Wasp and bee stings, tick infestations, spider bites and painful stings from scorpions are common in Dallas, particularly during the summer and fall. To keep businesses and homeowners protected from dangerous pest infestations throughout the year, ABC Home & Commercial Services provides professional extermination and prevention services to the entire Dallas area. Our extensive experience in Dallas pest control equips us with the specialized knowledge needed to keep insects and spiders of all kinds at bay throughout the year.

Though many insects and spiders are relatively harmless, a select few are dangerous. Here is a list of the most dangerous pests in the area, as well as important information regarding each:

Brown Recluse: The brown recluse, known for the fiddle-shaped mark on its back, prefers dark, quiet areas and may bite if startled. Effects of a bite may include fever, chills, pain, weakness and skin lesions. If you suspect that you or … Read Full Post »

Twig girdlers are beetles that commonly attack pecan, chinaberry and mimosa trees in North Central Texas. Adult twig girdlers are easy to spot. Their long, brown bodies are anywhere from 1/2″ to 3/4″ long. Their wings are covered in orange, pink or yellow spots.

Twig girdlers are most abundant in the Dallas area between August and October. After mating, female twig girdlers will lay eggs in “V”-shaped notches they have chewed underneath branches. Newly-hatched larvae will feed on the host tree for up to two years. The larvae are not as easy to spot as the adults. This puts homeowners at a disadvantage because once the eggs are laid, adult twig girdlers will not likely hang around.

Damage is not usually noticed until the larvae have been feeding on the host tree for quite some time. Leaves will begin turning and twigs will fall. These parasites cause a great deal of harm … Read Full Post »

Bugs fascinate children; they love to watch an ant groom itself, a bee gather nectar, or a spider build its web. On the opposite end of the spectrum, adult attitudes toward insects are generally negative — the ant is a nuisance and the bee might sting!

Through these attitudes we send our children a clear, subconscious message that insects are unsafe, unclean, and unappealing. Most children adopt this viewpoint before they leave elementary school that the “only good bug is a dead bug.”

Although we work hard to rid your home of pests, we are insect lovers at heart! We see great value in what insects do for our ecosystem, and want to let you know that not all bugs are pests!

Aside from ladybugs (which are considered cute) and butterflies (they’re pretty), most insects are regarded with a certain degree of fear or revulsion. A few, like honey bees and praying mantis, may be … Read Full Post »

Now, more than ever, fleas are becoming a problem. In fact, according to a Kansas State University study, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs. That’s because when fleas feed, they inject saliva that contains a variety of histamine like compounds, enzymes and amino acids that induce hypersensitivity. So, what do pet parents need to know to protect their pets?

Here are six common misconceptions about fleas:

1. If you don’t see fleas on your pet, there’s no need to worry about a flea allergy. 
FALSE! Even if you don’t see fleas, your pet can have a flea allergy. One flea bite from a flea can cause an allergic reaction. That one bite can make the pet scratch and/or bite the affected area for 7 days!

2. When it comes to a flea, you only need to worry about a flea bite. 
FALSE! If a cat or dog eats … Read Full Post »