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Early Signs of Termites

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Early signs of termites

Key Takeaways

Early termite signs are easier to spot than termites themselves—watch for mud tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding wood and discarded wings. Quick detection helps prevent expensive structural damage.

As a homeowner, you spend time and effort keeping up with the maintenance of your home. Unfortunately, there’s a pest that can quietly cause extensive damage: termites.

Termites create big problems wherever they go. They’re responsible for costly and extensive damage to homes all over the country, but in Texas, they’re even more of an issue because of our climate. 

While termites prefer to stay hidden, they leave behind evidence of their presence that is easier to spot if you know what to look for. Most homeowners find signs of termites before they ever see a termite themselves. Noticing the signs of termites can help you … Read Full Post »

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What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Mouse droppings in a bathroom cabinet

Do you know what mouse droppings look like? Being able to identify them is an important part of spotting a mouse infestation. 

Keep in mind that DIY methods can help keep mice away, but they won’t control an existing infestation. For that, it’s best to work with a pest control company who has the experience and knowledge to control these pests.

What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

Did you know that one of the signs of a mouse infestation is spotting their droppings around your home? Mice are nocturnal creatures and are skilled at steering clear of danger, so it’s more common to see the signs they leave behind than the actual rodents.

That being said, it’s helpful for homeowners to understand what mouse droppings look like, where you might find them and what they can tell you about a potential mouse infestation.

The easiest way to describe a mouse dropping is that it’s black … Read Full Post »

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Your Guide To Christmas Events In San Antonio

. Posted by in • San Antonio
San Antonio

Want to know the best way to celebrate the holiday season in San Antonio? You’re in luck, because San Antonio bursts at the seams with holiday spirit, and there are many Christmas events in San Antonio to enjoy.

Whether you want to hit up the River Walk, get some shopping done or find an activity the whole family will love, San Antonio is the place to be over the holidays.

Your Guide To Christmas Events In San Antonio

San Antonio is a lively city all year long, but it radiates fun and festivity during the holiday season.

Homemade Christmas at the Alamo

On Saturday, December 13, the Alamo is hosting a free Christmas event that will transport you back in time. Homemade Christmas showcases what it was like to celebrate the holidays as an early settler on the Texas frontier in the mid-1800s. 

The whole family can enjoy Christmas-themed crafts, storytelling, living history demonstrations, caroling, candymaking, … Read Full Post »

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Roof Rat vs. Norway Rat: How Are They Different?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a roof rat

You’ve probably heard of roof rats and Norway rats, but do you know what sets them apart? These two species are the most common types of rats in Texas and the southern U.S., so it’s important to learn what you can about them.

While it’s not always easy to tell rat species apart, roof rats and Norway rats have several key differences.

If you suspect that you have a rat problem of any kind, either inside your house or on your property, call in a pest control professional. 

Roof Rat Identification: Habitat, Appearance and Behavior 

As their name suggests, roof rats, pictured above, are known for their climbing abilities. They often climb trees or powerlines to access your roof. From there, they find a small opening to enter your house and set up camp in your rafters, inside your walls or in your attic.

Roof rats prefer warm environments, which is why they like to … Read Full Post »

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Planting With Compost: Expert Advice From The Pros

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
compost

What do grass clippings, dead leaves, coffee grounds and dinner scraps have in common? They can all be used to create or feed a compost pile. Then you can use the compost to help keep your trees, plants, fruit and vegetable garden and soil healthy.

Planting with compost is easy if you know the basics.

What is Compost?

First, let’s talk about what compost is and what it’s used for. At its most basic, compost is simply partially decomposed organic matter. In other words, plant and other material that is nutrient-rich because it’s in the process of breaking down. Over time, this mixture turns into fertile soil.

Gardeners use compost to add important nutrients and microbes to the soil, in order to build its structure and help plants thrive. Compost is often considered one of the most effective soil amendment options.

