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Creative Landscaping Ideas for Small Spaces

. Posted by in • Houston
Small Space Landscaping

Small Space Landscaping

Creative Landscaping Ideas for Small Spaces

Designing a beautiful and functional landscape in small spaces can be both a challenge and a rewarding experience. Whether you’re working with a tiny yard or a modest small backyard, creative landscaping ideas can make the most of your limited square footage. In this guide, we’ll explore various strategies to transform your small garden or small patio into a stunning and practical outdoor retreat.

Small yard landscaping presents unique opportunities to enhance the charm and functionality of your outdoor area. One effective approach is to establish focal points that draw the eye and create visual interest. Adding a fire pit or a stylish deck can serve as a central feature in your front yard or backyard, making the space more inviting and functional.

Incorporating a flower garden is another way to add beauty and vibrancy to a small area. Choose plants that add … Read Full Post »

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Are Termites Attracted to Light?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
termites

Termites are elusive pests that are hard to spot, which is why it’s important for homeowners to learn as much as possible about their behavior. Whether or not termites are attracted to light is a common question because homeowners often spot flying termites around light sources.

Some termites are attracted to light, but turning your lights off is not an effective way to deal with a termite problem.

Are Termites Attracted to Light?

Are termites attracted to light? The answer is yes, termites are attracted to light when they are swarming.

Swarming can occur during the spring and summer when swarmer termites leave their colonies to mate and start new colonies. Unlike soldier and worker termites, swarmer termites have wings and will find a mate in the air.

If there is an active termite colony on your property during swarm season, you may see a termite swarm or notice the aftermath of a termite swarm. … Read Full Post »

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What Is Flea Dirt?

. Posted by in , • Austin
flea dirt on a pet

What is flea dirt, and does it mean a flea infestation is nearby? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

Flea dirt is the feces of fleas, and it’s made up of their waste and the blood of the host they feed on. It looks like regular dirt, but it’s an undeniable sign of a flea infestation. If you see flea dirt on or around your pet, you need to treat the flea problem.

The most effective way to deal with a flea problem is to call in a pest control specialist. The experts can treat the fleas and put prevention methods in place to deter them from coming back.

What is Flea Dirt?

Have you spotted mysterious flecks of black or dark brown dirt in your pet’s fur? It could be flea dirt, which is the feces of fleas. When fleas feed on the blood of their hosts, they excrete black, crumbly flecks that resemble … Read Full Post »

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Can Scorpions Climb Walls?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a scorpion

Merely looking at the body shape and appearance of scorpions, one might think they can’t scale vertical structures like walls. But that is not true.

Just like other arachnids, scorpions can climb any rough surface using the small pincers on their feet. These pincers, sometimes called chelae, allow them to firmly grip rough surfaces such as rocks, stucco walls and trees.

However, the fact that scorpions are great wall climbers does not mean they can climb any surface. They have difficulty climbing glass, plastic, metals and other smooth surfaces. These surfaces do not provide sufficient foothold for their pincers to latch on.

If you notice scorpions in your home, contacting pest control professionals is best. Deterring scorpions on your own can be overwhelming as these pests are resilient and difficult to locate. Pest control specialists can deal with the situation. You can even take advantage of their visit to ask other pest-related questions, … Read Full Post »

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Landscaping Trends for 2025: What’s New and What’s Next

. Posted by in • Houston
Landscaping Trends

As we approach 2025, the world of landscaping is set to evolve, bringing fresh ideas and innovative solutions to transform outdoor spaces.

Whether you’re an avid home gardener or a homeowner looking to update your garden, staying abreast of the latest landscaping trend can help you create a beautiful, functional, and sustainable outdoor living space.

At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we are excited to guide you through the emerging landscape design trends and offer insights on how to incorporate them into your garden and outdoor living room.

Our experienced landscape designer can help you adapt these trends to suit your unique needs, ensuring that your garden integrates seamlessly with your interior design and maximizes the potential of growing plants.

