cockroaches, termites, rodents, and wildlife, can cause significant damage and pose health risks.

While professional pest control services offer comprehensive solutions to these pest problems, many homeowners consider tackling pest issues on their own. However, it’s important to be aware of the additional cost that may arise if DIY methods are ineffective or if the bug problem worsens.

Professional service may provide more thorough treatment and protection for your family and home, addressing not only common pests but also issues like bees and other challenging infestations.

Understanding DIY Home Pest Control Solutions

DIY pest control involves using over-the-counter products and homemade remedies to manage and eliminate pests. These solutions range from traps and baits to natural deterrents and chemical sprays and can also include … Read Full Post »

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Tree Damaged by Storm? What to Do Next

. Posted by in • Austin
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Storms can cause a range of damage to trees, from broken limbs and leaning trunks to bark loss and root instability. Assessing the damage and knowing when to call a certified arborist can help preserve the long-term health of your trees.

As a homeowner, any damage to your trees can feel stressful. However, tree damage caused by a storm creates complex questions that you may not be prepared to answer. What do you do next, and how do you help your tree without causing more damage?

This comprehensive guide to tree damage by a storm will help you understand what to check, what to avoid and how to know when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Expert Insight

This guidance comes from J Zambo, ABC’s … Read Full Post »

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The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Homeowners

. Posted by in • Houston

The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Homeowners

As a homeowner, maintaining your property goes beyond just cleaning and repairs. One critical yet often overlooked aspect of home maintenance is regular pest inspections. Pests can wreak havoc on your home, posing health risks, causing structural damage, and leading to expensive repairs. This article explores the importance of regular pest inspections, the benefits they offer, and the best practices to ensure a pest-free environment.

Pest infestations can cause significant damage to your property. Termites, for example, can compromise the structural integrity of your home, while rodents can gnaw through electrical wires, creating fire hazards. Early detection and pest control measures are essential to prevent pest infestations from escalating into more severe problems.

Regular pest inspections can help property owners save money by identifying issues before they become major concerns. Addressing a small pest infestation early on is much more cost-effective than dealing with … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Water Bill So High?

. Posted by in • Austin
a person's hand with a calculator and a bill

Key Takeaways

  • Water bill spikes are usually caused by hidden leaks or changes in household water use.
  • Running toilets and slab leaks are two of the most common culprits.
  • When in doubt, calling a licensed plumber can help prevent damage and avoid higher utility bills.

When homeowners see a sudden spike in their water bill, it can often lead to finger-pointing and frustration. Maybe your water pressure isn’t as strong as it used to be, or your toilet won’t flush all the way.

Most of the time, a higher water bill comes down to two things:

  • A hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing
  • A recent change in how much water your household uses

If you have kids home from college, guests staying over or a new garden that you’re watering more, you may also … Read Full Post »

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How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

. Posted by in • Houston

Wildlife-Friendly Garden

How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is a rewarding endeavor that enhances your outdoor space while supporting wild creatures. By incorporating local flora, providing protection, and creating diverse habitats, you can transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary for birds, pets, and other nature wild creatures. A well-designed wildlife garden not only beautifies your surroundings but also contributes significantly to the health of your local ecosystem.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to create a thriving wildlife habitat in your outdoor space, ensuring that it becomes a haven for various forms of nature and wild creatures. From feeding birds and supporting natural varieties to providing food for other insects and slow worms, you’ll learn how to make your garden wildlife-friendly.

By growing natural varieties, you create natural habitats that cater to the needs of wild creatures. Local Flora are crucial as they provide … Read Full Post »

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How Often Should You Water a New Tree?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Planting a new tree is a great investment for your yard, but it requires careful maintenance. Many fail because of improper watering, so it’s important for homeowners to learn how often they should water their new trees.

This comprehensive guide includes a clear watering schedule for new trees, tips for adjusting to factors like the Texas heat, rainfall and soil types. It also includes signs that your tree is getting too much or too little water.

Finally, keep reading for expert insights from J Zambo. J is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services and has over 20 years of experience. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.

Why Proper Watering Is Critical for Newly Planted Trees

Unlike established trees with strong roots, newly planted trees have limited root systems. New trees rely entirely on the moisture in the surrounding soil to … Read Full Post »

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How to Prepare Your Pool for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

. Posted by in • Houston

Winter Pool Preparation

How to Prepare Your Pool for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thoroughly Clean Your Pool Before Winter

As the temperatures drop and the swimming pool season comes to a close, preparing your pool for winter is essential to ensure it remains in excellent condition for the next season.

Properly winterizing your above-ground pool or inground pool helps prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures, reduces maintenance in the spring, and prolongs the life of your pool. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to winterize both above-ground pools and in-ground pools, ensuring your pool is ready for the off-season.

Start with a thorough cleaning to remove debris and ensure a clean pool. For saltwater pools, adjust the water chemistry with pool shock and add shock to kill algae and bacteria growth.
Next, lower the water level to just below the skimmer and ensure you remove the remaining water from the pool pipes … Read Full Post »

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