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Texas A&M Agrilife Extension IPM Program

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Where do we find our inspiration? It begins here.

If you’ve used our pest control services before, you understand the thoroughness and attention to detail that define our approach. However, you might not be as familiar with the theory and technique behind our unique pest management protocols. Much of the work that we do is based on the insights and achievements of the folks at Texas A&M University’s IPM program.

What Is IPM?

IPM stands for “integrated pest management.” It’s an innovative approach to pest control that focuses on sustainable, long-term solutions to the underlying issues that allow pests to thrive. It’s not simply about killing as many pests as possible and hoping that they don’t return. It’s also not about using hazardous chemicals that make it difficult for any living things to survive in the affected areas. According to Texas A&M, IPM seeks to “eliminate pest problems by strengthening and stabilizing the … Read Full Post »

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Bobby Jenkins Spoke at AARO Rally to Promote School Attendance

. Posted by in • Austin

School Attendance Affects Everyone

Do you have kids? If you do, you understand how important the issue of school attendance can be. After all, every day a kid spends in school is a day they’re learning a new skill. It’s also a day they’re not getting into trouble out on the streets. Unfortunately, central Texas has a pretty serious problem with preventable school absences. That’s why Bobby Jenkins (pictured far left), the president and CEO of ABC Home & Commercial Services, recently spoke at an event to raise awareness of the issue.

Who’s Bobby Jenkins and What Did He Say?

As the president of ABC Home & Commercial Services, Bobby Jenkins inspires and guides the highly skilled employees and technicians who have worked for this family-focused business since its beginning. He’s also fully committed to the welfare and prosperity of folks across central Texas.

At a September 3 rally hosted by the E3 Alliance, … Read Full Post »

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ABC Named “Best Pest Control” in Austin Chronicle

. Posted by in • Austin

Service with a smile really does get you noticed

At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we’ve been taking care of our customers since our founding. Homeowners and business owners across the Austin area have been good to us, and we make sure to give back whenever possible. That’s why it’s so gratifying to hear that we’ve been named among the best pest control services in the city by the Austin Chronicle.

Why Are We the Best?

Talk about a loaded question. According to the Chronicle, the “60+ years ABC has been tending to Austin’s residential and commercial needs have given them a definitive advantage over the pests that plague us.” It’s true that our experience is a real asset. We currently employ several generations of pest control specialists, each of whom can learn something from the others.

The Chronicle goes on to say that “the new generation of bug busters [at ABC] continues the … Read Full Post »

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What Is A Good SEER Rating For Your New AC?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
what is a good seer rating

Are you in the process of buying a new AC unit? When looking for a new air conditioning system, you’ll probably be presented with a lot of different air conditioner types. Do you want a central AC system? Do you want a programmable thermostat? What brands do you prefer?

Another factor you might be asked to consider is the energy efficiency of your air conditioner. You’ll see that every AC system comes with a SEER rating. This is a term that is somewhat new for many customers and an aspect of the selection process we’d like to help others understand better.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a gauge of the efficiency of a particular air conditioning unit. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.

Now, this doesn’t mean that a higher rated unit will be able to reach cooler temperatures than a unit with a lower SEER … Read Full Post »

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Texas A&M Is Protecting Texas Bees: How Can You Help?

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station

Learn about Texas A&M’s Beekeeping Clinic and what’s next for Texas bees

Over the past decade, bee colonies have experienced troubling population declines across the world. The problem has affected central Texas’s bees as well, and local apiaries worry that they won’t be able to support themselves indefinitely. With its recent beekeeping clinic and other efforts to support local beekeepers, Texas A&M University is doing its part to help. You can do yours as well!

 

A Recap of the 2014 Texas A&M Beekeeping Clinic

On June 7, Texas A&M University Held its annual Summer Beekeeping Clinic. Held right here in Bryan and hosted by Texas A&M University Assistant Professor of Apiculture Dr. Juliana Rangel, the clinic aimed to educate amateur beekeepers, beekeeping professionals and concerned citizens about how to care for bees and how to protect them from environmental hazards that can reduce their numbers. The clinic included a hands-on demonstration from Bill … Read Full Post »

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How To Lower Humidity In A House During The Summer

. Posted by in • San Antonio
How To Lower Humidity In House

If you live in Texas, you know the summers can be unbearably humid. You expect humidity when you go outside, but it’s a miserable experience to come home and have to deal with the humidity indoors, as well.

