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How Does DEET Work?

. Posted by in • Houston
how does DEET work

We are drawn to the outdoors during the warmer months of the year. Unfortunately, these times of year are also the peak months for mosquito activity. We often reach for insect sprays and other repellents to avoid the itching and discomfort associated with mosquito bites and protect ourselves from the risks of dangerous diseases such as the West Nile and Zika viruses. One of the most common ingredients in insect repellent is DEET. How much do you know about DEET and how it keeps these pesky pests away?

How Does DEET Work?

Before discussing why DEET is an active ingredient in most sprays designed to keep mosquitoes and biting fleas, chiggers, no-see-ums, and ticks from biting us, let’s learn more about this chemical and why it gets mixed reviews.

What is DEET?

DEET is a clear or faintly yellow liquid chemical compound known as diethyltoluamide and is short for N, N-Diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide. DEET was first developed … Read Full Post »

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Everything You Need to Know About Stink Bugs in Texas

. Posted by in • Houston
Stink Bugs Texas

More than half of the animals found on Earth are insects. Of the 100,000 species native to the United States, more than 1/3 are found here in Texas. In fact, Texas has more different species of insects than any other state. One insect that is still relatively new to Texas’ list of critters is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. Although this pest isn’t from here, let’s explore everything you need to know about dealing with stink bugs, Texas-style.

Everything You Need to Know About Stink Bugs in Texas

Originally from Asia, this bug is widespread on the East Coast of the United States but arrived in Texas just a few years ago. And while this bug isn’t known for biting or harming its human neighbors, the stink bug is known for the unpleasant odor it releases when disturbed or crushed.

What do Stink Bugs Look Like?

The stink bug is actually relatively easy to … Read Full Post »

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Check Out ABC’s Ultimate Houston Lawn Care Guide [FREE DOWNLOAD]

. Posted by in , , , , • Houston
Houston Lawn Care Guide

Keeping your grass, plants, and trees healthy and well-maintained can be challenging. First, you have to have the time to dedicate to your lawn. You must also ensure you have the right equipment and everything is working. Finally, you need the expertise to know which types of plants work best in which environments, how often to water, and how to spot signs of lawn pests and diseases. For homeowners in southern states, the warm climate, lack of rainfall, and intense sun make it even more challenging to care for your outdoor spaces.

ABC’s Ultimate Houston Lawn Care Guide

ABC Home & Commercial Services is dedicated to making homeowners’ lives easier. Our lawn care technicians, landscaping experts, pest control pros, and sprinkler system specialists have compiled their best advice and tips into the Ultimate Houston Lawn Care Guide. This 8-page downloadable PDF resource includes sections on:

  • Lawn Care Seasonal Calendar
  • What Kind of Grass Is Best For My Lawn?
  • All You … Read Full Post »
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The Ultimate Lawn Care Tips Guide From The Experts at ABC [FREE DOWNLOAD]

. Posted by in , • Austin, Bryan-College Station, Corpus Christi, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Orlando, San Antonio
Lawn care tips

Keeping your grass, plants and trees healthy and well-maintained can be a challenge. First, you have to have the time to dedicate to your lawn. You also need to make sure you have the right equipment and that it is all in working order. Finally, you need the expertise to know which types of plants work best in which environments, how often to water and how to spot signs of lawn pests and diseases. For homeowners in southern states, the warm climate, lack of rainfall and intense sun make it even more difficult to care for your outdoor spaces.

ABC’s Ultimate Lawn Care Guide

ABC Home & Commercial Services is dedicated to making homeowners’ lives easier. Our team of lawn care technicians, landscaping experts, pest control pros and sprinkler system specialists have compiled their best advice and tips into the Ultimate Lawn Care Guide. This 8-page downloadable PDF resource includes sections on:

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How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Pool

. Posted by in , , • Houston
How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Pool

There’s nothing like having a pool in your backyard, especially during the dog days of summer. On a hot day, it’s so nice to get into your swimsuit and take a refreshing dip. But wait – there’s a snake in the pool. How did that get there? How do you get rid of it? How can you keep snakes out of your pool?

How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Pool

There are only two camps for snakes – you either tolerate or hate them and want them to go away. But unfortunately for members of the latter camp, snakes are a fact of life in the Southwest. There are actually 76 species of snakes in Texas alone. Most are not poisonous, but you don’t want to find one floating in your pool or jumping out at you or your family from around the pool’s edge when you’re least expecting it.

