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5 Questions & Answers about Zika in Houston

. Posted by • Houston
Zika is spread by tiger mosquitoes

Zika Virus FAQ’s

Zika Virus has been in the news a lot lately. Zika is still rare in the U.S. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay informed.

The health and safety of our neighbors are what inspired the Jenkins family to get into this business over 30 years ago. Mosquitoes spread diseases like Zika, so it is part of the ABC mission to keep our customers in Harris County and beyond informed. We’ve put together a list of questions and answers about Zika, travel, and mosquito diseases.

Question: Where did Zika Virus originate?

Answer: Most sources indicate that Zika originated in Africa. That is also where the carriers of the disease, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, originated. Mosquitoes and the diseases they carry travel the world like most pests — via human transport. Chances are, a few infected mosquitoes were transported from Africa along trade routes around the world, and those insects reproduced.

The disease is … Read Full Post »

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4 Rodent Species Houston Residents Should Know

. Posted by in • Houston

Every Year NPMA declares one week in November Rodent Awareness Week.

It is important to us that our neighbors stay in the know. Rodent Awareness Week 2015 is a great time to brush up on your rodent knowledge so that you can keep your home free from rats and mice. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself and your family.

Houston has a pretty well-documented roof rat problem and has for a few years now. The wet cool months of November-March are when we get the most calls for help with rodent control in Houston, Texas.

4 Rodent Species To Look Out For In Houston

Deer Mice

These are brown-bodied mice with pointy noses, small ears, and
short brown and white bellies and tails. Deer mice mature at 7 weeks and can rapidly reproduce, which is why even just one mouse could signal an infestation. If you find a deer mouse, a nest, … Read Full Post »

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Brown Patch Lawn Fungus on the Rise in Houston

. Posted by in , • Houston

Have you ever noticed beige patches of dead-looking grass interrupting your lush green lawn? The name of this turfgrass disease is a no-brainer: Brown Patch.

Brown Patch is technically classified as a summer lawn disease. However, our Houston Lawn Specialists have noticed an increase in reported cases in the fall due to excessive lawn watering in an effort to battle the overly rough weather conditions Houston experienced during the past few months.

Brown Patch derives from a disease called Rhizoctonia, which is a fungus that thrives in warm, humid climates (sound familiar, Houston?). It lives in plant debris, or thatch, and enters plants through wounds caused during mowing. In most cases, grass can go several months before showing any sign of disease, but trust us, it is growing beneath the surface – and fast.

Brown Patch damage first appears in your lawn as circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by … Read Full Post »

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5 Great Indoor Activities For Summer Fun in Houston

. Posted by in • Houston

If you’re a Houston parent, keeping your children cool during the hot summer is likely a huge priority. More extended periods of direct sunlight and high humidity can harm children, who are more susceptible to heat-related illness and dehydration than adults. Not to mention the crankiness factor. Do you really want to hear your child complain about being hot all day?

Fortunately, indoor family activities can allow you and your kids to add a little variety to summer vacation while staying cool. We are lucky to live in a city with a great selection of kid-friendly museums, indoor play places, and arts and crafts centers.

So, when the family needs a break from the pool or the playground, beat the heat with a few of these indoor alternatives.

1. Sky Zone Sports

photo by Clintus McGintus

www.skyzone.com/houston/
Sky Zone offers kids the opportunity to release some energy. The indoor trampoline park features one area … Read Full Post »

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Mosquitos Drive Your Cat Nuts, Too

. Posted by in • Houston

We care for our pets as we do our own children. They rely on us for food, shelter, safety, healthcare, and, most importantly, love and companionship (which they share with us in return). Our furry family members have many of the same needs as we do when it comes to keeping them healthy and safe.

Whether you are taking a trip to the dog park or hanging out around the yard, it is important to know what to look out for in terms of insects and parasites that can make your pet ill. Animals have allergies, skin sensitivities, and are susceptible to many of the same preventable illnesses as humans. In the summer, common pests like mosquitos, wasps, bees, and ticks can all cause harm to our cats and dogs.

