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Vacation Season is Bed Bug Season

. Posted by in • San Antonio
bed bug season

There is a bed bug “season” after all.

Schools out for summer and many families are ready to head out for the busiest travel season of the year. We are all for bringing home vacation souvenirs. But there’s one thing we hope all our customers can avoid this summer: Bed bugs.

Most of us never imagine that we’ll pick up dreaded bedbugs and bring them into our homes after a trip to the beach. Prevalent in the pre-WWII era, bed bugs were nearly wiped off the map in the 1950’s due to increased use of pesticides and better hygiene.

They’ve made a comeback starting in the early 2000’s, with a widely publicized epidemic after the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Authorities claim the reasons for the surge in bed bugs are varied – population increases in cities, the ease of global mobility, and pesticide resistance all bare some responsibility.

How do you get bed bugs after a … Read Full Post »

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Summer Air Conditioning: How To Get Your AC Unit Ready

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Summer Air Conditioning

As summer approaches and the days get warmer, you’ll want to know that you can turn on your air conditioner for a little relief.

Before sweltering temperatures are here to stay, make sure you perform some basic summer air conditioning maintenance tasks to make your HVAC perform its best during the peak season.

Replace Dirty Air Filters

The warm weather in Texas forces residents to use about three times as much energy on air conditioning when compared to the average U.S. household.

Replacing your air conditioner’s filter is one of the easiest things you can do to help save on your energy bill. Excessive dust in the house can cause a dirty filter, making it difficult for the system to blow air. The harder your air conditioner has to work, the more money you spend on electricity.

Clean The Evaporator Coils

Your air conditioner uses evaporator coils to remove heat and moisture from the air. If the … Read Full Post »

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Hot Rebates & Coupons for Summer Maintenance in San Antonio

. Posted by in • San Antonio
SAWS rebates

Ah, spring is lovely in sunny San Antonio. The temperatures have hit the 70’s and 80’s and the weather is finally perfect for lounging in the yard. But there may be one thing you didn’t account for: Unsightly weeds, overgrown grass, and hedges and trees that need some work.

You haven’t landscaped your yard in a while and it is not looking so good. Worry not! We have you covered with some great coupons and rebates to get your lawn looking its best for less. To be clear, landscaping coupons are used before the purchase while rebates are money returned to you after the landscaping work is finished or planned.

The very best coupons and rebates from San Antonio Water Saver (SAWS)

WaterSaver Patioscape Coupon: Thinking of changing your backyard into a nice patioscape? Then this coupon is perfect for you! With the WaterSaver Patioscape Coupon you can save $100 or $200 per … Read Full Post »

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San Antonio’s Coolest Pools

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Coolest Pools in San Antonio

It’s already April, and summer is quickly approaching! With cooler temperatures and regular rain showers, it’s hard to fathom the sweltering summer months ahead. Prepare yourself by learning about the best public swimming pools available to San Antonio residents. The city also boasts many beautiful hotel pools, making it easy to get away and cool down.

For the most current opening and closing dates, fees, hours, and locations check the City of San Antonio’s Parks & Recreation website.

Central

San Pedro Springs Pool, located in the park of the same name, near the intersection of North Flores Street and West Ashby Place. Its claim to fame is its status as the second oldest park in the United States. The land it rests on was designated for public use by the Spanish government, back in the 1700’s. The pool is built on top of the San Pedro Spring, and is full of spring-fed water. … Read Full Post »

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Outdoor AC Unit In Rain: How To Protect Your Air Conditioner

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Outdoor AC Unit in Rain

With periodic hail, flooding and other types of inclement weather, Texas homeowners can find it a challenge to keep their living spaces comfortable. Many of us rely on our HVAC systems to keep us cozy indoors as spring wind and rain bring colder temperatures and keep us cool during a summer thunderstorm.

But while your family might be safe inside, your HVAC unit may not be.

Hail wreaks havoc on vehicles, windows and roofs. Your outdoor HVAC unit is also at risk of damage as well. What should you do with your outdoor AC unit in rain? Here are five tips to keep your HVAC working through the harshest of storms.

Cover Your HVAC

Two of the biggest enemies for HVAC units are hail and debris. If a hailstorm or heavy winds are in the forecast, place a thick canvas cover on your HVAC system. This will provide protection during the storm and allow … Read Full Post »

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[Infographic] ABC San Antonio Presents: Zika Virus 101

. Posted by in • San Antonio
tiger mosquitoes carry zika virus in south america

Have you heard about Zika?

