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Crazy Ants: Identification & Control Guide

. Posted by in , • Houston
a crazy ant

Do you know how to tell crazy ants apart from other ant species? Crazy ants, which are found in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia, get their name because of the way they move. Instead of following uniform lines, they run in erratic zig-zag patterns.

Crazy ants are also known for multiplying rapidly since their colonies can have multiple queen ants. They can quickly become a nuisance for homeowners because of their large swarms and reproduction rates.

A third distinction is that crazy ants do not build their own nests. Instead, they camp out in trees, debris and crevices inside homes. Since they will leave their homes at a moment’s notice, controlling them with bait is challenging. For more on crazy ant behavior, appearance, and habitat, keep reading.

There are several things homeowners can do to prevent a crazy ant infestation. However, once they have taken up residence, professional pest control is required. … Read Full Post »

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How To Get Rid of Algae in Your Pool

. Posted by in • Houston
green algae in a pool

Algae can grow in your pool overnight. If you’re lucky, it may only be a green film on the surface. Even that requires several steps to clear properly. If you’re not so lucky, you may be in for a lot more of a challenge to reclaim your hideaway.

Algae are plants. They don’t have much in common with land plants except that they use photosynthesis. Multi-cellular forms of algae are known as seaweed. The algae that invade your pool are single-cell forms. One of the problems with the algae in your pool is they sometimes harbor bacteria.

Algae are everywhere. They can travel by wind, colonizing any water they happen to land in. They can also fall in raindrops. Algae also cling to objects, so swimsuits, pool toys, and even your dog can bring algae from a swimming hole (or a mud puddle) straight to your pool. Algae from the ocean or … Read Full Post »

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Where Do Bees Go in the Winter?

. Posted by in • Houston
a group of honey bees

When the days get shorter and nights get colder in the fall, you’ll see honey bees out, checking the flowers for some pollen. Then one day, they’re gone, and you really don’t notice until one of those warmer winter days, and you spot a few buzzing around trash. They’ll vanish again until the earliest days of spring when they’re suddenly everywhere. So where are the bees when you don’t see them around in winter?

The answer depends on what kind of bees you’re talking about. There are about 4,000 native bee species in the United States and 20,000 species worldwide. We rarely (if ever) see most of them, of course.

Lots of folks have trouble distinguishing between bees and other stinging insects. The simplest way to tell them apart is to remember that bees tend to be hairy, while wasps and hornets do not. That’s because bees collect pollen from flowers. Bees … Read Full Post »

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Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Carbon Dioxide?

. Posted by in , • Houston
a mosquito on denim

Are you a super attractor for mosquitoes? These pesky insects are attracted to many odors and chemicals that humans give off, and some people attract them more than others.

The good news is that there are several steps you can take to make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes, such as wearing light-colored clothing and using an effective insect repellant.

If mosquitoes have become a nuisance on your property, the best way to control them is to identify where they are laying their eggs. Female mosquitos can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, and it doesn’t take long for them to hatch into larvae. Knowing what larvae look like and where they live while they molt is an important step in eliminating a mosquito infestation.

One place that mosquitoes love to lay eggs is inside pet water bowls. Read this guide to learn how to keep them out of your pet’s water. Finally, … Read Full Post »

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Why Does My Pool Pump Have Low Pressure?

. Posted by in • Houston
pool pump

Your pool pump is an important part of your pool’s filtration system. When it is not working properly, your pool can become dirty and unsanitary. The most common pool pump issues are when the pressure is too high or low. 

There are several reasons why your pool pump is experiencing low pressure, and it is usually due to a blockage on the suction side of the pump.

Homeowners often ask what their pool pump pressure should be, and the answer is that it varies depending on your pump model and pool. However, it is easy to determine when the pressure is too high or low and solve the problem with normal pool maintenance. 

Lastly, it’s important to run your pool pump often enough to keep your pool clean. How often to run a pump depends on the type of pump you own. Keep reading for everything you need to know about your pool … Read Full Post »

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What Do German Roaches Look Like?

