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Do Mice Hibernate? Keeping Rodents Out Of Your Home

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a mouse outside

As a homeowner, there are many things to consider before winter arrives. You want to make your space as comfortable as possible for the upcoming cold weather. The trouble is, without taking the proper steps, mice and other pests may end up seeing your home as a sanctuary of their own.

If you’re like many homeowners in Texas, you may have wondered: Do mice hibernate, or do they stay active throughout winter? The short answer is no. Mice don’t hibernate, which means they don’t have the capacity to withstand the cold the same way other mammals do. This matters to homeowners because it means these pests may be searching for a place to stay warm, which could be your home. 

The cold triggers their survival instincts, often leading them to find a path indoors. You may notice increased mouse activity when the weather gets cooler. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have more … Read Full Post »

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The Role of Homeowners’ Associations in Community Building

. Posted by in , , • Houston

The Role of Homeowners Associations in Community Building

A Homeowners Association (HOA) helps manage and care for shared areas in a neighbourhood, ensuring community rules are followed to keep everything looking nice. Residents pay monthly fees for upkeep, improvements, and amenities like parks or pools. The HOA is run by a board of residents, known as HOA board members, who make decisions and enforce rules.

Although HOAs don’t handle property taxes, they manage community resources and maintain the neighbourhood’s appearance. This includes organizing neighbourhood events and handling repairs. Being part of an HOA or community association keeps the neighbourhood attractive and gives community members a say in decisions.

HOA’s governing documents outline the rules and responsibilities, allowing HOA members to share ideas and help shape how the neighborhood is run.

What is a Homeowners Association?

A Homeowner Association (HOA) is a group that helps manage neighborhoods or condos. They make sure rules are … Read Full Post »

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Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

. Posted by in , • Austin
A bathroom

Have you noticed that your dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with spots on them, or your glasses look cloudy? You may have hard water in your home.

Some more common signs of hard water include stiff laundry, even though it’s freshly washed, dry skin and hair, soap scum in your shower and your appliances breaking down sooner than they should.

If you’re dealing with any of these problems, it’s worth looking into installing a water softener in your home. A professional plumber can install and maintain it for you, so you can just enjoy the benefits.

Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

Is installing a water softener the right choice for your home? If you’ve noticed an increase in scum spots in your showers or spots on your dishes, you may have hard water. This is caused by a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in your water supply.

Hard water … Read Full Post »

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Organizing a Community Swap Meet or Garage Sale

. Posted by in • Houston

Community Swap Meet or Garage Sale

How to Organize a Fun Community Swap Meet or Garage Sale

Organizing community swap meets or garage sale is a great way to declutter and connect with others. Pick a convenient date and location, and promote the event through social media and flyers. Encourage participants to bring unwanted items and consider inviting local vendors.

Set up tables, organize and price items, and manage transactions efficiently, including digital payment options. After the event, clean up and donate any unsold goods. Enjoy the day, engage with your community, and get inspired by events like the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

Here’s a simple guide to help you plan and host a successful event:

1. What is a Community Swap Meet?

A community swap meet is a local event where people gather to buy, sell, or trade items like clothing, antiques, and other possessions. It’s a fantastic way to declutter your space, … Read Full Post »

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Your Guide To Christmas Events In San Antonio

. Posted by in • San Antonio
San Antonio

Want to know the best way to celebrate the holiday season in San Antonio? You’re in luck, because San Antonio bursts at the seams with holiday spirit, and there are many Christmas events in San Antonio to enjoy.

Whether you want to hit up the River Walk, get some shopping done or find an activity the whole family will love, San Antonio is the place to be over the holidays.

Your Guide To Christmas Events In San Antonio

San Antonio is a lively city all year long, but it radiates fun and festivity during the holiday season.

Homemade Christmas at the Alamo

On Saturday, December 13, the Alamo is hosting a free Christmas event that will transport you back in time. Homemade Christmas showcases what it was like to celebrate the holidays as an early settler on the Texas frontier in the mid-1800s. 

