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Carpenter Ant Queen: Behavior and Identification

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a carpenter ant queen

Do you know how to tell a carpenter ant queen apart from other ants? While all ant species share several similarities, carpenter ant queens have a few distinctions that make them stand out.

Carpenter Ant Queen: Behavior and Identification

The easiest way to identify carpenter ant queens versus other carpenter ants is by their size. Carpenter ant queens can grow up to an inch in length, which is much longer than worker carpenter ants, which range from one-fourth to one-half of an inch.

Next, much like other ant species, carpenter ant queens can range in color. Most of them are reddish-brown but can be black, dark brown and yellow. Their color makes them hard to distinguish from other types of ants, so it’s important to use other factors to identify them.

For example, carpenter ant queens are known for having wings until they reach adulthood, which is a distinguishing factor. Female carpenter ants use … Read Full Post »

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How to Identify Possums Versus Opossums

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

What is the difference between possums versus opossums? These animals have many similarities, and mixing up their names is easy. However, there are major differences between each species, and homeowners need to be able to identify possums versus opossums.

The first major difference between these pests is their geographical location. They also have several differences in appearance and behavior.

Contact a pest control specialist if you’re dealing with an opossum problem on your property. They can find the opossum’s shelter and help you put prevention measures in place to deter them from returning.

How to Identify Possums Versus Opossums

Do you know the differences between possums versus opossums? While these critters are very similar, there are a few key differences you can use to tell them apart. The major one is where they live. Possums are native to Australia, while opossums, pictured above, are native to North and South America.

Keep reading to learn about … Read Full Post »

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Take-All Root Rot: Symptoms and Causes

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
take all root rot

For anyone who adores their yard, take-all root rot is one of the worst things to deal with. This disease puts all your time and hard work to waste, causing weak and dead patches in your yard.

If you’re worried about take-all root rot taking over your yard, here are the first signs to look out for. Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. If take-all root rot in your yard has gotten out of hand, don’t despair. A lawn service professional can restore it to its former glory. You can also schedule regular maintenance to ensure your yard is in tip-top shape.

Take-All Root Rot Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Root rot is a fungal disease that mostly affects warm-season grasses like bermuda, St. Augustine and zoysia grass.

Causes

This lawn condition is caused by a fungus that lives in soil. It is most commonly found in grass that looks diseased but can also … Read Full Post »

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Best Grass for Shade in Texas

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Zoysia grass

While having a shaded property is ideal in the sweltering heat of the summer, it’s not the best for growing grass. Home gardeners know how hard it is to grow luscious grass under trees and other shaded areas. But before you call it quits, knowing that some grass types have no problem thriving in the shade is helpful.

If you’re dealing with patchy or bare spots on the shaded parts of your lawn, try switching to these grass types. However, the best thing you can do for your lawn is to contact a professional. A lawn care specialist can make your grass look beautiful in the sun or shade.

Best Types of Grass That Do Well in the Shade

While Bermuda grass is a popular choice for lawns in Texas, it’s not the best choice for shaded areas. These types of grass are better suited for your property if it gets less sun.

Zoysia

Many … Read Full Post »

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Ground Moles: Identification Guide

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a ground mole

Do you know how to identify moles? These pesky creatures live most of their lives underground, making a mole sighting rare for homeowners. However, it’s important for homeowners to understand mole behavior.

You can try several at-home remedies to deter moles from entering your yard. However, once the moles are there, you need to work with a pest control specialist to control them.

An expert will have the right tools and expertise to deal with the problem. They can also help you implement prevention methods to minimize the likelihood of moles coming back in the future.

Ground Moles: Identification Guide

Did you know that ground moles are mammals? These critters feed on grubs, worms and insects and can ingest 60 to 80% of their body weight daily.

Because they eat bugs, ground moles are incredibly beneficial to the ecosystem. However, that doesn’t mean that you want them living on your property.

