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The Difference Between Bed Bug And Mosquito Bites

. Posted by in • Orlando
Difference between bed bug bites and mosquito bites

Unless you live inside an air-conditioned bubble, you’re likely to find yourself scratching your skin at some point throughout the year as you come into contact with different varieties of biting insects. Both indoors and outdoors, and especially during the summer, you might have run-ins with fleas, mosquitoes, horse flies, black flies, or even—shudder—bed bugs. Bed bugs can be very difficult to get rid of, so finding suspicious, itchy welts on your skin can cause momentary panic as you try to figure out the culprit. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to tell the difference between bed bug bites and mosquito bites or the bites of other insects, as long as you know what to look for. Read on to learn about various insect bites and the signs and symptoms indicating which pesky pest has taken a chomp out of you.

Mosquito Bites Vs. Flea Bites

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What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

. Posted by in , • Austin
flea bites on a man's arm

Key Takeaways

Flea bites typically appear as small, itchy red bumps in clusters around the ankles and legs, and can often be mistaken for bites from other insects. Acting quickly and taking a comprehensive approach is the best way to control fleas.

Have you noticed itchy red bumps on yourself or your family members? Maybe you’ve noticed your pets scratching more than usual? These are common signs of a flea infestation.

To help you understand what flea bites look like, how to differentiate them from other bug bites and what to do about them, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

What Do Flea Bites Look Like on Humans?

Flea bites can look very different from person to person, so it can be difficult to determine if you’re dealing with flea bites or another type of bug bite. … Read Full Post »

I Have Tiny Black Mosquitoes in My House

. Posted by in , • Houston
a tiny black mosquito biting someone

Key Takeaways

  • Those tiny black mosquitoes are likely Aedes species — a group that includes the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, both of which are aggressive daytime biters.
  • The Asian tiger mosquito was first detected in the United States right here in Harris County, Texas, in 1985, after hitching a ride in imported used tires — making Houston ground zero for this invasive species.
  • Aedes mosquitoes are “container breeders.” Even a quarter-inch of standing water in a saucer, toy, or clogged gutter is enough for them to lay eggs.
  • Both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus can transmit Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, so activity in and around the house should be taken seriously.
  • Stop them indoors with EPA-approved products, tight window screens, … Read Full Post »

My AC Is Short Cycling: What Is Going On?

. Posted by in
an AC unit

If your AC unit turns on, runs for a few minutes, then shuts off before the house starts to feel cooler, that’s usually the first clue something is off. One common reason is AC short cycling, which means the system keeps starting and stopping before it finishes a normal cooling cycle.

At first, it may not seem serious. Cool air might still come through the vents, and the house may feel mostly fine for a while. But what you may not realize is that each restart puts stress on the system. Startup is one of the hardest parts of the cycle. Over time, that repeated stop-and-start pattern can wear parts down faster and push your energy costs higher.

In Texas, where AC systems often run hard for long stretches of time, short cycling tends to show up faster and create problems sooner. It’s helpful to know what causes it, what you can … Read Full Post »

The Complete Guide to Air Conditioner Preventive Maintenance in Texas

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

Key Takeaways

Preventive AC maintenance helps extend the life of your system, lower energy bills and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Scheduling service once or twice a year, ideally before summer, gives an HVAC technician the chance to catch small issues before Texas heat puts extra strain on your system.

In Texas, air conditioners often run eight to ten months a year, sometimes more. That means many systems are already working hard by early spring and still running deep into fall. Over time, that long stretch of use puts steady strain on major parts, especially the compressor and coils.

Extreme heat makes that workload heavier. When temperatures stay high for days at a time, the system has to cycle longer and work harder to hold a steady indoor temperature. At the same time, dust, pollen and humidity add wear in ways most homeowners don’t … Read Full Post »

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide On Your Body?

. Posted by in • Orlando
where do bed bugs hide on your body

Key Takeaways

  • Bed bugs cannot live in human hair — their legs aren’t built for gripping hair shafts the way lice are, and they prefer cooler hiding spots away from body heat.
  • Bed bugs will bite near your hairline, scalp, and neck, which is why visitors to Orlando sometimes mistake post-hotel bites for a lice problem.
  • These insects hide almost exclusively in furniture, bedding, and cracks near where you sleep — not on your body.
  • Orlando’s high hotel turnover and year-round tourism make bed bug exposure more likely here than in most cities. Knowing how to inspect a room before you settle in matters.
  • Signs of an infestation include rust-colored stains on sheets, dark droppings along mattress seams, shed skins, and clustered bite marks … Read Full Post »

Why Is My AC So Loud? A Homeowner’s Guide to Common Causes & Fixes

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
an AC vent

Key Takeaways

A loud AC unit is often the first sign that something is wrong, from loose parts and clogged filters to failing motors or refrigerant leaks. Identifying the type of sound early can help you decide whether it’s a simple DIY fix or time to call a professional.

In many parts of Texas, air conditioners run hard for most of the year. Naturally, most homeowners get used to the normal background sound of cooling. A steady hum, a brief click at startup or airflow moving through the vents doesn’t always mean anything is wrong. But when the sound changes, if it suddenly bangs, buzzes, whistles or seems louder than usual, that’s usually when people start asking “why is my AC so loud?”

Some sounds are harmless and tied to normal AC operation. Others point to parts wearing down, airflow problems or electrical issues that … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Mosquitoes Live Indoors?

. Posted by in • Houston
How long do mosquitoes live indoors

Key Takeaways

  • The average mosquito lives about two weeks indoors, though some survive up to a month under the right conditions.
  • Female mosquitoes are the only ones that bite — and after a single blood meal, one female can lay up to 300 eggs at a time.
  • Mosquitoes enter through open doors and windows, drawn indoors by warmth, moisture, and the carbon dioxide humans exhale.
  • Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and overwatered houseplants are the most common indoor hiding spots.
  • Even a small amount of standing water inside your home — in a vase, flower pot saucer, or drain — is enough for mosquitoes to breed.
  • If DIY methods aren’t solving the problem, a licensed pest control specialist can eliminate mosquitoes and the conditions … Read Full Post »

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

. Posted by in , • Austin
a thumbnail from the video

Key Takeaways

Many homeowners think mosquitoes are attracted to light, but they’re actually drawn to you. Things like your breath, body heat and scent are what attract them, so that’s where you should focus your prevention efforts.

It’s a common assumption that mosquitoes are drawn to light, but is it actually true?

To find out, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. No, mosquitoes aren’t attracted to light. Light may have a small effect on these pests, but factors like carbon dioxide, body heat and your scent are what really draw mosquitoes in. 

Since mosquitoes are attracted to people, and people are often around lights, it’s easy to see why we tend to blame light for mosquito activity. Here’s a closer look at mosquito behavior.

Why People Think Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Light

Many homeowners assume that mosquitoes are … Read Full Post »

Flying Carpenter Ants: Signs, Causes & How to Get Rid of Them

. Posted by in , • Houston
a winged carpenter ant

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Flying carpenter ants are swarmers, not strays. Spotting them means a mature colony is nearby — possibly already inside your home’s walls or woodwork.
  • They don’t eat wood, but they still destroy it. Carpenter ants hollow out galleries for nesting, weakening beams, sills, and frames from the inside.
  • Spring is peak season in Houston. Swarms typically emerge between February and June, often after warm, humid days.
  • Misidentifying them as termites is a costly mistake. The two pests look similar but require completely different treatments.
  • Moisture is the root cause. Most infestations trace back to a leak, drainage issue, or damp wood somewhere on the property.

What Are Flying Carpenter Ants?

Flying carpenter ants are the winged, reproductive … Read Full Post »