. Posted by in • Houston
a german roach

There are around 4,500 cockroach species worldwide, of which 70 are in the United States. One of the most common types is the German roach. German roaches need human activity to survive and thrive. These roaches usually infest people’s homes, ruining food and spreading diseases.

What do German roaches look like? Here is a guide to help you identify this type of cockroach. We cover its appearance, where it comes from and how it invades. You’ll also learn about steps you can take to address German roach infestations.

How Do You Distinguish German Roaches From Other Species?

German roaches are an aggressive species despite their small size. They are usually no bigger than a penny, measuring only half an inch long. Aside from being smaller than American, Oriental and other cockroach species, they are also not as dark. Adult German roaches are light brown or tan, with the females sporting a darker hue … Read Full Post »

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How To Identify Bermuda Grass Fungus

. Posted by in • Houston
bermuda grass fungus

Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass that grows best in full sun and is quite drought-tolerant. It can provide a lush, green lawn in warmer climates. However, it is susceptible to some turfgrass diseases, including Bermuda grass fungus.

Bermuda grass fungus is usually identified by its color and texture.

The fungus typically appears as reddish-brown spots or patches on the grass blades, although it can also appear as yellow or light green spots. These spots range from small dots to large patches up to six inches in diameter.

The texture of the fungus is usually soft and velvety but can also be powdery or have a scab-like appearance. In addition to these characteristics, Bermuda grass fungus typically has an unmistakable musty smell.

If you’re unsure what type of disease your Bermuda grass is suffering from, it’s best to consult a professional lawn expert.

Types of Bermuda Grass Fungus and How to Get Rid of Them

Bermuda … Read Full Post »

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Plants That Like Full Sun and Heat

. Posted by in , • Houston
plants that like full sun and heat

Looking to refresh your garden with plants that like full sun and heat? As we move toward warmer weather with less precipitation, it’s smart to plan a garden around the changing conditions of your region. The good news is that many plants and grasses fit these specifications. That means you can plant a garden that stays healthy and beautiful through the hot, dry summer. It won’t take much water or upkeep to keep it thriving.

Flowering Plants That Can Take The Heat

  • Butterfly bushes got their name from their ability to attract butterflies with their clusters of tiny, sweet-smelling flowers. These bushes can grow very tall. Some gardeners don’t like them because they can crowd out other native plants that are important to butterflies. This isn’t as much of an issue in hotter zones, and you can also plant sterile butterfly bushes that won’t reproduce and spread.
  • Cosmos love heat and full sun. … Read Full Post »
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Landscape Tree Lighting Tips and Ideas

. Posted by in , • Houston
A house with landscape tree lighting

Have you dreamed of having a beautifully curated lawn that adds to your home’s curb appeal? One of the best ways to accentuate your lawn is to use landscape tree lighting.

Highlighting your trees with in-ground spotlights creates a beautiful ornamental centerpiece on your lawn. You can also use downward lights to create unique effects and add light to dark areas of your lawn.

Besides adding visual interest at night, landscape lighting also increases your home’s security and makes it more welcoming. You can also use outdoor light to accentuate other areas of your lawn, such as your plants and flower beds, deck, pergola and pool.

Finally, small walkway lights create a beautiful effect on your lawn. They even make it safer to navigate dark pathways. Follow the tips below to create a stunning visual effect with landscape accent lighting in your yard. Then, contact a professional landscaper to create a customized outdoor … Read Full Post »

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Identifying Mouse Poop Versus Roach Poop

. Posted by in , • Houston
a cockroach near cockroach droppings

When you find strange droppings around your home, you want to know exactly what kind of pest you’re dealing with. Knowing what you’re dealing with is the best way to know how to get rid of an infestation. To identify mouse poop versus roach poop, it’s important to know what each type of poop looks like and where it’s commonly found. Fortunately, there are several key differences between mouse poop and roach poop that can give you clues as to which pest is infesting your home.

Appearance

Both mouse poop and roach poop are medium to dark brown in color. Mouse poop is about the size and shape of dried grains of rice, and poop from bigger roaches can be almost as big as mouse poop. But a key difference between them is that mouse poop is pointed and pinched off at the ends. Roach poop, on the other hand, is more … Read Full Post »

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