The whole family can enjoy Christmas-themed crafts, storytelling, living history demonstrations, caroling, candymaking, … Read Full Post »

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The Benefits of Joining a Community Watch Program

. Posted by in • Houston

The Benefits of Joining a Community Watch Program

Have you ever wondered how neighbourhoods stay safe and secure? One important way is through Community Watch Programs. These programs bring neighbours together to help with crime prevention and keep everyone safe. By working closely with local law enforcement agencies, these programs create a strong partnership that benefits everyone involved. Neighborhood watch groups are a key part of this system, helping to monitor and report suspicious activity.

The National Neighborhood Watch and the National Sheriffs Association support these programs by offering resources and guidance. This ensures that neighbourhood watch groups across the country have the tools they need to be effective. Local law enforcement officers, including the police chief, collaborate with these groups to address crime and enhance public safety.

A Neighborhood Watch Program involves community members in a crime prevention program that relies on citizen involvement and active participation. Whether through block watch … Read Full Post »

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Where To See the Best Austin Christmas Lights

. Posted by in • Austin
the Austin trail of lights

There’s no shortage of fun things to do around Austin during the holidays. The city boasts an impressive number of Christmas light displays every year, along with other festive events, such as holiday markets, ice skating, Christmas meals and more.

Whether you want to go out for a night on the town or find an activity the whole family will love, there’s something for everyone. 

If you want to make the holiday season easier on yourself, leave your holiday light display to the pros. ABC can install your lights for you this year and bring your holiday dreams to life. 

Where To See the Best Austin Christmas Lights

Austin is a city full of personality, so it’s no surprise that it goes all out when it comes to holiday lights. There are numerous light displays, both free and paid, to enjoy this holiday season. 

Most of the events listed below begin in November and run … Read Full Post »

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Roof Rat vs. Norway Rat: How Are They Different?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a roof rat

You’ve probably heard of roof rats and Norway rats, but do you know what sets them apart? These two species are the most common types of rats in Texas and the southern U.S., so it’s important to learn what you can about them.

While it’s not always easy to tell rat species apart, roof rats and Norway rats have several key differences.

If you suspect that you have a rat problem of any kind, either inside your house or on your property, call in a pest control professional. 

Roof Rat Identification: Habitat, Appearance and Behavior 

As their name suggests, roof rats, pictured above, are known for their climbing abilities. They often climb trees or powerlines to access your roof. From there, they find a small opening to enter your house and set up camp in your rafters, inside your walls or in your attic.

Roof rats prefer warm environments, which is why they like to … Read Full Post »

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Where to See Christmas Lights in Bryan, TX

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
Christmas lights

The holiday season will be here before you know it, and there are plenty of fun holiday events to enjoy in Bryan, Texas. Our city offers multiple ways to take in Christmas lights to help get you in a festive mood. Along with Christmas light displays, Bryan offers holiday parades, markets, strolls and art fairs.

Looking forward to decking out your home for the holidays? Let ABC do the heavy lifting for you. Our professional Christmas light installers can get the job done so you can enjoy the festive season with your family. 

Where to See Christmas Lights in Bryan

Looking for the best Christmas light displays in Bryan? You’re in luck, because the city is full of dazzling displays for all types of audiences. Whether you’re planning a group outing with your book club, a festive date or a family night out, you can find something fun to do in Bryan this … Read Full Post »

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DIY vs. Professional Exterior Cleaning: What You Need to Know

. Posted by in • Houston

DIY vs. Professional Exterior Cleaning: What You Need to Know

DIY Exterior Cleaning: Pros and Cons

When it comes to cleaning the outside of your house, you might be wondering if you should tackle it yourself or hire a professional. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

Cleaning the exterior involves removing dirt, grime, and mold that can build up on the surface over the years. Use a pressure washer for a more thorough cleaning, especially if you haven’t cleaned your house in a few years. Regular cleaning helps keep your home looking fresh and can prevent damage from things like mold and mildew.

If you decide to do it yourself, you’ll need to buy or rent equipment like pressure washers and cleaning solutions. It can be a rewarding project, but it’s also time-consuming and physically demanding. Plus, you might miss some spots or accidentally damage your home if you’re not careful.

On … Read Full Post »

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