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What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

. Posted by in , • Austin
flea bites on a man's arm

Key Takeaways

Flea bites typically appear as small, itchy red bumps in clusters around the ankles and legs, and can often be mistaken for bites from other insects. Acting quickly and taking a comprehensive approach is the best way to control fleas.

Have you noticed itchy red bumps on yourself or your family members? Maybe you’ve noticed your pets scratching more than usual? These are common signs of a flea infestation.

To help you understand what flea bites look like, how to differentiate them from other bug bites and what to do about them, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

What Do Flea Bites Look Like on Humans?

Flea bites can look very different from person to person, so it can be difficult to determine if you’re dealing with flea bites or another type of bug bite. … Read Full Post »

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

. Posted by in , • Austin
a thumbnail from the video

Key Takeaways

Many homeowners think mosquitoes are attracted to light, but they’re actually drawn to you. Things like your breath, body heat and scent are what attract them, so that’s where you should focus your prevention efforts.

It’s a common assumption that mosquitoes are drawn to light, but is it actually true?

To find out, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. No, mosquitoes aren’t attracted to light. Light may have a small effect on these pests, but factors like carbon dioxide, body heat and your scent are what really draw mosquitoes in. 

Since mosquitoes are attracted to people, and people are often around lights, it’s easy to see why we tend to blame light for mosquito activity. Here’s a closer look at mosquito behavior.

Why People Think Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Light

Many homeowners assume that mosquitoes are … Read Full Post »

Water Leaking From AC Unit: Should I Be Worried?

. Posted by in • Austin
Water leaking from an ac unit

Key Takeaways

Water leaking from your AC can be caused by clogged drain lines, dirty air filters, frozen coils or a damaged drain pan. Some fixes can be handled by homeowners, but if the leak keeps coming back, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician.

When it comes to water leaking from your AC unit, it’s important to know that some moisture is normal, but active leaking is cause for concern. 

If your AC unit is actively leaking, it’s important to work with a professional to get to the root of the issue. 

For Texas homeowners, leaks are especially common due to the heat and humidity we often have. Higher temperatures and humidity levels force your AC unit to work harder to cool your home, which puts stress on the system and increases the likelihood of water leaks.

This guide covers everything you need to know … Read Full Post »

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Why Does My Washing Machine Smell? Causes, Fixes and How to Prevent It

. Posted by in • Austin
a washing machine

A washer is supposed to keep your clothes clean, so it’s frustrating when it smells bad. The good news is that a smelly washer is not a reflection of the cleanliness of your home. A musty, sour or mildew-like smell is common and can happen to any washer.

The real culprit behind your washer’s smell is moisture buildup, detergent and bacteria. Newer washers are especially susceptible to smelling because they have tighter seals that trap moisture and residue.

This guide explains why washing machines smell, what causes the odor, how to prevent it and when to use DIY fixes versus calling in a professional.

To get expert insight, we spoke with Richard Goertz, EPA-certified Service Manager of the Appliance Repair Department at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

What Does a Smelly Washing Machine Usually Smell Like?

Similar to when your dryer smells, if your washing machine smells, … Read Full Post »

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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 »

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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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