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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 »

Your Comprehensive Guide to Transplanting Trees

. Posted by in • Austin
a thumbnail from the video in this post

What is tree transplanting, and how do you do it successfully? Tree transplanting is when you move an established tree from one location to another. You can transplant trees to a new location on the same property, or move them to entirely new properties. 

In this blog, learn the when and why behind tree transplanting, as well as how to do it successfully without damaging the tree. 

Transplanting a tree is a completely different process from planting a new tree, and there are special considerations to keep in mind in Texas, such as heat, periodic droughts and soil conditions. It’s crucial to follow the right steps and bring in professional help.

This blog also includes expert insights from J Zambo, Lawn and Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services. With over 20 years of experience, he is an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.

Common Reasons Homeowners Choose Tree … Read Full Post »

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Tree Damaged by Storm? What to Do Next

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

Key Takeaways

Storms can cause a range of damage to trees, from broken limbs and leaning trunks to bark loss and root instability. Assessing the damage and knowing when to call a certified arborist can help preserve the long-term health of your trees.

As a homeowner, any damage to your trees can feel stressful. However, tree damage caused by a storm creates complex questions that you may not be prepared to answer. What do you do next, and how do you help your tree without causing more damage?

This comprehensive guide to tree damage by a storm will help you understand what to check, what to avoid and how to know when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Expert Insight

This guidance comes from J Zambo, ABC’s … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Water Bill So High?

. Posted by in • Austin
a person's hand with a calculator and a bill

Key Takeaways

  • Water bill spikes are usually caused by hidden leaks or changes in household water use.
  • Running toilets and slab leaks are two of the most common culprits.
  • When in doubt, calling a licensed plumber can help prevent damage and avoid higher utility bills.

When homeowners see a sudden spike in their water bill, it can often lead to finger-pointing and frustration. Maybe your water pressure isn’t as strong as it used to be, or your toilet won’t flush all the way.

Most of the time, a higher water bill comes down to two things:

  • A hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing
  • A recent change in how much water your household uses

If you have kids home from college, guests staying over or a new garden that you’re watering more, you may also … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Toilet Running?

. Posted by in • Austin
a running toilet

Key Takeaways

Running toilets are common and can waste hundreds of gallons each day. Use this guide to spot the signs, understand the most likely causes and know when to bring in a plumber.

A toilet that constantly runs can cause all kinds of issues for your household. The sound is annoying, but it can also cost you money. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, which can add up fast.

Unfortunately, running toilets are very common. Any issue that allows water to leak from the toilet’s internal system can cause that nonstop flow. 

Below, we go into the most common causes and how homeowners can identify them, along with when it’s time to call in a plumber.

Quick Checklist

Use this short to-do list to help you figure out what might be going … 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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Interior Paint Finishes: Do They Matter?

. Posted by in • Austin
paint brush in paint

Are interior paint finishes really that important? The answer is yes, it matters which type of paint finish you choose. 

Different paint finishes create different looks and durability levels, so it’s important for homeowners to have all the facts before choosing one.

Interior Paint Finishes: Do They Matter?

Getting ready to paint your walls? Here’s a pro tip: don’t skip interior paint finish. Most homeowners focus on their paint color choice, but can overlook the importance of the paint finish they select.

A room’s paint finish not only makes a difference in how your paint color looks, but it also impacts the durability of your paint job. Plus, there are more types of paint finishes than you might realize, so it’s important to choose the right one.

Some of the most common include:

  • Flat or matte paint finish
  • Velvet paint finish
  • Eggshell paint finish
  • Satin paint finish
  • Read Full Post »
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