Transforming Your Outdoor Space for 2025

One of the most significant landscaping trends for 2025 is the integration of smart technology into outdoor … Read Full Post »

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What Bird Builds Nests on the Side of the House?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
a house sparrow

Ever woken up to chirping right outside your window, only to find a messy nest tucked under your eaves? While birds bring charm to the outdoors, their nesting habits can wreak havoc on your home. You might worry about damage to your home, health risks or the mess they leave behind. Knowing what birds build nests on the side of the house and how to handle them makes it easier to protect your property.

What Birds Build Nests on the Side of the House?

Several bird species are known for their tendency to build nests on or around houses. Identifying the culprit can help you tailor your deterrent strategies.

House Sparrows

These non-native birds, pictured above, are highly adaptable to urban environments. They favor building messy, globular nests made of grass, string, paper and twigs in any available opening, including vents, gutters and eaves.

European Starlings

Like house sparrows, starlings, pictured above, are non-native birds that … Read Full Post »

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What Do Fleas Eat?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a flea on skin

Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of humans and animals. However, you may be surprised to learn that blood is not the only thing fleas eat. Flea larvae have a different diet from flea adults. It’s helpful for homeowners to understand the feeding habits of these pests so that they can quickly identify a flea infestation.

The most effective and efficient way to deal with a flea problem is to call in a pest control service . The experts have the tools and experience to reach even the most hard-to-find fleas.

What Do Fleas Eat?

Fleas are parasitic insects that attach to a host to feed on their blood. They have various host options but primarily attach to household pets like cats and dogs.

Pets who spend time outside are more susceptible to flea infestations, so it’s important to remember to give your pets their flea-prevention medication. Understanding what flea bites look … Read Full Post »

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How Many Legs Do Scorpions Have?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a scorpion

If spiders make you jump and your hairs stand on end, you won’t like their cousin, the scorpion. Armed with claws and a stinger, scorpions scare many homeowners. With around 50 species living in the US, you may spot one of these creepy crawlies wandering around your home.

The good news is most scorpion species are harmless to humans. However, their stings are still painful. Contact pest control professionals if you see this arachnid in your home. That way, the experts can manage the scorpion population on your property. Aside from scorpions, pest control specialists also know how to deal with other creepy crawlies like the southern house spider .

Here’s How to Identify Scorpions

Scorpions look like lobsters and crabs because they belong to the same group, Phylum Arthropoda. However, not many people know that scorpions have even closer ties to spiders, belonging to the same subgroup Arachnida. It may not be … Read Full Post »

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Maintaining Your Pool in Extreme Weather Conditions

. Posted by in • Houston
Pool Maintenance

Pool Maintenance

Maintaining Your Pool in Extreme Weather Conditions

Owning a swimming pool brings immense enjoyment, but it also requires a commitment to ensure proper pool maintenance, especially during extreme weather conditions. From scorching summer heat to freezing winter temperatures and from heavy rains to strong winds, each weather condition impacts your swimming pools differently.

This guide will cover essential strategies for effectively maintaining your pool throughout various extreme weather scenarios, ensuring its longevity and functionality. Following a pool cleaning schedule and performing regular tasks to keep the pool clean will help keep your pool filter and other equipment in top shape, making sure your pool remains a source of fun and relaxation year-round.

Preparing Your Pool for Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can stress both the pool’s water and equipment. Proper swimming pool maintenance during these conditions is crucial to keep your swimming pool in top condition. High temperatures can accelerate the … Read Full Post »

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What is the Preferred Generator Wattage for a House?

. Posted by in • Austin
a generator being installed

When choosing a standby generator, one of the most common questions is, “What is the preferred generator wattage for a house?” 

Simply put, there’s no “preferred” generator wattage for a house. Selecting the right generator size requires careful consideration of individual household needs. For example, would you like your generator to support just a few appliances, like your fridge and your HVAC unit? Or, are you looking for a generator that can power your whole home? A licensed electrician can consult with you on what your needs are to determine what generator wattage will work best for your home. 

Selecting the right wattage is important because it ensures your home is comfortably functional during an outage without straining the generator.

How do generators work? In simple terms, they operate like small power plants. A generator engine creates mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy to keep your home running. This electrical … Read Full Post »

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