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How Many Mice Is Considered An Infestation?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
How many mice is considered an infestation

So you’ve found mouse droppings, gnaw marks on your furniture, cardboard boxes and plastic storage bins that have been chewed through and other signs that point to the presence of mice in your home. Maybe you’ve even seen an actual mouse somewhere inside your house, or at least heard the telltale scratching and squeaking sounds of rodent activity within your walls.

Whatever signs you’ve spotted, something has alerted you to the possibility that mice are living in your home, and now you’re wondering whether you’ve got just one or two of the unwanted little rodent pests or a full-blown infestation. How many mice is considered an infestation? It’s a good question to ask, as the answer will inform you as to the scope of your mouse problem and what you need to do next.

The question “How many mice is considered an infestation?” is a bit complicated to answer. If you … Read Full Post »

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If One Room Has Bed Bugs, Do They All?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a bed bug

If you’re like most people, discovering bed bugs in your home is nothing short of a nightmare. Maybe you brought them back home after traveling, or they hitchhiked in on used furniture. However they arrived in your home, bed bugs multiply quickly, so they need to be controlled fast, before their population explodes. But, how difficult will it be to get rid of them? If one room has bed bugs, do they all?

The short answer is that it’s possible there are bed bugs in more than one room in your house. It depends on your living habits, how long the bed bugs have been there, how extensive the infestation is and how you respond to their presence once you find out about them.

Identifying Signs of Bed Bugs

True to their name, bed bug infestations usually begin in your sleeping quarters. These small, brown insects are about the size and color of … Read Full Post »

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Furnace Is Not Kicking on When Temperature Drops

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a home

The coming of the colder months means digging out your scarves, gloves and jackets from the depths of your closet so you can stay toasty. It also means preparing your home for the cold weather and ensuring it doesn’t take any damage. That includes checking on your home’s HVAC system. If the furnace is not kicking on when temperatures drops, it can lead to a number of issues. Not to mention, you’ll be uncomfortably cold.

If you want to make your home as warm and cozy as possible, here are some ways to troubleshoot a furnace that won’t turn on. If all else fails, contact an HVAC specialist. An HVAC specialist will have your furnace running smoothly again so you can enjoy the cold months to the fullest.

Furnace Not Kicking on When the Temperature Drops? Here’s What To Do

Several factors can prevent a furnace from turning on despite a temperature drop. … Read Full Post »

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Do Mice Sleep?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a mouse

If you think you have mice at home, it can be hard to confirm your suspicions. You might hear their squeaking and scurrying, but it’s rare for homeowners to see these sneaky pests in action. That’s because their sleeping habits help them stay concealed from people and grow their population without us knowing.

Here’s everything to know about mice, including the answer to the question: “Do mice sleep?”

It is best to contact pest control professionals if you suspect or have discovered a mouse infestation on your property. They have the tools and expertise to control these rodents.

When and Where Do Mice Sleep?

Just like humans, mice need to sleep. But their sleeping patterns are different from ours. When these pests are active in a home, mice are typically nocturnal creatures, meaning they’re active at night. However, that can change depending on their environment and when their predators are active.

Mice in the wild … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Water Heater Making Noises?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a technician working on a water heater

Do you hear strange noises coming from your water heater? Whether it’s a rumbling sound, a hiss, popping or high-pitched whistling, these noises will have homeowners scratching their heads.

Each type of noise a water heater makes could indicate an underlying problem in your plumbing system. Once you identify the type of noise coming from your water heater, contact a professional plumber to make the necessary repairs.

Why Is My Water Heater Making Noises?

Water heaters often make strange noises when they have maintenance issues or need repair. There are several noises that a water heater could make, so it’s important for homeowners to understand them and what each noise means so that they can take the proper action.

