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Bugs That Look Like Termites But Aren’t

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Bugs That Look Like Termites But Aren't

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than five billion dollars worth of property damage each year in the United States alone. The most destructive type of termite, the subterranean species, feeds 24 hours a day, so this dangerous pest doesn’t ever take a vacation. Homeowners can protect their biggest investment by learning more about bugs that look like termites but aren’t.

Most of us can distinguish between the most common bugs and insects we see in and around our home. Roaches, mosquitoes and flies look quite different from each other. But when it comes to other insects, our knowledge is fuzzy, at best.

Different pests require different types of treatment. Let’s explore what insects resemble termites and how to tell these bugs apart so that you can keep these pests away from your property.

Carpenter Ants 

The bug which is most commonly confused with a termite is an ant. Both … Read Full Post »

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How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
how often should you clean your air ducts

Many homeowners are curious about the maintenance of their HVAC system’s ductwork. In particular, they wonder if the ducts need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Although you may not need to have a scheduled routine duct cleaning every year, there are some circumstances that may be improved through an air duct cleaning.

If you live in a home with smokers, people suffering from asthma or have pets with lots of dander or shedding, you may experience improved air quality with cleaner ducts. In addition, if your home has suffered water damage or undergone recent remodeling, you may want to have an HVAC professional inspect your ductwork to make sure there is no clogging or damage to the system.

It’s not uncommon or dangerous for air ducts to collect some dirt and debris over time. But if this amount becomes excessive, it can affect your home’s air quality. According to the … Read Full Post »

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Do Cockroaches Make Noise? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Do cockroaches make noise

When these disgusting little creatures enter your home, questions may start popping into your head. Do cockroaches make noise? Do roaches like air conditioning? Do roaches hate the cold? Your mind can quickly start racing as you try to figure out why these pests have entered your home and how you can dissuade them from doing it again.

If you suspect that roaches hide in your walls to avoid getting sprayed or getting smashed with your shoe, you’re right. If you think these bugs are just trying to avoid human encounters, you’re wrong. We answer your top three questions below about what’s probably your least favorite bug below and share five bizarre facts about these insects below.

Do Cockroaches Make Noise?

Are roaches capable of making sounds? Some people say yes, and others say no. Certainly, seeing a cockroach can elicit high-pitched screams from an unsuspecting homeowner late at night. However, the most … Read Full Post »

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Do Flies Feel Pain? Do Roaches? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Do flies feel pain

Many customers ask us about whether insects feel pain during their pest control treatments. Do flies feel pain? Do cockroaches feel pain? The science on the subject isn’t nearly as settled as you might think.

After all, pain as we know it is actually a complex neurological and emotional experience that can vary from person to person. Since pain is subjective on some level, scientists struggle with potential indicators of pain in animals. Behavioral changes may indicate something is amiss, such as when a dog becomes less social with its owners or when a cat stops eating. Discomfort in mice, rats, horses and rabbits can be evaluated on a “grimace scale” first developed to evaluate pain in children. When a rabbit is hurt, for example, you may see a stiffening of the whiskers, notice a narrowing of the eyes or observe it pinning back its ears.

To make matters more complicated, evolution discourages animals … Read Full Post »

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The Best Way To Heat A House During The Winter

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Best Way To Heat A House

Winters in San Antonio aren’t too severe, but temperatures can drop to frigid lows quite suddenly. It’s hard to get out of bed when you’re waking up to a freezing house. For most of us, our home heating system is our saving grace from late December to February. The last thing you need on an icy night is a broken heater. Follow these three simple guidelines for helpful ways to save on heating costs and to find out the best way to heat a house during the winter.

Find And Seal Leaks

A tiny draft can turn into a big problem when you’re trying to stay warm. Chilly air from outside usually gets in through gaps in your windows and doors. Weatherstripping around your doors and windows will keep warm air from escaping. It’s an easy “do it yourself” job; kits are inexpensive and available at any home improvement store. For a heavier … Read Full Post »

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Before and After a Freeze: Planned Plant Protection

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Landscaping steps you can take before winter to keep your plants safe

Although the weather doesn’t often become frigid in San Antonio, temperatures can dip low enough to threaten the vegetation around your yard. Without proper preparation, this could mean losing the beautiful landscape you’ve worked so hard to maintain.

