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Do Chigger Bites Spread? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a chigger

When you’re walking your dog through a field or just in your yard and suddenly feel an itching sensation, it could be because of chiggers, which are also sometimes called grass mites. Within hours of being bitten, you can feel an intense itching sensation around the affected area. One thing that might be stopping you from scratching is the question that you can’t get out of your head: do chigger bites spread?

If you’ve spent enough time outside in warmer parts of the country, you’ve probably already fallen victim to chigger bites. These microscopic pests, which are red, orange, yellow or straw-colored, latch onto passing people and animals. The chigger larvae, with six legs, are what actually attach to your clothing and skin. Once these creatures become adults, they are referred to as mites. They also gain another set of legs.

When you pass through an area with chiggers, you could have … Read Full Post »

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Furnace Is Not Kicking on When Temperature Drops

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a home

The coming of the colder months means digging out your scarves, gloves and jackets from the depths of your closet so you can stay toasty. It also means preparing your home for the cold weather and ensuring it doesn’t take any damage. That includes checking on your home’s HVAC system. If the furnace is not kicking on when temperatures drops, it can lead to a number of issues. Not to mention, you’ll be uncomfortably cold.

If you want to make your home as warm and cozy as possible, here are some ways to troubleshoot a furnace that won’t turn on. If all else fails, contact an HVAC specialist. An HVAC specialist will have your furnace running smoothly again so you can enjoy the cold months to the fullest.

Furnace Not Kicking on When the Temperature Drops? Here’s What To Do

Several factors can prevent a furnace from turning on despite a temperature drop. … Read Full Post »

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Mice in the Walls but Not in the House

. Posted by in , • Orlando
a mouse outside

Did you know it’s common for a mouse colony to live in your house undetected? Mice are discreet and cautious pests that spend the daytime hiding and sleeping. However, at night, they emerge to hunt for food, water and nesting materials.

When you have a mouse infestation in your home, it’s common to hear them scurrying around in your walls, especially at night. It will sound like scratching inside your walls. You may notice it long before you see an actual mouse inside your home.

Mice can fit through tiny spaces, which is how they often enter homes unnoticed. However, several signs will alert you to their presence, such as finding holes in your clothes, spotting mouse droppings and smelling their urine.

Mouse pee smells like strong ammonia when it is fresh. Over time, the odor changes to smell like damp wood.

You do not need to see an actual mouse to know that … Read Full Post »

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Where To See the Best Holiday Lights in Houston

. Posted by in • Houston
holiday lights in houston

Wondering where to see the best holiday lights in Houston this year? Houston has a ton of sights and experiences to offer both locals and visitors year-round, and the holiday season is no exception. Whether you love spectacular winter wonderlands that twinkle with millions of lights, or your tastes run toward smaller, more intimate neighborhood displays, we’ve got you covered.

It’s always a good idea to start planning early. This is doubly true if you’ll be venturing out to one of the bigger, ticketed lights displays. As any Houstonian knows, parking and traffic can get hectic, especially around the holidays. Fortunately, a bit of advance planning will reduce some of the stress, so you and your loved ones can enjoy a purely festive time.

Here are some of the best options for taking in some holiday magic around Houston this Christmas:

  • Lightscape at the Houston Botanic Garden: This unique holiday lights and music … Read Full Post »
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How High Can Rats Jump?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a rat on a windowsill

Did you know that rats are excellent jumpers? These pests may be known for climbing and scavenging; however, they are also extremely agile.

The best way to keep rats out of your home is to identify and block all potential rat entry points into your house. Working with a professional pest control service is the best way to cover all of your bases with these pests. An expert can identify all rat entry points for you, including the ones that most homeowners do not think about. If you already have a rat infestation, working with a pest control service is much more effective than trying to control the rat colony on your own.

How High Can Rats Jump?

Rats are known for being excellent climbers, but many homeowners don’t realize that they are also skilled jumpers. Rats can jump up to four feet high. In particular, roof rats can jump and climb their … Read Full Post »

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Mosquito Prevention for Yard: Tips and Tricks

. Posted by in , • Austin
a group of mosquitoes

Do you dream of sitting out in your backyard, enjoying the weather or a beautiful sunset, without fear that mosquitoes are lurking about and waiting to bite? You’re not alone!