Staying on top of water heater maintenance is the best way to ensure that your water heater has a long lifespan and your home doesn’t experience a lack of hot water. Keep reading to learn … Read Full Post »

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Do Crane Flies Eat Mosquitoes?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a crane fly

You’ve seen them flying around the porch at night. They look like enormous mosquitoes. Their bodies are an inch long or more, and their long, spindly legs can be three inches across. They’re crane flies, but they have a lot of names.

Common names for crane flies include:

  • mosquito hawks
  • skeeter eaters
  • gallinippers
  • gollywhoppers
  • Texas mosquitoes

Some people are put off by their size; others think they’re giant mosquitoes. Crane flies do look like Jurassic mosquitoes, after all. There is a large mosquito called the gallinipper, but it’s nowhere near the size of a crane fly. Just to add to the confusion, many people like to see them around because they think they eat mosquitoes.

What Exactly Are Crane Flies?

There are over 15,000 species of crane flies. They’re classified in the order of “true flies,” like mosquitoes, but they’re in separate families. That’s why they look so much alike, but that’s where the similarities end.

So they’re not mosquitoes, … Read Full Post »

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When To Replace Your Water Heater

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a water heater

When water heaters run correctly and efficiently, they operate in the background of your home and make your life easier without you having to think about it. However, when water heaters start having problems, they can become a major headache.

The top question that homeowners ask about their water heater is how they will know when it’s time to replace it with a new model. Luckily, there are several signs to look for, such as an uptick in your energy bill, leaks, weird noises, inconsistent water temperature and more.

Some homeowners also experience a rotten egg smell coming from their faucets or water heater, which is a sign of damage inside their water tank.

Lastly, leaking from the side panel of your water heater is usually due to your temperature pressure relief valve releasing, which is a crucial safety mechanism.

If you experience any of these issues with your water heater, it’s important to … Read Full Post »

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How To Test Water Quality

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a shower head

Water is part of our everyday lives, so we often don’t pay much attention to it. But, it is important to find out if the water in your home is clean and safe. It should be free of chlorine, lead and other impurities.

Homeowners on municipal water should receive a Confidence Consumer Report for their water’s quality. You can contact your local water supplier if you are not getting your annual water quality report. You can also test your water yourself. Doing so will take a little effort, but your body will thank you later.

If you don’t know how to test water quality, here is everything you need to know about the process.

How To Use a Water Home Testing Kit

If you are worried about contaminants in your water, a home testing kit can provide accurate results. They come in various forms, depending on what you are testing for. They can be … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Thermostat Flashing Cool On?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a thermostat on a wall

Air conditioners have one job—to give you cool air so you can stay comfortable. While that may sound straightforward, there’s a complex system inside each unit, and various things can go wrong. Sometimes, the thermostat can act up, too.

A thermostat flashing “cool on” is a typical problem homeowners face. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you troubleshoot your AC and thermostat issues. But remember that the best solution is to call an AC professional who can do the job effectively.

What To Do When Your Thermostat Is Blinking “Cool On”

Why is your thermostat flashing “cool on”? This operation mode means your AC is starting to do its job. It’s a safety delaying measure that lets the AC system prepare. It also protects the compressor and prevents the unit from short cycling.

The flashing is usually nothing to worry about unless it keeps going after several minutes. If that’s the case, there might … Read Full Post »

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My AC Is Not Cooling Enough

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
An AC vent

Is your AC not cooling enough? It can be frustrating when your air conditioner has been on for hours, but the room is still not cold enough. There are many reasons why your AC isn’t working as it should. It could be a simple issue like a clogged air filter or dirty evaporator coils. But, it could also be a more complicated problem, like a faulty compressor or damaged wiring.

Here are some ways to troubleshoot the situation. But, keep in mind, the best way to have your AC running smoothly is to get help from an HVAC specialist. You can avoid AC nightmares and enjoy cool air all year round with routine maintenance.

Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling

When your AC isn’t blowing out cold air, the first thing to do is check your thermostat’s controls. If it is in the heat setting, switch it to cool. But, if it is already … Read Full Post »

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