Mosquitos Put Your Dog at Risk for Heartworms
Mosquitos are not only an annoyance for pets and people. They also carry heartworms, which … Read Full Post »

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No More Bed Bugs for One Houston Grandma

. Posted by in , • Houston

Raleigh Jenkins and Houston grandmother Audrey Coffey on the day of bed bug inspection

The opening of the Astrodome and the lunar landing are just a couple of our city’s defining moments that 90-year-old Audrey Coffey has witnessed in her lifetime as a Houston resident. She has raised three children in our city, and those children now have kids of their own. Like the Jenkins of ABC Home & Commercial Services, there are three generations of Coffey’s, which is something both our families can be thankful for. Mrs. Coffey has lived in the fifth ward house where she raised her children since 1946, but for the last year, her home had a problem that caused her both physical and emotional distress – bed bugs.

Read Full Post »

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How to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Smoothly All Summer

. Posted by in • Houston

You work hard all day. You come home after sitting in traffic and…your house is a hot, steaming mess! The air conditioner isn’t working. This is one of the worst things that can happen to Houston residents during the summer.

But it can be prevented.

All you need to do is give your air conditioning unit a little Texas love and hospitality.

 

Houston, We Have a Problem. Don’t Take Your Air Conditioner for Granted.

Texans love air-conditioning in summer, so it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Don’t forget that your AC system has working parts that need attention.

Many people forget about the AC filter. Your AC filter needs to be changed every three months for your unit to work optimally (which saves energy costs!).

It’s just like an oil change for your car. In fact, it’s wise to just do both at the same time. That’ll help you remember.

A lot of people also forget that … Read Full Post »

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Landscaping Tips To Help Lower Your AC Bills This Summer

. Posted by in , • Houston

It’s summertime in Houston, so the list of survival essentials looks something like this: 1.) water, 2.) food, 3.) air conditioning … and after that, not much else matters. So, how do you keep your AC running efficiently and minimize the chance that it breaks during the hottest day of the year?

Starting outside with the AC condenser
There are several things homeowners can do to maintain their central ac system, but one of the easiest is to start outside. The condenser unit is the big box (some are round) outside that is loud and can be obtrusive, so a lot of people like to landscape around it to hide it from view and cut down on the noise it produces.

The condenser’’s job is to cool down the refrigerant in the system and turn it from a hot vapor back into a cool liquid. The more quickly and completely your … Read Full Post »

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5 Ways That You’re Attracting Pests (Even If You Don’t Know It)

. Posted by in • Houston

Although you probably already know that leaving food lying around is a good way to attract pests, you might be surprised by all of the things that can encourage insects and rodents to establish residence in your home. Take a look at these five common things that attract pests; by following these tips, you can help eliminate critters from your home.

1. There’s Moisture in Your Home

Insects love moisture, so check all of your plumbing to make sure you don’t have any leaks. Any water in your home should be dealt with as soon as possible to discourage pests and prevent property damage.

2. You Have Damaged Screens

Small imperfections in your window and door screens might not seem like a big deal, but many insects can crawl their way through surprisingly tiny holes, so don’t give them that chance. If your screens have holes, you should replace them right away.

3. You Have … Read Full Post »

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Protect Your Pets from These Pests

. Posted by in • Houston

Everyone that owns a dog or a cat knows the importance of treating them for fleas and keeping a close watch for ticks in the area. These are the two prime pests to be vigilant about when you’re a responsible pet owner, but they aren’t the only ones. Pets are resilient, but they are at much greater risk of harm from insects and other critters than people. If you want to make sure your pets are protected, here are some other pests you should know about.

Mosquitoes

These blood suckers are also disease-carrying machines. Everyone is aware of the West Nile Virus dangers that mosquitoes can pose to humans, however, they also carry multiple disease that can harm your pets. The West Nile Virus can also impact your pets with the same flu-like symptoms and potential damage to the nervous systems that humans exhibit. Add to that potential threats such as heartworms … Read Full Post »

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