The Dangers of Frost

When plants are subject to freezing temperatures, ice crystals form inside their cells. This disrupts the flow of fluid and nutrients, causing leaves to shrivel. Sometimes the moisture in the air condenses on the plants and freezes on the surface, creating the same detrimental effect. The temperature at which vegetation freezes is measured with a hardiness rating and differs from plant to plant.

Covering Plants

Keeping plants covered on chilly nights works to combat the effects of frost. If the freeze is mild, a sheet or a blanket should do the job. When it gets colder, add a layer of plastic … Read Full Post »

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Lawn Pests You Can’t Afford to Keep

. Posted by in • San Antonio

What’s in your grass? You DO want to know

Your lawn is your curb appeal. It’s the darling of your green thumb, the reminder of carefree childhood days, the sense memory of plush comfort under bare feet and a hangout for pests that bite, dehydrate, excavate, and destroy.

Which of these isn’t like the others? We just wanted to make sure you were paying attention.

What’s bugging your lawn? San Antonio hosts a handful of pests capable of turning your grassy idyll into a lawn care nightmare. Learn more about our usual suspects.

Chinch bugs

Even the name is annoying. These winged insects suck the life out of your grass by removing the juices from individual blades, and their handiwork initially resembles drought damage. Chinch bugs adore St. Augustine grass, but they’ll occasionally snack on Bermuda and other species.

Fire ants

Ouch! These hot tamales won’t eat your grass, but they’ll leave you with a bite that’ll … Read Full Post »

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Brr! 4 Tips for a More Efficient Heating System This Winter

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Mild year-long climate is one of the biggest benefits to living in sunny San Antonio, but even South Texas isn’t immune to occasional cold spells. Being far more used to complaining about unbearable heat than chilly temperatures, it’s no surprise that most of us aren’t prepared when the temperatures outside dip below the average. While getting through a few weeks of sweater weather is no big deal, putting your home’s heating system into high gear without notice is a sure way to push up your monthly energy bill. To avoid the unexpected expense this winter, copy our neighbors to the north by following the four easy energy-saving tips below:

1. Fatten up the insulation. Whether your home’s insulation is too thin or too old, it never hurts to give it a quick update before some of the coldest weeks of the year make a comeback. When you’re ready to get started, … Read Full Post »

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Can Mice Chew Through Walls? How to Keep Mice Out

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Can Mice Chew Through Walls

When you were a child, you probably didn’t think much about the cute little mouse hole at the base of the wall in the Tom and Jerry cartoons. But if you ever saw a rodent in your home, there would be nothing nostalgic about the situation. But can mice chew through walls? Believe it or not, the animator borrowed a fact from real life—rats and mice can and actually do chew right through walls, and that’s just the beginning. That “mouse in the wall” scratching noise can mean real trouble for your home.

How a Rat or Mouse in the Wall Can Damage Your Home

Rodents come in a variety of species and are a talented and sneaky family of animals that are perfectly capable of destroying much of what we build in order to meet their immediate needs for food and shelter. Unfortunately, most mice aren’t as charming as Jerry and most … Read Full Post »

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10 Ways to Clobber the Cost of Winter Heating Bills

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Cutting HVAC costs doesn’t have to be uncomfortable

San Antonio isn’t known for harsh winter weather, but high heating expenses can still be a problem. Some dwellings lack the energy-saving features and materials that are common in northern states. Many homes also depend on relatively expensive energy sources. The state government reports that 65% of Texans use electric heat. Fortunately, you can cut costs with these handy tips:

1. Don’t forget to open curtains when the sun shines on your windows. This simple task can make a room much warmer.

2. Seal cracks around drafty window frames, pipes and doorways. Caulk and weather stripping hold warmth indoors and stop cold air from entering your home.

3. Consider adding more insulation to the attic. This will help your home retain heat in the winter and stay cool during San Antonio’s long summer. It muffles outdoor noise as well.

4. Keep an eye on the thermostat. Always … Read Full Post »

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