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Identifying Flying Fire Ants Versus Termites

. Posted by in , • Houston
flying fire ants

Have you noticed small insects with wings around your property and wondered whether they are termites or fire ants?

Although distinguishing the two can be tricky, knowing which pest you are dealing with can help you better control them. If you’re dealing with any pest problems, contact a pest control professional. These experts have the knowledge and experience to tell the difference between flying fire ants, pictured above, and termites and can help you control both of these pests.

Flying Fire Ants

Flying fire ants are often known as reproductives, and they are the members of the colonies that reproduce and create new colonies. Unlike worker fire ants, who don’t have wings, reproductive flying ants’ wings allow them to move independently and take flight.
Appearance

Flying fire ants’ wings can extend twice the length of their bodies. Their body color is usually reddish-brown or dark brown. These insects possess segmented bodies with distinct head, thorax … Read Full Post »

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How To Identify Fire Ants With Wings

. Posted by in , • Orlando
fire ants with wings

Fire ants are annoying pests that can cause pain when they bite and sting. It’s important for homeowners to understand the different types of fire ants, particularly winged fire ants versus non-winged fire ants.

Fire ants with wings are the reproductive members of the colony. You may see them swarming between the spring and fall seasons when they mate. Spotting a fire ant swarm is a sign that a fire ant colony is nearby. Keep reading to learn more about how to identify fire ants with wings.

How To Identify Fire Ants With Wings

Fire ants with wings are called “reproductives” because they are the sexually mature male and female members of the ant colony that reproduce. Unlike other colony members, they have wings so they can fly away from the nest to mate and establish new colonies.

Reproductive fire ants look similar to other fire ants with the addition of wings. They have … Read Full Post »

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Are Wasps Active at Night?

. Posted by in , • Houston
a wasp

Wasps are unwelcome and aggressive pests that many homeowners find challenging. However, it is helpful for homeowners to learn about wasp behavior to control and deter infestations. One of the main questions homeowners have about wasps is whether or not they are active at night.

While wasps are most active during the day and are known to sleep at night, it is still possible to encounter wasps after dark. Homeowners should know where they might see wasps at night to avoid them.

Luckily, you can avoid being stung by a wasp at any time of the day. While wasps can sting through thin clothing, wearing thicker fabrics and covering exposed skin is one way to avoid an unfriendly encounter.

If you have a wasp infestation on your property, leave it to the experts. Contact a wasp and bee control service if you have any issues with wasps.

Are Wasps Active at Night?

Homeowners need to … Read Full Post »

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Can Ants Smell Food?

. Posted by in , • Houston
two ants on a rope

Homeowners who have experienced an ant infestation often want to know how ants got into their home, and one way is through scent. Ants can smell food and use their sense of smell to guide them to a food source.

Along with their sense of smell, ants also use their sight and taste to locate a food source. They even use their antennas to find food and communicate with their colony. Once ants discover an abundant food source in your home, it doesn’t take long for the rest of the territory to arrive.

Another unique thing about ants is that they do not sleep for long periods. Instead, they take short naps throughout the day, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. This allows them to recharge and continue the task of finding food. Homeowners should understand that they can encounter ant activity all day and night because of this … Read Full Post »

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Do Bats Hibernate?

. Posted by in , • Orlando
a bat in a tree

Bats are intriguing creatures to learn about. They’re known for their echolocation capabilities and being nocturnal by nature.

Bats possess incredible talents, which could be vital in survival situations like natural disasters. But have you ever considered whether bats hibernate like other mammals do?

Hibernation is an instinctual behavior used by animals during winter to conserve energy and survive harsh conditions. Of the over 1,400 bat species globally, only some hibernate. When they do, they might find comfort within your home or nearby spaces such as backyard sheds or treehouses.

Do Bats Hibernate?

During the winter months, when food becomes increasingly scarce, bats enter a state known as torpor. Their heart rates and breathing slow, their metabolic rates diminish, and body temperatures decrease to conserve energy and resources.

