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Venomous Spiders in Texas

. Posted by in • Austin
a black widow spider

The Lone Star State is known for its diverse wildlife. This variety extends beyond animals like wildcats and armadillos. It also means that homeowners need to watch out for venomous spiders in Texas. 

Many people aren’t big fans of spiders, but it’s important to keep in mind that few spiders commonly found in Texas pose any real risk. Most of them, like the southern house spider, would simply rather be left alone and aren’t much of a threat. 

However, black widow, pictured above, and brown recluse spiders are concerning species to have on your property. Learn how to identify these venomous spiders in Texas, how to prevent them and what you should do if you encounter them.

What Texas Homeowners Need to Know

A Texas homeowner should know that managing spider populations starts with knowledge and prevention. The good news is that out of the roughly 900 species in Texas, only two of them … Read Full Post »

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How to Create a Community Recycling Program

. Posted by in • Houston

How to Create a Community Recycling Program: A Simple Guide

Creating a community recycling program is a fantastic way to help the environment and promote sustainability. Start by appointing a recycling coordinator who knows how to manage the program effectively. Next, get the community involved by reaching out to residents, businesses, and organizations to build support and encourage participation.

Develop a clear plan that outlines what materials will be recycled, how they will be collected, and where drop-off points will be located. Make sure this plan fits your community’s needs. Educate everyone about recycling through workshops, flyers, and social media to explain why recycling matters and how to do it correctly.

Set up convenient recycling options, like drop-off bins or curbside pickup. Regularly track the program’s progress and gather feedback from participants to make improvements. By promoting recycling, you’ll help reduce landfill waste, save resources, and make a positive impact on your … Read Full Post »

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Expert Tips to Get Your Home Winter-Ready

. Posted by in • Tyler

Even without snow, East Texas winters bring chilly winds, heavy rain, and unexpected cold snaps that can test your home’s comfort and durability. A few quick checks now can help prevent costly repairs and keep your home healthy all season long.

Homeowner Tips for Winter Readiness

Winter in East Texas might not bring blizzards, but it still comes with chilly winds, heavy rain, and sudden cold snaps that can take a toll on your home.  Our expert pest, lawn, and handymen teams compiled a few simple steps to help you care your home and avoid expense repair costs.

1. Seal Up Before It Cools Down

Start with the basics: check your windows, exterior doors, and garage seals. A tight seal keeps warm air in and cold drafts and pests out.

  • Pro tip: Close your garage and turn off the lights. If you see sunlight peeking through, it’s time to replace those seals before temperatures drop.

2. … Read Full Post »

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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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The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses

. Posted by in • Houston

Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters?

Supporting local businesses is a big deal for your community and the economy. It’s not just about buying from a shop or café; it’s about helping your town grow, create new jobs, and improve the quality of life.

Your purchasing decision can attract more potential customers, which helps local businesses thrive. This support strengthens various industries and contributes to a vibrant and dynamic community. Here’s why you should care:

Boosting Your Local Economy

When you spend money at local shops, it stays in your town. This helps create jobs and supports things like parks and roads. Your purchases help make your community stronger and more vibrant. Local businesses often use the money they earn to buy supplies from other local vendors, which keeps the money circulating within the community.

This cycle of spending helps fund important services and improves the overall quality of life in your area. Plus, … Read Full Post »

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Supporting Local Wildlife: Building Birdhouses and Bee Hotels

. Posted by in • Houston

Supporting Local Wildlife: How Birdhouses and Bee Hotels Help

Supporting local wildlife is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and protecting endangered species. By building birdhouses and bee hotels in your backyard, you can help native animals, support local wildlife, and contribute to conservation efforts. This guide will show you how to create these habitats and explain why they are so important for the environment.

National Wildlife Refuge and state wildlife agencies often work to protect diverse habitats and offer resources for local conservation efforts. Additionally, supporting aquatic life and addressing issues such as sick animals helps maintain ecosystem balance. By working with organizations like the wildlife service, you can ensure your efforts align with broader conservation goals and contribute to the protection of endangered species.

Why Building Birdhouses and Bee Hotels Matters

Creating birdhouses and bee hotels is a great way to provide shelter for local wildlife. Birdhouses offer a safe … Read Full Post »

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Interior Paint Finishes: Do They Matter?

. Posted by in • Austin
paint brush in paint

Are interior paint finishes really that important? The answer is yes, it matters which type of paint finish you choose. 

Different paint finishes create different looks and durability levels, so it’s important for homeowners to have all the facts before choosing one.

Interior Paint Finishes: Do They Matter?

Getting ready to paint your walls? Here’s a pro tip: don’t skip interior paint finish. Most homeowners focus on their paint color choice, but can overlook the importance of the paint finish they select.

A room’s paint finish not only makes a difference in how your paint color looks, but it also impacts the durability of your paint job. Plus, there are more types of paint finishes than you might realize, so it’s important to choose the right one.

Some of the most common include:

  • Flat or matte paint finish
  • Velvet paint finish
  • Eggshell paint finish
  • Satin paint finish
  • Read Full Post »
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How Long Do Oak Trees Live?

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
oak trees

Here in Texas, we are lucky to have many species of beautiful oak trees. If you have one of these trees in your yard, you may be wondering, “How long do oak trees live?” You may also be wondering about what you can do to extend your oak’s life and keep it healthy.

According to J Zambo, some oak species can live thousands of years, but most live for hundreds of years. J also states that oak trees in urban settings likely won’t live as long. He says that the best way to extend the life of your oak trees is to develop a long-term relationship with an ISA Certified Arborist. A good arborist will not only develop a great pruning and maintenance program, but they will also have a thorough understanding of the trees in your yard and will be able to quickly diagnose any disease or pests.

J Zambo is … 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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How to Plan a Community Block Party

. Posted by in • Houston

Plan a Community Block Party

How to Plan a Community Block Party

Planning a community block party is a fantastic way to bring your neighborhood together for a day of fun, food, and festivities. Start by securing any necessary permits from your local city or town hall to close off the street for the event, and make sure to get your neighbors’ permission and support.

Planning your budget is essential, as you’ll need to consider cost like food, decorations, entertainment, and permit fees. To keep it affordable, ask neighbors to contribute potluck-style dishes or borrow items like tables and chairs.

When it comes to party ideas, let your creativity flow—think of themes, games, and activities like a talent show, water balloon fights, or a neighborhood scavenger hunt to keep everyone entertained.

On the day of the event, be sure to include icebreaker activities to help neighbors mingle, such as a welcome table with name … Read Full Post »

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