ABC is dedicated to keeping our customers informed when a serious pest-related health emergency arises. Thankfully, there have been few cases of Zika diagnosed in Texas so far this year. However, summer is right around the corner, and we have been getting a lot of phone calls from curious customers wondering: What is Zika Virus and is San Antonio at risk?

We have put together a resource to help keep you informed about Zika. For more information about this mosquito-borne illness and the effects it has on humans, please visit the CDC’s Zika resource page.

We are working with officials to learn what we can about Zika Virus. In the meantime, we urge all of our friends and neighbors in San Antonio to consider starting a comprehensive mosquito control plan with ABC.

Embed this Infographic on Your Site:

<p style=”text-align:center;”><a href=”https://blog.abchomeandcommercial.com/infographic-abc-presents-zika-virus-101/”><img src=”https://blog.abchomeandcommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Zika_San_Antonio_Infographic_v3.png” alt=”mosquito diseases ABC san antonio” title=”Click … Read Full Post »

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Weather Events like El Niño Increase Pest Activity

. Posted by in • San Antonio
El Niño weather makes mosquito season worse

San Antonio didn’t have much of a winter this year. Thanks to El Niño, we experienced the warmest and wettest winter in almost two decades, since the last strong El Niño weather pattern in 1997-98.

As we saw back in 1998, El Niño wind patterns can cause dramatic shifts in weather. In addition to milder winter temperatures, El Niño also means balmy spring weather much earlier in the year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that many states set records for rainfall in December 2015, which was also the warmest December in the US. And as we all know, central and south Texas experienced several heavy rainstorms as well as an unseasonably warm winter.

How does El Nino affect insect populations?

In addition to strong storms, heavy rains, and warm winter nights, this year’s El Niño will be welcoming something else to San Antonio: more insects.

Warm, wet winters encourage population explosions among … Read Full Post »

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In San Antonio, Common Weeds are Abundant

. Posted by in • San Antonio
ABC San Antonio Lawn Division Weed Control

In Texas, weeds arise in March and April

Spring is at our doorstep, and in many cases, so are a whole host of weeds that have cropped up over the winter months. Now is the time to get out in your yard and nip those weeds in the bud – pun intended! Even though weeds may have taken root, you can still keep them from seeding over the spring and summer months. Pulling up weeds is satisfying for homeowners, but feel free to call a professional if the task is too daunting to undertake on your own.

We’ve put together a plethora of common weeds in the San Antonio area. They tend to grow over the winter months, so spring is the time when you’ll see them cropping up in your yard.

Common Weeds of Central Texas

Thistles of several varieties are common the central Texas area – mainly, sow thistles and bull thistles.

Sow … Read Full Post »

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Buying A Home? Termite Red Flags To Look For

. Posted by in • San Antonio
termites damage to home

There are so many details that go into finding the right home:

  • What neighborhood you’d like to live in?
  • Does the size and layout of the house suit your family?
  • What is your budget?
  • How is the condition of the home?

What if you got all the way through the process, only to find that your dream home has termites?

Termites aren’t always a deal-breaker when it comes to buying a home — Knowing the extent of the infestation and damage are key factors.

Termite Red Flags You Should Know.

Subterranean termites are the most commonly found termite in the San Antonio metropolitan area. Drywood termites and Formosan termites are occasionally detected as well, but Subterranean termites are the main offenders in the area. As the name implies, subterranean termites live below ground. Like other termites, they consume materials with cellulose, such as wood and paper. And they can cause lots of damage in a short amount of … Read Full Post »

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The 4 Best Garden Stores in San Antonio

. Posted by in • San Antonio
san antonio gardening stores

Are you thinking of starting a vegetable garden, but don’t know where to begin?

The first thing to know is the best place in your area to get materials. These four gardening supply stores in San Antonio will provide you with everything you need to start your vegetable garden.

Fanick’s Garden Center (southeast)

Nestled a few minutes off Interstate 10, Fanick’s Garden Center offers a wide variety of gardening products in a picturesque setting. Originally founded by Eddie Fanick Sr. in 1939, the store still belongs to the Fanick family, who are regularly found helping customers and doling out advice. Fannick’s also offers a variety of events at the store, including a spring vegetable seminar on March 19, 2016, from 10:30 am to noon. You can also join their frequent shopper club and receive 20% off your first purchase (in addition to other discounts).

Shades of Green (central)

Located on West Sunset Road just east … Read Full Post »

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