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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 »

Types of Flying Cockroaches in Florida

. Posted by in • Orlando
an American cockroach which is one variety of flying cockroach in Florida

Key Takeaways

  • Florida is home to several cockroach species capable of flight, including American, smoky brown, Cuban, and Asian cockroaches
  • American cockroaches (palmetto bugs) are the largest, growing up to two inches — they can fly but usually glide rather than take sustained flight
  • Smokybrown cockroaches are actually stronger fliers than American roaches and are strongly attracted to light, which is how many end up inside homes
  • Flying cockroaches don’t bite or sting, but they do spread bacteria and trigger allergies — so a sighting warrants action, not just a scream
  • Sealing entry points, fixing moisture issues, and replacing white outdoor lights with yellow bulbs can reduce infestations significantly
  • If flying roaches are showing up regularly, professional treatment is the fastest way … Read Full Post »

How To Identify Different Ant Species in Texas

. Posted by in , • Houston
a crazy ant which is one ant species in texas

Key Takeaways

  • Texas has more than a dozen ant species, and Houston deals with most of them. Warm, humid conditions make Greater Houston one of the most active ant environments in the country.
  • Tawny crazy ants are an invasive Houston problem. This species invades electrical equipment and is nearly impossible to control without professional treatment.
  • Color alone won’t identify an ant. Behavior, nesting habits, and body shape tell more than appearance, especially when several species share similar coloring.
  • Pharaoh ants are the most common indoor species in Texas homes. Standard sprays split their colonies and make infestations worse — not better.
  • Carpenter ants and termites are often confused. Knowing the difference matters: they require completely different treatments.

Common Ant Species … Read Full Post »

Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Musty?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
An air register that's blowing air from a musty air conditioner

Key Takeaways

A musty smell coming from your air conditioner is usually caused by moisture buildup, clogged drain lines or mildew growth. While some fixes like replacing your air filter can be done on your own, ongoing odors are best handled by a professional HVAC technician.

Have you noticed an unpleasant, musty odor in your home when you turn on the air conditioning? It may smell like dirty socks, a damp odor or another foul smell. 

You’re not imagining things. There are a number of reasons why your AC can create a musty smell in your home. Even if the smell isn’t too strong, it’s important not to ignore it. The odor can eventually lead to bigger problems, such as poor air quality, mildew and low efficiency. 

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about musty air conditioning odors, including causes and fixes. Additionally, … Read Full Post »

What Causes Cockroaches in Your House?

. Posted by in • Houston
a cockroach climbing up a wall

Key Takeaways

  • Cockroaches don’t just invade dirty homes — any Houston house with accessible food, moisture, or entry points is at risk.
  • German cockroaches are the most common indoor species and spread fast; a single female can produce more than 200 eggs in her lifetime.
  • Larger species like American cockroaches typically live outdoors and enter homes through gaps, pipes, or worn weatherstripping.
  • Sealing entry points, eliminating standing water, and storing food in airtight containers are the most effective prevention steps.
  • If roaches are spotted regularly — or you notice musty odors, droppings, or egg cases — it’s time to call a professional.

What causes cockroaches? It’s a good question whether a Houston home already has a problem or just wants to … Read Full Post »

How to Get Rid of Ants in Houston: Complete Control Guide

. Posted by • Houston

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Houston’s subtropical climate means ants stay active almost year-round, with peak pressure in spring (March–May) and fall (September–October).
  • Species identification is the most critical step before treating — pharaoh ants split when sprayed, tawny crazy ants resist most consumer insecticides, and carpenter ants require a completely different approach than fire ants.
  • The Texas A&M Two-Step Method — broadcast bait first, mound drench second — is the most effective homeowner-level approach for fire ant control, best applied in spring or fall.
  • Tawny crazy ants are established across Harris County and are attracted to electronics and electrical systems, causing appliance and wiring damage that store-bought products cannot address.
  • For pharaoh ants, tawny crazy ants, carpenter ants with structural damage, or any infestation inside wall voids, professional treatment consistently outperforms DIY.

Houston homeowners deal with ants differently than people anywhere else in the country. It’s not just the sheer number of species here — it’s that several … Read Full Post »

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Water Heater Making a Popping Noise: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
water heater making popping noise

Is a noisy water heater causing you trouble? The first thing to know is that noises coming from your water heater are normal, but they can point to maintenance needs. 

As a homeowner, you might notice that the noises get worse when your water heater’s burner is on. This is also normal, but it’s important to understand what’s going on.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater popping noises, how to diagnose what you’re heating, DIY fixes and when it’s time to call in a professional. 

It also includes expert insights from Michael Marugo, ABC Home & Commercial Services’ Plumbing Division Operations Manager and a licensed plumber with over 30 years of experience in the plumbing service industry.

Is a Popping Noise Dangerous?

If your water heater is making a popping noise, it can indicate a sediment buildup or an overheating risk. Over time, these issues can reduce your water heater’s efficiency … Read Full Post »

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Florida Carpenter Ants: Controlling An Infestation

. Posted by in , • Orlando
Florida carpenter ant on damaged wood

How to Get Rid of Florida Carpenter Ants

Orlando homeowners searching for pest control solutions often discover carpenter ants after noticing tiny piles of sawdust along baseboards or in attic crawl spaces. Learning how to get rid of carpenter ants starts with proper identification—confirming that the insects are actually Florida carpenter ants, not termites or another species.

Florida carpenter ants have a brown to rusty orange-colored head and thorax, with the bottom half of their bodies being black. This ant grows a circular ring of golden hairs around its abdomen. Antennae are bullet-shaped and segmented into 12 parts. Workers measure in at about a quarter of an inch to a half of an inch in length, while winged swarmers and the queen can reach up to three-quarters of an inch long.

If the ants on a … Read Full Post »

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How To Tell if Termites Are Active

. Posted by in • Houston
white termites in soil

Key Takeaways

  • Fresh mud tubes indicate activity — Moist, soft mud tubes that get repaired after breaking signal an active subterranean termite colony. Dry and crumbly? Old damage.
  • The mud tube test works — Break off a small section and check back in 2-3 days. If it’s rebuilt, they’re still using that pathway.
  • Clicking sounds reveal colonies — Soldier termites bang their heads against wood when disturbed. You might hear faint clicking inside walls at night.
  • Swarmers indoors = established colony — Finding winged termites inside your home means a mature colony’s already there. That’s a red flag.
  • Fresh frass confirms drywood activity — Tiny pellet-shaped droppings near wooden items? They’re actively feeding. Time to act.
  • Old damage looks different — Brittle … Read Full Post »
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