Mosquitoes are a common pest found in nearly every part of the world. In fact, more than 3,000 species of mosquito have been identified around the globe.

Mosquitoes can be a major nuisance, ruining outdoor relaxation and gatherings, and generally making gardening and other yard tasks miserable. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard, in addition to contacting a pest control professional to help.

Tips for Mosquito Prevention

Your outdoor spaces should be enjoyed without the annoying buzz of mosquitoes. A few common tips for mosquito prevention include:

  • At least once a week, remove, cover or throw out any items that can hold standing water. Look for tires, buckets, planters, toy pools, birdbaths, etc.
  • Ensure you … Read Full Post »
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Why Do I Have Yellow Spots in My Grass?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
A lawn that has brown patch, which is a common cause of yellow spots in grass

After putting lots of hard work into taking care of your lawn and creating a lawn care schedule, it’s frustrating to see that all that effort was for nothing. There are unsightly yellow spots in your grass and you’re unsure of what went wrong. You want to know what you can do to fix it.

There are several reasons why you might have yellow spots in your grass. These can include certain fungal diseases that various types of grass can be prone to, as well as pest infestations. Grubs and chinch bugs can cause patches of discoloration. If you have pets, particularly dogs, their urine can also cause yellow spots in grass, especially if they typically “do their business” in one area. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in each of these cases to mitigate the discoloration and help return your grass to a thick, green state.

Pet Urine

One of the … Read Full Post »

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My Thermostat Is Not Turning on the Heat

. Posted by in
a thermostat

When the temperatures outside start to drop, nothing is better than enjoying a cozy night in your warm home. However, many homeowners are well aware of a different experience: you turn your thermostat to heat for the first time, and it does not work.

There could be a number of reasons why your thermostat is not turning on the heat. Luckily, many of them are easily fixable.

My Thermostat Is Not Turning on the Heat

As the temperatures start to turn cooler, it’s important to make sure your heating system is working properly. It’s a good idea for homeowners to test the system well before cold weather sets in so that there’s plenty of time to troubleshoot any issues.

If your thermostat is not turning on the heat at all, there could be a few reasons why your thermostat is not working. First, check your thermostat to make sure it’s set to either the … Read Full Post »

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Outdoor Tree Lighting Ideas

. Posted by in , • Houston
landscape lighting

Looking for an easy way to enhance your home’s curb appeal? Adding outdoor lights around your trees is a great solution to liven up your home’s exterior.

Outdoor landscape tree lighting can create a magical ambiance and transform your outdoor space. Plus, the extra lighting can make your lawn more enjoyable and usable at nighttime.

Where do you start with designing landscape lighting? The first thing to remember is that you need to balance aesthetics with functionality. Mapping out your design ideas will help you bring your vision to life.

The best way to achieve the outdoor space of your dreams is to work with a landscaping specialist. A professional will utilize their skills and expertise to create a seamless outdoor lighting plan for you. Along with designing your lighting plan, they can also save you time by installing the light fixtures.

Your Guide to Outdoor Tree Lighting Ideas

Illuminating your lawn with tree lighting … Read Full Post »

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Norway Rat Identification Guide

. Posted by in , • Tyler
a Norway rat on the ground

Do you know how to spot a Norway rat and how to tell these pests apart from other rodent species? Norway rats are common, so it’s smart for homeowners to become aware of them.

Norway Rat Identification Guide

If you spot Norway rats in your home or on your property, do not hesitate to contact a pest control specialist. This species can spread diseases and wreak havoc on your home, so it’s important to deal with the problem as quickly as you can.

Norway Rat Appearance

Norway rats are considered medium to large-sized rats, and their bodies typically measure between seven and nine inches long. Unlike other types of rats or mice that are more slender, Norway rats are considered heavily-bodied.

They also have tails that are slightly shorter than the length of their bodies. From tip to tail, most Norway rats measure around 16 inches and weigh one pound. Norway rat tails are scaly … Read Full Post »

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