On top of just being uncomfortable, humidity negatively impacts several parts of your home. High humidity contributes to the growth of mold and mildew, damages the wood and paint on your home’s interior and even reduces the energy efficiency of your air conditioner. If you’re tired of your home feeling balmy and unpleasant, taking extra steps towards reducing the humidity in your home is worth it. It will save you money, too! Read on for tips on how to lower humidity in a house during the summer.

Use A Dehumidifier

Wondering how to control humidity? One popular method is by introducing a dehumidifier into your home. You can find portable dehumidifiers at most hardware or appliance … Read Full Post »

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Why Do Raccoons Have Masks?

. Posted by in • Austin
why do raccoons have masks

You might confuse a raccoon for a small pet if you come across one in your yard. While these outdoor pests may not look fierce, they can cause quite a bit of damage to your yard and can create a big mess if they get into your trash containers. One reason we tend to associate raccoons with mischief is the mask that covers most of their face.

Why Do Raccoons Have Masks?

You might think that between the destruction, theft and spreading of disease blamed on this furry animal, raccoons might wear masks to prevent being identified in a police lineup. After all, their damage could be deemed criminal activity under the eyes of the law. One theory, though, is that the black fur under the raccoon’s eyes reduces glare and enhances the nocturnal raccoon’s vision when it’s dark outside.  Another theory is that the different patterns of each animal’s mask help raccoons recognize … Read Full Post »

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600 Miles of Roots

. Posted by in , , • Bryan-College Station

Untangling the fuzzy facts about pampas grass

Pampas grass has a mixed reputation, and rumors around lawn care circles allege that just one clump produces a root mass that can unravel to a length of more than 600 miles. If you drove that distance east from the Bryan-College Station area, you’d make it to the Florida panhandle. What else should you know about this unusual ornamental?

Are Those Fronds Friend or Foe?

The sight of a Texas sunset through those feathery plumes adds a special beauty to the evening, but early settlers saw them as something more practical. Pampas grass was imported from South America to feed grazing herds. This plan proved to be mistake, but the plant’s rooting tenacity and efficient reproduction techniques made it a permanent part of the landscape. The flowers are dioecious, which means that each shrub is either male or female, and all it takes is one gentleman … Read Full Post »

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Signs Gas Oven Not Heating Properly and What To Do About It

. Posted by in • Austin
Gas oven not heating properly

Few things are more frustrating for the home cook than having food turn out unexpectedly bad. Burnt edges, raw centers, undercooked meats and uneven browning can ruin a meal that took precious time to prepare.

Signs Your Gas Oven is Not Heating Properly 

Anyone can have an off day, but if these problems are consistent, they can leave you wondering if there is a bigger problem. If you’ve been using the same gas oven successfully for months or years and suddenly experience cooking difficulties, your oven’s failing heating element, digital controls or other components could be to blame. Here are five signs that can help you recognize uneven or inconsistent heating.

One or Both Elements Don’t Produce Heat

It seems like an obvious problem, but anyone can get in a hurry and not realize that one of the heating elements in your oven is not igniting. If your food isn’t turning out as expected, … Read Full Post »

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Can Termites Spread Through Clothes?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Can termites spread through clothes

Termites are a big threat to your home. How do these dangerous pests find their way onto your property? Can termites spread through clothes? Learn more about termites, their preferred habitats and their behavior so you’ll be better equipped to protect your home against the menace of these wood-munching insects.

Can Termites Travel in Clothes?

The biggest questions homeowners usually have about termites is how they spread. Since termites look similar to ants to the untrained eye, many of us assume termites travel in the same way ants do. That might mean they could crawl into your suitcase while you are packing or hitch a ride in your gym bag when you set it in your garage before you leave.

The truth of the matter is that most of the serious damage done to a home by termites is linked to the subterranean species. These termites prefer to stay close to the soil, as … Read Full Post »

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