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Tips for dealing with Drought

. Posted by in , , • Houston

We’re experiencing a drought close to becoming a record-setter for this time of year in Houston. Here are some of ABC’s tips for keeping your outdoor environment in good shape.

Watering and Irrigation

-If you have an irrigation system, ensure all zones and sprinkler heads operate correctly and cover adequately.

-For most lawns, watering a couple of times weekly is adequate.  Plant beds may need additional watering, especially if they drain well.

-Over-watering is detrimental, contributing to several root-damaging diseases and yellow, weak plants.

Mowing

– St. Augustine grass needs to be mowed weekly. Higher mowing helps St. Augustine conserve moisture.  Shorter mowing heights shock St. Augustine, forcing it to expend energy and moisture, growing new blades and ultimately weakening and thinning it.

-Bermuda and Zoysia lawns are healthier and cut much shorter and more often.

-Make sure your mower blade is sharp, reducing moisture loss.  Dull mower blades fray the ends of the grass blades, allowing rapid … Read Full Post »

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Tips & Secrets to Buying a New Heating & Cooling System

. Posted by • Houston

Are you in the market for a new heating and cooling system?  Authorities say to be careful.  Many homeowners who have invested in new high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment didn’t get the comfort and energy efficiency they paid for.

Information is the key to making a wise decision.  This report will teach you what you should know before talking to contractors and let you know some little-known facts about heating and air conditioning. Unfortunately, even many contractors aren’t aware of this essential new knowledge.

This report is based on necessary new research undertaken by the federal Department Of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and electric and gas utilities nationwide.  It also draws on the training resources of heating and cooling equipment manufacturers and trade associations.  And it shares advice from consumer protection groups, publications, and TV investigative news stories.

This report will teach you the three common reasons most new heating and cooling systems don’t work … Read Full Post »

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Bed Bugs

. Posted by in , • Houston

Bed bugs feed on blood, principally that of humans, by piercing the skin with their elongated beaks. Although they inflict misery on their victims, bed bugs have never been proven to carry disease-causing pathogens in the United States.  Bed bugs are spread chiefly by the clothing and baggage of travelers, secondhand beds, bedding, furniture, and laundry.

A mature bed bug is a dark brown, wingless insect.  Its size and color depend on the amount of blood that the body contains.  An unfed bed bug is between 1/4 and 3/8 inch long.  The upper surface of the body has a flimsy, wrinkled appearance.  When engorged with blood, the body becomes elongated and swollen, and the color changes from brown to dull red.  Bed bug eggs are white and about 1/32 inch long.  Newly hatched bugs are translucent and nearly colorless but similar in shape to adults.  As they grow, they molt (shed … Read Full Post »

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