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Your Guide to Winter Landscaping

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
poppies

It doesn’t get any cozier than winter. It’s the season for sipping hot beverages, snuggling under blankets and getting lost in books. But it can also be a hard time for your landscaping. Grass, plants and flowers can go dormant, much to the sadness of home gardeners. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy any color during the colder months.

There are ways to protect your lawn and garden before the frost arrives. You can also undertake many fun projects during the winter to help spruce up your property and liven the mood. But if you’d rather stay warm and toasty inside, you can always let landscaping professionals take over. They’ll have your yard looking its best, even as the temperatures drop.

How to Protect Your Lawn and Garden Ahead of Winter

The winter months can be harsh to the foliage on your property. That’s especially true if you live in a chilly … Read Full Post »

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How Far Do Mosquitoes Travel?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a mosquito on a leaf

Did you know that some mosquitoes stay close to their nest for their entire lives while others will fly up to three miles away? Understanding how far mosquitoes travel is more than a fun piece of trivia. It’s an important element of mosquito behavior that homeowners need to know about to keep populations of these pests low on their property.

The most important thing to remember is to act quickly when you have a mosquito infestation on your property. The most effective way to reduce mosquitoes is to work with a professional pest control service.

How Far Do Mosquitoes Travel?

How far a mosquito travels depends on its species. For example, some mosquito species, such as the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus, do not travel more than a few hundred feet away from their breeding grounds.

It’s important to note that these two mosquito species are known for spreading diseases like chikungunya, dengue and … Read Full Post »

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Are Moles Blind?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
a mole

It’s a common misconception that moles are blind. Some homeowners wonder if moles even have eyes. Moles do have eyes, and they are not blind, but they have very poor vision.

Mole eyes are very small and they are covered by their fur. Because of these factors, it’s hard to see a mole’s eyes, which is why many people wonder if they have eyes at all.

Since moles are subterranean creatures and spend most of their lives underground, their eyes have adapted to their lifestyle. Their eyes can detect light and dark, but they can not see much beyond that. Instead, they rely on their other senses to survive, such as touch and smell.

How to Distinguish Moles From Other Pests

Moles have several distinct physical features. It’s important for homeowners to learn what moles look like so that they can identify them on their property.

First, moles are small animals that typically measure between … Read Full Post »

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How To Get Rid of Rodents in the Attic

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a rat in an attic

Your home should be a place of comfort and tranquility, but a rodent infestation can quickly ruin that. If you hear the scurrying above your ceiling, rats or mice might be getting comfortable in your attic. Here are the most common signs of a rodent infestation and what you can do to make your attic less attractive to them.

The best way to deal with the situation is by letting pest control professionals take over. They have the tools and expertise to control these troublesome pests and restore peace in your home.

Signs You Have Rodents in Your Attic

Rat and mice infestations can grow quickly because these creatures have excellent hiding skills. They dwell in the undisturbed areas in your home, like the attic, and will typically only come out at night to find food. But even though rodent sightings are rare, there are telltale signs to look out for.

Feces and urine … Read Full Post »

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How To Make a Flower Bed

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

Do you want to add a beautiful flower bed to your property? The most intimidating part of this project is deciding what it will look like. When it comes to designs, colors and layout, the options are endless. The good news is that there is plenty of room for fun experimentation.

This guide will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a flower bed, annual flower bed ideas and flower bed edging ideas. For the best results, contact a landscaping specialist for help.

How To Make a Flower Bed

The first step to making a flower bed is to choose the right location on your property, and you have several options when it comes to aesthetics. A few possibilities are in your front yard, behind a pool and along the fence line in your backyard.

Flowers will not survive in waterlogged soil, so make sure you choose a spot with proper drainage, or … Read Full Post »

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How High Can Rats Jump?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a rat on a windowsill

Did you know that rats are excellent jumpers? These pests may be known for climbing and scavenging; however, they are also extremely agile.

The best way to keep rats out of your home is to identify and block all potential rat entry points into your house. Working with a professional pest control service is the best way to cover all of your bases with these pests. An expert can identify all rat entry points for you, including the ones that most homeowners do not think about. If you already have a rat infestation, working with a pest control service is much more effective than trying to control the rat colony on your own.

How High Can Rats Jump?

Rats are known for being excellent climbers, but many homeowners don’t realize that they are also skilled jumpers. Rats can jump up to four feet high. In particular, roof rats can jump and climb their … Read Full Post »

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Identifying & Controlling Anopheles Mosquitoes

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
an anopheles mosquito

It’s important for homeowners to know the difference between anopheles mosquitoes and other mosquito species, especially when it comes to their appearance and habits. Luckily, there are several ways to tell anopheles mosquitoes apart from other species.

If you have a mosquito problem on your property, it’s best to call a pest control specialist.

Identifying & Controlling Anopheles Mosquitoes

Anopheles mosquitoes differ from other species in several ways. First, their bodies are slimmer and they often position themselves at an angle. While other mosquitoes remain parallel to the ground at rest, anopheles mosquitoes perch at a 30 or 45-degree angle. They also keep this exact position when feeding on humans and animals.

Their angled position makes their body shape look like an arrow. In general, their bodies are much smaller than other mosquito species. Anopheles are black or dark brown in color, and they have three body sections: the head, thorax and abdomen.

Anopheles mosquitoes … Read Full Post »

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Do Roaches Die in the Cold?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
a roach on its back

A roach infestation is every homeowner’s nightmare. These pests are extremely resilient and can live for a long time. They are also very hard for homeowners to control on their own.

Many homeowners notice a decline in roach activity during the winter and wonder if the cold got rid of the population. While roaches do not like cold weather, they have ways of surviving it.

Roaches enjoy living indoors, but they may also infest your yard. An outdoor roach infestation should still be taken seriously.

Finally, understanding the signs of a roach infestation, such as spotting roaches on the wall, is important for homeowners. Bringing in professional pest control services is the best way to reduce roach populations.

Do Roaches Die in the Cold?

Homeowners with an annoying roach infestation often hope the pests will be gone as soon as the temperatures drop. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. While roaches do not like … Read Full Post »

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Can You Dethatch and Aerate at the Same Time?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
a lawn

The key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant and beautiful lawn is proper maintenance. That includes dethatching, aerating and overseeding your lawn at the right times. Many homeowners want to know if they can dethatch and aerate their lawns at the same time, and the answer is yes.

However, there is a particular order to follow for the best results. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to dethatch and aerate your lawn so it looks beautiful all year.

Next, it’s highly recommended to aerate your lawn before overseeding. Overseeding is adding new seeds to your existing grass to fill bare patches or increase grass density. Aerating your lawn beforehand improves soil-to-seed contact, which helps the seeds germinate and develop strong root systems.

Finally, there are two categories of lawn aeration tools: spike and plug aerators, also known as core aerators. Figuring out which type is best for your lawn depends on your … Read Full Post »

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How To Build a Pergola

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
a pergola

If you are a fan of spending time outdoors, consider giving your backyard an upgrade with a pergola. A pergola is a customizable outdoor structure with vertical pillars and horizontal beams.

Pergolas have various uses that can be tailored to match your needs, the style of your home and the landscape. Adding a high-quality pergola to your backyard can even give you more usable space for summer BBQs.

Plan Your Pergola Design

Before you start building your pergola, decide on your design. There is ample inspiration to help you dream up your ideal pergola online.

Some pergolas are simple and modern; others are more ornate and traditional. Consider the size of your yard, the shade it can provide and the overall style of your home when choosing your pergola design.

Choose the Right Location

A level area with ample room will be best for setting up the pergola. Consider your home’s layout and any other outdoor … Read Full Post »

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