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What Is a MERV Rating?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a thumbnail from the video featured in this blog

Have you heard of the MERV rating? It’s a system that measures the effectiveness of air filters at removing particles like dust and allergens. It’s helpful for homeowners to understand this rating system so they can choose the right air filter for their home. For more advice on selecting and replacing your air filters, contact an HVAC specialist.

What Is a MERV Rating?

The term MERV rating stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value Rating, and it’s a system for measuring the effectiveness of an air filter in removing particles from the air. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, indicating filter efficiency levels.

While a higher MERV rating sounds good, it’s not always what you want. The higher your air filter’s rating, the more particles it will catch, including dust, pollen and bacteria. Higher MERV ratings effectively trap smaller particles such as bacteria and allergens. However, a higher rating also means that less … Read Full Post »

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Mosquito Bite On Foot: Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Ankles?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
why mosquitoes bite feet

Have you noticed that you get more mosquito bites on your feet and ankles than anywhere else on your body? This may not be not a coincidence.  According to Alan Brown, Board Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services, there may be many reasons why mosquitoes bite feet and ankles more than other areas, including:

  • The skin around your feet and ankles are exposed 
  • There’s less wind and airflow around your feet 
  • Certain bacterias found on feet can attract mosquitoes  

First, mosquitoes bite exposed skin, and when the weather warms up and mosquitoes come out, ankles and feet are often exposed. Your feet may also be exposed, depending on what kind of shoes you wear while outside. Unlike skin covered by clothing, exposed skin is easy for mosquitoes to access.

Next, mosquitoes are not great fliers, and staying low to the ground … Read Full Post »

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Signs of Fleas in Your Bed and What to Do Next

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a white bed

Are you worried about fleas around your bed? These pests feed on animal and human hosts. If there’s a flea infestation in your bedroom, you and your pets may wake up with itchy bites.

The first step to controlling fleas around your bed is to look out for the common signs of a flea infestation. Fleas are difficult to spot, but they leave behind several tell-tale signs of their presence.

There are also steps you can take to make your home less hospitable to fleas and keep fleas off you while you sleep. However, the only way to completely control flea bites is to work with a pest control professional.

Signs of Fleas in Your Bed and What to Do Next

Fleas are very small pests that are difficult to spot. A better way to identify a flea infestation is to look for the signs of fleas. Fortunately, fleas leave plenty of signs behind, … Read Full Post »

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How Small Are Termites?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
termites

Have you ever seen a termite? These pests are hard to spot, especially since they spend most of their lives staying out of sight from humans. However, it’s still important for homeowners to learn about the appearance of termites, such as how small they are and what termites look like.

If you suspect a termite infestation in your home, contact a pest control company.

How Small Are Termites?

How small are termites? There are several species of termites, like subterranean and drywood termites, but they are all small pests. In fact, termites only range in size from one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch long. The tiniest termites are around the size of a grain of rice while larger termites are near the size of a paper clip.

While understanding the size of termites is helpful, it’s important for homeowners to know other aspects of termites’ appearance. The more you know, the easier it will … Read Full Post »

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Can Scorpions Climb Walls?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a scorpion

Merely looking at the body shape and appearance of scorpions, one might think they can’t scale vertical structures like walls. But that is not true.

Just like other arachnids, scorpions can climb any rough surface using the small pincers on their feet. These pincers, sometimes called chelae, allow them to firmly grip rough surfaces such as rocks, stucco walls and trees.

However, the fact that scorpions are great wall climbers does not mean they can climb any surface. They have difficulty climbing glass, plastic, metals and other smooth surfaces. These surfaces do not provide sufficient foothold for their pincers to latch on.

If you notice scorpions in your home, contacting pest control professionals is best. Deterring scorpions on your own can be overwhelming as these pests are resilient and difficult to locate. Pest control specialists can deal with the situation. You can even take advantage of their visit to ask other pest-related questions, … Read Full Post »

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Backyard Artificial Turf Ideas

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
artificial turf

Choosing artificial turf over natural grass is a smart move if you want a low-maintenance backyard. You still get the aesthetic look of grass but without the upkeep. You don’t have to stick to a watering schedule or worry about the best time of day to fertilize your lawn. Another perk of having artificial turf is its functionality and versatility.

While you have to be more gentle with natural grass, there are countless activities you can do with family and friends on artificial turf. High-quality artificial turf is durable, lasting up to 12 or 15 years, even with heavy use.

Here are some backyard artificial turf ideas to help you maximize your outdoor space. You can also ask the help of a lawn care specialist to install artificial turf in your backyard and perform regular maintenance to keep it in pristine shape.

Creative Projects for Homeowners

Your backyard might not be visible like your … Read Full Post »

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How to Maintain Artificial Turf

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
artificial turf

A lush lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but it can quickly become a nightmare because of the maintenance requirements. From weeding to watering to mowing, it can get overwhelming for a busy homeowner. That’s where artificial turf comes in. You get the same aesthetic without devoting as much time, effort and money to maintenance. You also don’t have to worry about the best time of day to fertilize your lawn and other technicalities.

However, artificial turf still needs regular TLC to keep it looking its best and last as long as possible. If you’re wondering how to maintain artificial turf, here are some of the best care tips to help you maximize your investment. A lawn care specialist can help you install artificial turf and keep it in pristine condition for many years.

How to Maintain Artificial Turf

If you’re tired of spending your free time caring for your lawn, you’ll be glad … Read Full Post »

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Do Opossums Dig Holes?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
an opossum

There’s nothing more frustrating and puzzling than leaving your yard pristine at night, only to find holes the next day. These mysterious holes could be in your yard, outside your garage, under your deck or around your fence. If you’re wondering what creature is causing this havoc, opossums might be to blame.

With their white faces, pink noses and beady eyes, these animals might look innocent. However, they have capable paws that can do some damage. If you suspect opossums are the culprit behind the unsightly holes around your home, contact the experts. Wildlife control specialists will confirm the presence of opossums on your property and take the necessary measures to deter them. These pros also help you with other problems, like how to get rid of mice in your garden.

Do Opossums Dig Holes? Here’s What You Should Know About These Marsupials

Do opossums dig holes? Are they responsible for the mess … Read Full Post »

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Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a water filtration system

These days, chemicals are everywhere, making health a top concern. It can be hard to know what is okay to consume. Even drinking water carries risks because of synthetic chemicals like PFAS. But before you get too worried, know there are ways to ensure your water at home is chemical-free.

If you want peace of mind, let a professional assess your water quality at home. They can then install a water softener or water filtration system and provide regular maintenance to ensure the unit functions effectively. They can also help you understand why water quality is important.

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS? Everything You Need to Know

PFAS or per- and polyfluorinated substances are man-made chemicals that have been around since the 1940s. They are typically used to make water-resistant or non-stick consumer products. They are also present in firefighting foams and used in various industrial operations.

Here are some common products that can … Read Full Post »

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How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are powerful tools in the kitchen, making it easier for homeowners to clean up after meals. But for all their usefulness, they have one major drawback—they can get smelly. Even if you’re diligent in cleaning your garbage disposal, food particles can still build up and cause an unpleasant odor in your kitchen.

Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with any nasty smells. There are several ways to freshen up your garbage disposal and have it smell squeaky clean. In addition, keeping certain foods away from your unit will prevent clogging and unwanted odors. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, a plumbing professional can help get things moving.

Dealing With a Smelly Sink? Here Is How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better

Anything that handles waste is bound to get smelly. Garbage disposal odors usually start with a slight sour smell in the sink. If left unaddressed, the offensive … Read Full Post »

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