Ground moles live in tunnels … Read Full Post »

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Interior Paint Ideas for Your Home

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
paint swatches

Do you want to paint your home’s interior but are unsure how to choose the perfect color? Several factors should be considered when choosing a paint color, such as the room you are painting, the mood you want to set, the rest of your decor and furniture and more.

Choosing a paint color can be fun but difficult. However, once you make your choice, you can make the task easier by hiring a handyman to do the painting for you. A professional paint job is guaranteed to look great, saving you time and hassle.

Interior Paint Ideas for Your Home

Choosing the right paint color can transform a room. For example, a simple coat of paint can make a small room feel larger and more open. Lighter shades reflect natural light and create the illusion of space, which is why interior designers recommend light colors for tight spaces.

On the other hand, paint colors … Read Full Post »

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What to Know About Replacing Siding on a House

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
vinyl siding

Many homeowners take the siding on their house for granted, sometimes even forgetting it’s there. We often don’t realize its importance to our house’s structural integrity. It protects the home from sneaky pests and outdoor elements, and improves insulation. It also makes a massive difference in your home’s looks, as it is the most visible part of the exterior.

While vinyl, fiber cement, brick and wood sidings are durable, they’re not indestructible and will eventually need replacing. If you’re wondering if your house needs new siding, we’ll cover the signs you need to look out for and how you can perform the task. However, replacing the siding on your house is a complex project that takes up a lot of time and should be done by a professional.

Let a professional handyman do the job. With their tools and expertise, your home’s new siding will look flawless.

Replacing the Siding on Your House: … Read Full Post »

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What To Do About Bed Bugs in Your Furniture

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a bed bug

As their name implies, bed bugs love your bed. They hide in your mattress seams, bed sheets and headboard. While they usually stay near the bed, you can still find bed bugs in your furniture. These pests are no thicker than a credit card and can squeeze themselves through tiny cracks and openings.

If you suspect you have bed bugs at home, here are some signs to look out for and measures to control them. However, the best solution is to call in pest control specialists. These pros have the tools and expertise to control the bed bug population in your home so you can get your beauty rest again.

Signs You Have Bed Bugs in Your Furniture and What You Should Do

Bed bugs are small, flat and wingless insects that are around a quarter of an inch long. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed but will swell … Read Full Post »

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How To Identify Red Fire Ants

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a red fire ant

Do you know how to identify red fire ants? These pests are stealthy, and they can inflict pain with their bites. It’s important for homeowners to understand what they look like, where they nest and how they behave so that they can get in front of a red fire ant problem.

While working with a pest control company is the best way to deal with a red fire ant colony, there are prevention measures that homeowners can take to help deter these pests from their homes.

How To Identify Red Fire Ants

Fire ants are a major nuisance for homeowners, so it’s important to learn how to identify red fire ants to deal with an infestation. However, identifying these pests goes beyond knowing what they look like. It’s helpful to be able to recognize their behaviors and nest patterns.

Red fire ants are known for their reddish-brown bodies and large eyes. Their bodies have … Read Full Post »

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Types of Mosquito

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
Aedes mosquito

Did you know that there are over 3,000 types of mosquitoes? While they share several similarities, some mosquito species have unique factors that homeowners should know about. Additionally, some are more dangerous than others when it comes to transmitting diseases.

Types of Mosquito: A Homeowner’s Guide

In the southeastern region of the United States, there are several types of mosquitoes that homeowners should know about. It’s important to know which mosquito species you’re dealing with because some types of mosquitoes are more likely to transmit diseases to humans and animals.

Aedes Mosquitoes

The Aedes mosquito, pictured above, is one of the most common types of mosquitoes in the southeast. Unlike several other mosquito species, they are known for their daytime activity. They are an aggressive type of mosquito and can make enjoying the outdoors difficult. The Aedes mosquito is small and black, and its body is covered in white stripes.

Aedes mosquitoes can transmit several … Read Full Post »

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