What attracts … Read Full Post »

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The Wolf Spider: What You Need To Know If You See One

. Posted by in • Houston
Wolf Spider Texas

According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, almost 900 species of spiders are found in Texas. Only two, however, are considered poisonous to humans: the black widow and the brown recluse spider. While there is much to learn about the danger associated with the two aforementioned spiders, there is another, more commonly seen spider in Texas. You also may not know much about the wolf spider.

What You’ll Learn:

  • What Should I Do If I See A Wolf Spider?
  • What Do Wolf Spiders Eat?
  • Where Do Wolf Spiders Live?
  • How Do Wolf Spiders Reproduce?
  • Are Wolf Spiders Poisonous?

What Should I Do If I See A Wolf Spider?

How likely are you to come across a wolf spider in Texas? An old saying is, “you’re never more than five feet from a spider.” Although this has been disproved, the truth is that there are spiders all around us, and there are 238 species of wolf spiders in Texas … Read Full Post »

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How To Kill Mosquito Larvae In Pool

. Posted by in • Houston
How To Kill Mosquito Larvae In Pool

Having a pool means having a built-in destination for relaxation, fun, and entertainment. Unfortunately, having a pool also means that you may attract some uninvited guests to your backyard oasis: mosquitoes. Keep reading to learn more about how to kill mosquito larvae in your pool and how to keep these pesky pests away.

Swimming Pool Mosquito Control Tips

The months of the year that are ideal for swimming are also prime time for mosquitoes. You will likely encounter these bloodsucking creatures if you’re anywhere near a pool or body of water during the warmer months. You may ask yourself: Do swimming pools attract mosquitoes? Since both water and humans attract mosquitoes, unfortunately, the answer is yes. You can take some steps to keep mosquitoes out so that you can enjoy your pool and backyard during the warmer months of the year.

What if you suspect there are already larvae in your pool water? The … Read Full Post »

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ABC Owners Bike Across Country For Charity

. Posted by in • Houston
Brothers Bike

Three brothers. Two charities. Four thousand miles.

Bobby, Dennis and Raleigh Jenkins, the owners of ABC Home & Commercial Services, will be cycling across the country this summer to raise money for A Child’s Hope and the Moss Pieratt Foundation.

ABC Owners Bike Across Country for Charity

The ride will start in Seattle on May 23, 2017 and end in New York City. The Jenkins brothers are biking to support two organizations that are near and dear to their hearts. You can learn more about the ride, donate and subscribe to email updates on the Brothers Bike website.

This is not the first time the ABC owners have cycled for charity. In 2008, the Jenkins brothers biked from Austin to Canada to fundraise for Caritas of Austin. Afer that trip, they set their sights on a cross-country charity ride. “My brothers and I are willing to put in the sweat equity … Read Full Post »

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Types of Rodents and Wildlife in Houston

. Posted by in • Houston
Types of Rodents

Whether their presence pops into your mind when thinking about the Lone Star state or not, Texas is home to abundant rodents and wildlife. Houston is no different. Our city is one of the state’s most populated and diverse wild animal ecosystems. The greater Houston area offers a combination of lush outdoors, bayous, and urban dwellings, which serve as the habitat for many rodents and wildlife.

Types of Rodents and Wildlife in Houston

One thing is seeing rodents or other types of wildlife when you are out and about. Spotting one of these animals in your yard will likely produce an entirely different reaction. Learn more about the types of rodents and wildlife that might make it into your outdoor spaces and the steps you can take to ensure they get out—and stay out.

Roof Rats

Rats are much larger than mice, so you’ll know the difference when you see one. Roof rats (sometimes … Read Full Post »

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Houston Bucket List, Summer Edition

. Posted by in • Houston

Temperatures are on the rise in Houston and so is the humidity. That means it’s time to start planning your Houston Summer Bucket List! Looking for a handy list of the top things to do this summer in Houston, Texas? If so, read on for all sorts of summer fun activities, tips and ideas.

Top Things To Do This Summer In Houston

Whether you’re an indoor or outdoor person, new to Houston or a longtime resident, on a budget or feeling flush, single, partnered or parenting…there’s something for everyone!

Museums and Galleries Galore

Houston is home to a thriving art gallery and museum scene, including Moody Gallery and Anya Tish Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural Science, and many more. The Museum District alone boasts 19 museums and many of them are free to enter. Enjoy the air conditioning and the educational exhibits and marvel at the beautiful winged … Read Full Post »

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