Compost Can Improve Your Soil

If you live in an area that has clay-like soil, … Read Full Post »

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Heater Blowing Cold Air? How To Solve This Problem

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Heater Blowing Cold Air

Have you ever turned on your heater, only to notice cold air blowing through the vents? Calling in an HVAC technician to repair the unit might be your first move. Before you do that, you can start by understanding why your heater is malfunctioning.

Some issues are easy to fix on your own, while others require help from an HVAC pro.

Common Reasons Why Your Heater Is Blowing Cold Air

A frequent complaint of homeowners during the colder months is noticing that their heater is blowing cold air. There are typically eight reasons why this happens.

  • The heater is still warming up
  • The pilot light is out
  • The heater is not powerful enough
  • Incorrect thermostat setting
  • Dirty air filter
  • Blower motor problems
  • Cracked heat exchanger
  • Blocked or leaky ductwork

Let’s dive into each of these issues.

The Heater Is … Read Full Post »

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Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Spinning

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a garbage disposal

Is your garbage disposal acting up? A common issue homeowners notice is a humming sound when they turn this appliance on. While this is often a small problem, this sound can sometimes point to a larger problem.

Garbage Disposal Humming: Quick Fix Or Big Problem?

Do you hear a humming sound when you turn on your garbage disposal? The first thing to remember is that this doesn’t automatically mean there is a significant issue with your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals make humming sounds for several reasons. There are ways to troubleshoot the issue yourself before calling in a plumber.

Some common reasons a garbage disposal may hum include:

  • Jammed shredding plate
  • Motor overheating
  • Clogged drain

Let’s dive into each of these more.

Jammed Shredding Plate

If the shredding plate inside the garbage disposal is jammed with food scraps, utensils or other items, it can’t spin properly. When you turn the … Read Full Post »

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Best Temperature For Heater In Winter

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

As a homeowner, selecting the right temperature for your heater can be a challenging task. On one hand, you want everyone under your roof to be comfortable. And on the other hand, you don’t want a thermostat setting that makes your utility bills skyrocket. So, what temperature do you go for?

What Is the Ideal Thermostat Setting During the Day in Winter?

To keep costs low, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a temperature range of 68 to 70 degrees in the winter.

However, these figures are not set in stone. Gary Cremeans, HVAC Operations Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services, says that the best temperature to set your thermostat to in winter is a temperature that is comfortable for you and your family. Additionally, some thermostats may read cooler or warmer depending on a variety of factors. 

That said, if you are looking to cut down on your utility bills, there are … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Electric Bill So High?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
electric bills

Many homeowners are on the lookout for ways to reduce their monthly utility bills. Electricity costs can add up quickly, especially if your home isn’t running as efficiently as it could be. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why is my electric bill so high?”, you’re not alone.

There are several reasons your energy usage might be higher than expected, some of which may be hidden issues around your home.

Six Common Reasons Why Your Electric Bill Is Rising

A spike in your electric bill can be alarming. However, if you understand the root cause, you can address the problem directly. You may be dealing with one of these issues:

  • Using older appliances
  • Increased power consumption
  • Standby power use
  • Poor insulation
  • Inefficient light use
  • HVAC issues

Let’s dive into each of these a bit more.

Using Older Appliances

While an old appliance may still get … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Furnace Short Cycling?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a furnace air vent

Have you ever noticed your furnace kicking on, blowing a hot breeze for several minutes and then turning off? This is called short cycling. In other words, the furnace turns off before reaching your desired temperature.

For instance, you could set your thermostat to 72 degrees, but the furnace keeps shutting off at 65 degrees. Short cycling is not only confusing, but can indicate it’s time to get a new furnace.

Reasons Why Your Furnace Is Short Cycling

You might be wondering why your furnace is short cycling. There are several reasons why this happens, including:

  • Faulty thermostat
  • Clogged air filter
  • Overheating
  • Dirty flame sensor
  • Oversized furnace
  • Faulty limit switch

Let’s go over each of these in more detail.

Faulty Thermostat

If your furnace is not kicking on when the temperature drops, check the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat sends incorrect signals to your furnace. … Read Full Post »

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