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What Smells Do Mosquitoes Hate? A Texas Homeowner’s Guide to Natural & Proven Repellents

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a thumbnail from the video featured in this blog

Key Takeaways

Scents like citronella, lemon eucalyptus and lavender may temporarily repel mosquitoes, but they won’t solve an infestation. For effective mosquito control in Texas, focus on removing standing water and professional mosquito treatment.

Mosquitoes can be a persistent problem in Texas because of year-round heat, humidity and standing water. If you’re looking for natural ways to repel these pests, you might have come across methods that use certain scents. While some smells do help repel mosquitoes, none solve infestations, so a layered approach is best. 

So what smells do mosquitoes hate that are backed by science, and what works in Texas specifically? To help separate myth from fact, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Here’s a closer look at what actually works and when it’s time to call a professional.

Why Smell Matters: How Mosquitoes … Read Full Post »

Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Musty?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
An air register that's blowing air from a musty air conditioner

Key Takeaways

A musty smell coming from your air conditioner is usually caused by moisture buildup, clogged drain lines or mildew growth. While some fixes like replacing your air filter can be done on your own, ongoing odors are best handled by a professional HVAC technician.

Have you noticed an unpleasant, musty odor in your home when you turn on the air conditioning? It may smell like dirty socks, a damp odor or another foul smell. 

You’re not imagining things. There are a number of reasons why your AC can create a musty smell in your home. Even if the smell isn’t too strong, it’s important not to ignore it. The odor can eventually lead to bigger problems, such as poor air quality, mildew and low efficiency. 

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about musty air conditioning odors, including causes and fixes. Additionally, … Read Full Post »

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Water Heater Making a Popping Noise: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
water heater making popping noise

Is a noisy water heater causing you trouble? The first thing to know is that noises coming from your water heater are normal, but they can point to maintenance needs. 

As a homeowner, you might notice that the noises get worse when your water heater’s burner is on. This is also normal, but it’s important to understand what’s going on.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater popping noises, how to diagnose what you’re heating, DIY fixes and when it’s time to call in a professional. 

It also includes expert insights from Michael Marugo, ABC Home & Commercial Services’ Plumbing Division Operations Manager and a licensed plumber with over 30 years of experience in the plumbing service industry.

Is a Popping Noise Dangerous?

If your water heater is making a popping noise, it can indicate a sediment buildup or an overheating risk. Over time, these issues can reduce your water heater’s efficiency … Read Full Post »

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GFCI Outlet is Not Working: Symptoms, Causes and Fixes for a Broken GFCI Outlet

. Posted by in • San Antonio
A red light coming from the outlet which indicates the GFCI outlet is not working

When electricians talk about GFCI outlets, they’re talking about ground-fault circuit interrupters. This is a common safety feature in many homes. What is a GFCI outlet?

Anthony Burks, Master Electrician at ABC Home & Commercial Services, explains: “GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It’s a specialty device designed to turn power off due to a fault in the circuit for safety.”

The difference between a standard outlet and a GFCI outlet is that GFCI outlets continuously monitor the current through the circuit. They can detect when current is leaking where it shouldn’t.

As Burks explains: “GFCIs are designed to cut power off if it detects a ground fault. It monitors surges in the current going to and returning from equipment. If the difference meets the rating of the specific GFCI device, then it shuts off power. A ground fault occurs when there is an unintentional path between a power source and a grounded … Read Full Post »

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Bed Bug Feces And Other Signs Of An Infestation

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Bed bug feces on white fabric

Bed bug feces are often one of the earliest and most reliable signs of a bed bug infestation. The dark brown or black ink-like dots are often tricky to spot but can be found with careful inspection. Early detection is especially helpful in Texas, where warm weather can allow bed bugs to reproduce quickly.

For more insight into what bed bug feces look like and where they’re commonly found, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Bed bug feces are digested blood. The fecal spots are black liquid and look very much like ink spots.”

He explains that these spots are typically found close to where bed bugs live and feed, including:

“Bedding, night stands, head boards, … Read Full Post »

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How To Identify Termite Damage Versus Wood Rot

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
termites in dirt

In Texas, moisture is more than just an annoyance, it can be an open invitation for termites. The combination of humidity, high heat and seasonal storms leaves homes exposed to elements that can damage and deteriorate them. Wood faces an additional threat: termites.

This leaves many homeowners wondering if the damage they see is caused by rot or termites. Being able to identify termite damage versus wood rot is important, because each issue requires a different approach.

It’s common for homeowners to mistake the two because they share similarities, even as a mature colony eats away at a home’s structure. Termites can quickly become an expensive problem if you don’t address them effectively.

What Causes Termite Damage?

Termites cost homeowners billions of dollars in damages annually. Texas has the ideal climate for them to thrive. Plus, termites are notoriously good at finding entry points that are hard to see with the naked eye.

Two main … Read Full Post »

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How Often Should You Water a New Tree?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Planting a new tree is a great investment for your yard, but it requires careful maintenance. Many fail because of improper watering, so it’s important for homeowners to learn how often they should water their new trees.

This comprehensive guide includes a clear watering schedule for new trees, tips for adjusting to factors like the Texas heat, rainfall and soil types. It also includes signs that your tree is getting too much or too little water.

Finally, keep reading for expert insights from J Zambo. J is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services and has over 20 years of experience. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.

Why Proper Watering Is Critical for Newly Planted Trees

Unlike established trees with strong roots, newly planted trees have limited root systems. New trees rely entirely on the moisture in the surrounding soil to … Read Full Post »

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Texas Weeds: Identification And Control Tips

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Texas lawns face year-round weed pressure thanks to warm weather and unpredictable rain, making proper lawn care essential. Identifying weed types by region, as well as using the right prevention and control methods, helps keep your grass healthy and thriving.

As a Texas homeowner, do you get frustrated by how often you have to manage weeds in your lawn? While our weather is a positive for many residents, the warm weather and unpredictable rain in Texas make the Lone Star State a haven for weed growth. 

Weeds can affect the health of your lawn in a number of ways. For example, they compete with your plants for nutrients, making it harder for your plants to thrive. They can also degrade your lawn’s aesthetics and can attract pests.

This guide covers how to identify, … Read Full Post »

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How Long to Water Grass Seed

. Posted by in , , • San Antonio
a thumbnail from the video in this post

You’ve spread the grass seed, but now comes the real challenge: learning how to water your new lawn just right. With consistent watering and patience, most Texas lawns start sprouting within 10 to 14 days.

How do you know how long to water your grass seed so that it grows evenly and remains healthy?

Most homeowners don’t realize that how long you water your new grass seed matters just as much as how often you water it. After planting new grass seeds, the soil needs to remain moist to ensure successful germination and root development. 

Keep reading to learn how long you should water your grass seed, an ideal week-by-week water schedule, common watering mistakes to avoid and more. 

This guide draws on insights from ABC’s certified lawn experts, including J Zambo. J is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services and has over 20 years of experience. He … Read Full Post »

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How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a tankless water heater

Key Takeaways

Tankless water heaters deliver energy-efficient, on-demand hot water and can save space and money, but they’re not the right fit for every home. This guide breaks down how they work and what to consider before upgrading.

Are you considering making the switch to a tankless water heater? Before you dive in, there are a few things that you should know about how tankless water heaters work.

First, you should understand the difference between a tankless water heater and a tank water heater. The main, most obvious difference is how water is stored. A traditional water heater stores water in a large, insulated tank. It keeps the water continuously hot so that it’s always ready when you need it. 

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not store water. Instead, they heat water … Read Full Post »

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