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How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches: Advice For Homeowners

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches

If you’ve found a roach in your home, you may be worried about what comes next. Roaches are a common sight in Texas, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less alarming to see in your home. Seeing one means it’s time to take action to control these pests and help curb future issues.

For more insight into cockroach behavior in Texas homes, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. According to Brown, several species are especially common across the state.

“German, American and smoky brown cockroaches are all common in Texas.”

Brown explains that homes are attractive to roaches because they offer everything these pests need to survive.

“Homes provide roaches with all the things they need … Read Full Post »

How Long Do Bed Bugs Live?

. Posted by in , • Austin
a bed bug

Unfortunately for Texans, bed bug activity is high throughout the state. These pests are notoriously hard to control, and you may have a lot of questions and concerns, like how long do bed bugs live? 

To get expert insight, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Adult bed bugs can live up to a year in perfect laboratory conditions, in the real world that is generally much shorter.”

Brown explains that under ideal conditions, a bed bug’s typical lifespan is around six to twelve months. Ideal conditions include a warm environment, access to a blood meal and plenty of hiding spots.

However, they can also survive for months in cooler temperatures and without feeding, which contributes to why they’re often hard to control.

Many areas of Texas stay … Read Full Post »

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Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in , • Austin
a dog in grass

Texas has a high mosquito population, especially in our state’s warm, humid regions. While these pests are a long-time nuisance for humans, you may also wonder if your dog has to deal with them. Do mosquitoes bite dogs, or are our pets protected by their fur?

The short answer is that yes, mosquitoes bite dogs. Fur helps, but it’s not always enough to keep your pet from getting bitten. Here’s a closer look at why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to help prevent them from pestering your pets.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

You may be surprised to learn that mosquitoes bite dogs just as often as they bite humans and other mammals. 

For more information about why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to protect your pet, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Read Full Post »

Bed Bug Feces And Other Signs Of An Infestation

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Bed bug feces on white fabric

Bed bug feces are often one of the earliest and most reliable signs of a bed bug infestation. The dark brown or black ink-like dots are often tricky to spot but can be found with careful inspection. Early detection is especially helpful in Texas, where warm weather can allow bed bugs to reproduce quickly.

For more insight into what bed bug feces look like and where they’re commonly found, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Bed bug feces are digested blood. The fecal spots are black liquid and look very much like ink spots.”

He explains that these spots are typically found close to where bed bugs live and feed, including:

“Bedding, night stands, head boards, … Read Full Post »

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How To Identify Termite Damage Versus Wood Rot

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
termites in dirt

In Texas, moisture is more than just an annoyance, it can be an open invitation for termites. The combination of humidity, high heat and seasonal storms leaves homes exposed to elements that can damage and deteriorate them. Wood faces an additional threat: termites.

This leaves many homeowners wondering if the damage they see is caused by rot or termites. Being able to identify termite damage versus wood rot is important, because each issue requires a different approach.

It’s common for homeowners to mistake the two because they share similarities, even as a mature colony eats away at a home’s structure. Termites can quickly become an expensive problem if you don’t address them effectively.

What Causes Termite Damage?

Termites cost homeowners billions of dollars in damages annually. Texas has the ideal climate for them to thrive. Plus, termites are notoriously good at finding entry points that are hard to see with the naked eye.

Two main … Read Full Post »

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A Homeowner’s Guide To Termites In Texas

. Posted by in , • Austin
A group of termites on wood

The Lone Star State has a lot going for it. However, like any other part of the world, homeowners have a unique set of challenges specific to this region and climate. An unfortunate example is the destructive termite.

These tiny pests might not seem scary, but they cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage across the country every year. And since Texas is one of the more desirable locations for people and termites, this poses an issue for homeowners who don’t want to see their homes become a snack for these pests.

If you’ve discovered signs of termite activity in your home, or if you’re concerned you might have an underlying termite problem, this can be a scary moment. People invest a great deal of time and money in their homes. It’s the foundation for your family and your entire life. So what do you do now?

This guide helps Texas homeowners recognize … Read Full Post »

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How To Spot Signs of Termites in Your House

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

Key Takeaways

  • Termites often cause serious damage before homeowners notice them.
  • Early signs include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, frass and discarded wings.
  • Don’t disturb termite activity. Document what you see and call in a licensed pro.
  • Annual inspections and moisture control are the best ways to prevent future damage.

Termites are destructive pests that often wreak havoc quietly. Homeowners may not notice any damage until the situation becomes severe, and the speed at which termites can chew through a home is shocking. Even a “smaller” colony of 60,000 can eat one-fifth of an ounce of wood a day, meaning this “small” colony can go through more than two feet of wood a year.

That might not sound like a lot, but remember that termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage every year. … Read Full Post »

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Venomous Spiders in Texas

. Posted by in • Austin
a black widow spider

The Lone Star State is known for its diverse wildlife. This variety extends beyond animals like wildcats and armadillos. It also means that homeowners need to watch out for venomous spiders in Texas. 

Many people aren’t big fans of spiders, but it’s important to keep in mind that few spiders commonly found in Texas pose any real risk. Most of them, like the southern house spider, would simply rather be left alone and aren’t much of a threat. 

However, black widow, pictured above, and brown recluse spiders are concerning species to have on your property. Learn how to identify these venomous spiders in Texas, how to prevent them and what you should do if you encounter them.

What Texas Homeowners Need to Know

A Texas homeowner should know that managing spider populations starts with knowledge and prevention. The good news is that out of the roughly 900 species in Texas, only two of them … Read Full Post »

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Early Signs of Termites

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Early signs of termites

Key Takeaways

Early termite signs are easier to spot than termites themselves—watch for mud tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding wood and discarded wings. Quick detection helps prevent expensive structural damage.

As a homeowner, you spend time and effort keeping up with the maintenance of your home. Unfortunately, there’s a pest that can quietly cause extensive damage: termites.

Termites create big problems wherever they go. They’re responsible for costly and extensive damage to homes all over the country, but in Texas, they’re even more of an issue because of our climate. 

While termites prefer to stay hidden, they leave behind evidence of their presence that is easier to spot if you know what to look for. Most homeowners find signs of termites before they ever see a termite themselves. Noticing the signs of termites can help you … Read Full Post »

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What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Mouse droppings in a bathroom cabinet

Do you know what mouse droppings look like? Being able to identify them is an important part of spotting a mouse infestation. 

Keep in mind that DIY methods can help keep mice away, but they won’t control an existing infestation. For that, it’s best to work with a pest control company who has the experience and knowledge to control these pests.

What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

Did you know that one of the signs of a mouse infestation is spotting their droppings around your home? Mice are nocturnal creatures and are skilled at steering clear of danger, so it’s more common to see the signs they leave behind than the actual rodents.

That being said, it’s helpful for homeowners to understand what mouse droppings look like, where you might find them and what they can tell you about a potential mouse infestation.

The easiest way to describe a mouse dropping is that it’s black … Read Full Post »

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