Hibernation allows bats to survive winter weather by tapping into their fat reserves while resting. However, not all species hibernate; some fly south, searching for warmer climates … Read Full Post »

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Ideas for a Drought-Tolerant Front Yard

. Posted by in • Houston
a home's front yard

Most areas in the United States experience drought to some extent, with climate change and water shortages worsening the dry periods. While water conservation has never been more crucial, it doesn’t mean you should let your front yard dry out and wither away. With drought-resistant techniques, you can maintain lush greenery around your home without wasting resources.

Here are some landscaping tips that can help no matter how hot and dry it gets in your area.

How To Create a Drought-Tolerant Front Yard

Front yards can consume much water, especially if it has turf grass that needs irrigation. You can create a drought-tolerant front yard and reduce water consumption by growing water-wise plants that thrive in dry conditions. Let’s go through some drought-tolerant landscaping ideas.

Plant Groundcovers

You don’t have to maintain a massive lawn. You can reduce its size and plant groundcovers instead. The roots will prevent soil erosion, and the flowers will add … Read Full Post »

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What Do Flea Larvae Look Like?

. Posted by in , • Houston
a flea on skin

If you have furry pets long enough, you will likely encounter fleas. Fleas are incredibly well adapted to living with humans, and the odds are they will find you and your pets at some point.

Your pets can get fleas even if they never leave the house. Fleas are very well adapted to living with us and can come in from outside by various methods:

  • They can hitch a ride inside on pets or rodents.
  • They can hop in through an open door or window.
  • They can come inside through air ducts or unsealed cracks.
  • They can come in on used clothing or upholstered furniture.

Flea Larvae

Fleas follow a typical life cycle. Flea eggs hatch as worm-like larvae an eighth to a quarter of an inch long after one or two weeks. They’re actually more extensive as larvae than adult fleas. The larvae are whitish and often have brown heads. You’ve probably never noticed flea larvae … Read Full Post »

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What Is the Species of Wasp With Long Legs?

. Posted by in , • Orlando
a paper wasp

There are over 100,000 species of wasps, making it hard for homeowners to tell them apart and identify which species are taking up residence on their property. However, some wasps are known for their extra-long legs that set them apart from other species.

If you have a wasp problem on your property, the best thing you can do is call in professional help. Contact a pest control specialist if you are dealing with a wasp infestation.

What Is the Species of Wasp With Long Legs?

The type of wasp known for its long legs is the paper wasp species. These wasps are also known for having very slender bodies. Their bodies typically measure one to one and a half inches long and have thin waists separating their thorax and abdomen.

Paper wasps also have two pairs of elongated wings. The first pair is slightly longer than the second. They are usually brown in color … Read Full Post »

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Mosquito Repellent Plants in Texas

. Posted by in , • Houston
a group of mosquitoes

In Texas, mosquitoes can be irritating, whether you’re spending time outdoors or trying to enjoy your peaceful garden. However, Texas is home to many species of plants that can help repel mosquitoes.

Some plants release oils into the air that mosquitoes find unpleasant, which may help keep them away from your home.

Additionally, certain types of flora also provide an environment unsuitable for mosquitoes to bother you. These plants may soak up excess water, and since mosquitoes prefer still water sources to lay their eggs, they will make their homes elsewhere.

While professional pest control strategies are the best way to control mosquitoes, a few plants in Texas can help you avoid unwanted pests.

Citronella

Citronella is one of Texas’s most well-known plants used to ward off mosquitoes. It works by masking the smells of your skin and emitting an unpleasant aroma for mosquitoes.

Citronella plants are heat and drought-tolerant. They grow well in most parts … Read Full Post »

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How to Design a Sprinkler System

. Posted by in , • Houston
a sprinkler in a yard

When it comes to having the lawn of their dreams with lush flower beds and a perfectly manicured yard, many homeowners have to make a choice between spending their time maintaining their lawn or finding a way to automate a lot of the care.

With our hot summers, a sprinkler system seems like a perfect solution. Watering your yard can take hours every week, and missing even one day can damage your lawn on sweltering days. It can mean you take twice as long the next day to make up for the day you missed. Sometimes even that isn’t enough to save your plants.

Sprinklers are the obvious solution. Oscillating sprinklers that arc back and forth overhead are quiet but must be moved regularly. These sprinklers do a great job covering a rectangular patch evenly, but that’s all they do. They can’t be tuned for oddly shaped areas and don’t move from … Read Full Post »

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