ABC Blog

Need for Live Animal Trapping Creeps into your Office too!

Texas is home to thriving pest populations that, when left unchecked, can damage your business. In addition to the damage they can do to your property, visible evidence of pest infestations can impact how your customers perceive the quality of your business.

ABC Commercial Services takes a comprehensive and environmentally conscientious approach to live animal trapping, pest management, termite treatment, and prevention. Staff entomologists and treating specialists ensure that your property is getting everything you need, but ONLY what you need to maintain a pest-free environment.

As members of the country’s most prestigious pest control organizations, our programs are constantly being evaluated and improved as technologies and best practices evolve.

ABC’S APPROACH TO PEST CONTROL SERVICES INVOLVES FOUR STEPS:

Step 1: Initial Inspection and Evaluation

ABC will conduct a thorough inspection of the premises by one of our trained inspectors. This will allow us to:

  • Assess the situation and identify conducive conditions for pests
  • Identify pests and any related damage
  • Evaluate … Read Full Post »

Flea Extermination Houston: 6 Common Misconceptions

Now, more than ever, fleas are becoming a problem, making flea extermination in Houston critical. 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 containing various 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! Your pet can have a flea allergy even if you don’t see fleas. 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 seven days!

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

Is Termite Control Something I Can Do On My Own?

According to the Agricultural Department at the University of Kentucky, Entomology Departments often receive more calls about termites than any other household insect.

Here are some of the top questions asked by homeowners:

Why worry about termites?  Termites cause billions of dollars in damage yearly by feeding on wood and damaging paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners. Termites can injure living trees and shrubs, but more often are a secondary invader of trees and wooded plants already in decline. While buildings may become infested anytime, termites are particularly important when buying or selling a home. Besides the monetary impact, thousands of winged termites emerging inside your home is an emotionally trying experience.

Why are infestations often discovered during March–May?  Spring is when large numbers of winged termites, known as Swarmers, typically emerge inside homes. In nature, termites swarm to disperse and start new colonies. Triggered by warmer temperatures and rainfall, the winged termites … Read Full Post »

Subterranean Termites Live in Colonies in the Soil Around your Home

Termite colonies can range in size from 500,000 to 5,000,000. Termites feed on cellulose or wood materials. Some of their food source is found in the ground, like trees, but they will also provide for your home. They work 24 hours a day and only need fractions of an inch to invade your home. The annual loss due to structural damage by termites is more than $2 billion!

STEPS TO SIGNATURE PLUS SERVICE

Detection of termite activity

ABC will inspect your home for termites, damage, and foraging (mud) tubes. We will install monitoring stations around the perimeter of structures to serve as an early warning system. You buy a security alarm to protect your home or business from human invaders. With ABC, your home has a security system to warn it from termite invasion. 

Treatment of termites

ABC will apply a liquid treatment zone in the termite’s feeding area. The materials that we use have … Read Full Post »

Houston Commercial HVAC Energy Saving Tips

Houston Commercial HVAC Systems

 A finely tuned commercial HVAC system works more efficiently and can save your Houston business from costly repairs. There are free and low-cost options for saving energy and bills that you can implement quickly into your business or facility. Some of those include:

 

  • Adjust workplace schedules to reduce energy use during the hours when there is the most electricity demand. If employees start work earlier or have lunch during the hottest hour, a company can save on air conditioning, lighting, and other electricity use during peak electricity demand.
  • Prevent solar entry and air-conditioning loss during the summer. Use shades and blinds to keep the sun out. Close doors to the outside to keep in cooler air.
  • Add controls to the exhaust fan. These fans remove the air you have already paid to cool. Ask your air conditioning contractor to install timers and switches to shut them off when unnecessary, such … Read Full Post »

How to Spot and Initiate the Proper Houston Bed Bug Treatment

Houston Bed Bug Treatment

According to the Mayo Clinic, it can be difficult to distinguish Bed Bug bites from other insect bites. In general, the sites of Bed Bug bites usually are:

Red
Itchy
Arranged in a rough line or in a cluster
Located on the face, neck, arms and hands

Some people do not react at all to Bed Bug bites, while others experience an allergic reaction that can include severe itching, blisters or hives.

When to see a doctor
See your doctor for professional treatment if you experience allergic reactions or severe skin reactions to your Bed Bug bites. Here are five signs of a Bed Bug infestation in your home.

1. RED STAINS ON BEDDING OR MATTRESS
It’s possible to kill Bed Bugs while feeding or just after you move around or roll over in bed. The red stains are left on your bedding or mattress when Bed Bugs are crushed. This is easy to see if … Read Full Post »

Spider Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

spider myths

The truth about spiders is that they are more closely related to ticks, scorpions, and fleas than insects. Nearly all spiders are poisonous, although some species’ venom is barely toxic. The silk spiders produce to make their webs is the strongest-known natural fiber on the planet. The tensile strength of a single strand is more significant than bone and about half as strong as steel. Many misconceptions and urban myths exist about spiders. Which are true and which are not?

Spider Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

For many of us, spiders are creepy crawlies we’d much rather avoid. This may be why there are many myths about spiders. Let’s look at some of the more common superstitions about these eight-legged animals.

Are Brown Recluse Spiders Deadly?

Of the 4,000 known spider species found in America, there are a few many of us are familiar with by name. One is the brown recluse spider, probably … Read Full Post »

Quick Tips to Save Money on Houston HVAC Maintenance

As energy bills rise, it’s tempting to look for a single solution that will shave off a large part of your heating bill, but there are numerous ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. With these simple and inexpensive Houston HVAC maintenance solutions, you can keep those heating bills from rising – even in the cold holiday season!

ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT

The most obvious way to reduce fuel use is to turn down the thermostat. Think of it as a valve between your fuel supplier and your wallet. For every degree you turn it down, you will use up to 3 percent less heating energy. A 10-degree setback overnight or while at work will cut your heating bill by up to 10 percent. Remember that it doesn’t take long to heat your home to a comfortable level – only about 15 minutes. Never adjust the thermostat above the desired temperature; doing so … Read Full Post »

Avoid Injuries while Hanging Christmas Lights this Season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a three-year study reporting that nearly 18,000 individuals were treated in emergency rooms for falls alone while hanging Christmas lights. It is important to note that this number only includes people who sought medical treatment at an emergency room. It is estimated that the actual number of injuries is substantially higher, perhaps two or three times this number.

Common Injuries Include:

Every year, hospital emergency rooms treat roughly 12,500 people for injuries such as falls, cuts, and shocks related to holiday lights, electrical decorations, and Christmas trees. {U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)}

Nearly 6,000 emergency room patients are seen each season due to holiday decorating falls alone (CDC).

Over 200 fire-related fatalities and injuries happen during the two days of December 31 and January 1.

Design the look you want for your home this Christmas season safely from the ground with a free quote from … Read Full Post »

Fall & Winter Seasonal Home Maintenance Guide for the South

Specific home maintenance tasks should be completed each season to prevent structural damage, save energy, and keep all your home’s systems running properly. These maintenance tasks are most important for the South in fall and winter.

Critical maintenance tasks to perform

• Get your heating system in order. Add programmable thermostats to your home; they can help save around $180 a year on your energy bills. If you have a heat pump, install a programmable thermostat specially designed for heat pumps. Programmable thermostats for heat pumps are specially designed to keep these systems working at peak efficiency. Schedule your fall HVAC checkup promptly. Ensure you have all electrical connections checked, all moving parts lubricated if necessary, and the condensate drain and trap inspected.

• Clean your gutters. In the South, you’re less likely to have ice form in your gutters than in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, debris in your gutters can easily divert … Read Full Post »