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How to Build a Flower Bed

. Posted by in , • Austin
a flower bed

Spring is coming, so it’s time to start thinking about springtime gardens. Whether you are a seasoned green thumb or a flower newbie, building your own flower bed is not too difficult.

There are several types of flower beds, and creating your own ensures that you get exactly what you want that will fit your lawn.

Flower beds require routine maintenance before and after you build them. Keeping them tidy is important to discourage weed growth and help your flowers thrive.

Finally, front lawn flower beds add curb appeal and make your home feel more inviting. There are several ways to spruce up your front lawn with flower beds, from ring-shaped beds around your trees to flower beds along your walkway.

Keep reading to learn how to build and care for a flower bed. For the best outcome, contact a landscaping specialist. They have the knowledge to advise you on which plants will work … Read Full Post »

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Do Bed Bugs Jump?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a bed bug on a person's skin

Bed bugs are annoying and unwelcome pests. These small, oval, brownish insects feed on the blood of humans and animals. An adult bed bug is about the size of an apple seed and tends to swell and turn reddish after feeding.

Unlike ants or bees, these pests don’t build nests but hang out in groups in dark, out-of-the-way hiding places. These often include mattresses, box springs, bed frames and headboards.

In time their numbers can increase as they seek other hiding spots, including other nearby rooms. Bed bugs can be found almost anywhere there’s potential for a suitable host.

Do Bed Bugs Jump?

Bed bugs make use of anyone traveling from place to place. These unwanted hitchhikers will hide in the creases and folds of just about any mode of transport, including suitcases, backpacks, bedding and furniture.

Unlike fleas, which can jump great distances, bed bugs have no jumping abilities and must instead crawl across … Read Full Post »

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Do Mosquitoes Die in the Cold?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a mosquito

There are many nice things about cooler weather. Arguably one of the best things about cooler temperatures is finally getting a break from mosquito activity. For lots of us, this is a big relief after months of warm weather when mosquitoes are active and bite us every time we step outside. But, does the absence of mosquitoes mean that mosquitoes die in the cold?

The unfortunate truth is that many types of mosquitoes do not die when it gets cold out. Instead, they go dormant until temperatures start to rise again. Other types of mosquitoes do die, but not before laying their last batch of eggs near a water source. Then, when temperatures rise again, the eggs start to move through their life cycle and a new generation of mosquitoes is born.

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded, which means they can’t regulate their body temperature when outdoor temperatures get hotter or colder. These pests … Read Full Post »

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Asian Tiger Mosquito: The Black & White Mosquito

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a black and white mosquito on skin

If you see a large black and white mosquito, this is an Asian tiger mosquito. Let’s take an in-depth look at the Asian tiger mosquito and understand how these pests breed and spread.

What Are Asian Tiger Mosquitoes?

Asian tiger mosquitoes, also known as Aedes albopictus, are an invasive black and white mosquito species that carry numerous diseases.

This black and white mosquito species have a short flight range of 100 to 200 yards. But since they prefer standing water as their breeding grounds, be on the lookout for these areas to identify them quickly.

Once identified, homeowners should eliminate these potential breeding grounds. Contacting your local pest control is ideal for dealing with the Asian tiger mosquito population.

The Appearance of Asian Tiger Mosquitoes

As mentioned, Asian tiger mosquitoes are easily identifiable as black and white mosquitoes. This species has a silver-white stripe from the head down to the back. Their legs are also striped … Read Full Post »

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How To Identify Bermuda Grass Fungus

. Posted by in • Houston
bermuda grass fungus

Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass that grows best in full sun and is quite drought-tolerant. It can provide a lush, green lawn in warmer climates. However, it is susceptible to some turfgrass diseases, including Bermuda grass fungus.

Bermuda grass fungus is usually identified by its color and texture.

The fungus typically appears as reddish-brown spots or patches on the grass blades, although it can also appear as yellow or light green spots. These spots range from small dots to large patches up to six inches in diameter.

The texture of the fungus is usually soft and velvety but can also be powdery or have a scab-like appearance. In addition to these characteristics, Bermuda grass fungus typically has an unmistakable musty smell.

If you’re unsure what type of disease your Bermuda grass is suffering from, it’s best to consult a professional lawn expert.

Types of Bermuda Grass Fungus and How to Get Rid of Them

Bermuda … Read Full Post »

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Do Termites Die in the Winter?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a house in winter

Termites are extremely destructive and can damage your biggest investment—your home. You may be wondering, when the weather cools down, are you still at risk of a termite infestation? Should you still be on the lookout for signs of termites or do termites die in winter?

The reality is that termites like things warm. In warmer climates, these insects will be active all year long. In places where it gets cold for at least part of the year, it is a bit of a different story. When temperatures hit about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, a termite can die within minutes. So self-preservation means that when temperatures get to around 50 degrees, termites start moving farther underground, where the soil is warmer.

One of the most common types of termite in the U.S., the subterranean termite, not only loves warmth, but also prefers wetter conditions. Just after a rain is a prime time … Read Full Post »

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Signs of Bad Electrical Panels

. Posted by in • Austin
Open breaker box with switches

Much like our brains function by sending electrical impulses to control the various parts of our bodies, your home’s electrical panel sends electricity to various parts of your house.

The electrical panel (often referred to as the “breaker box”) is a vital part of keeping the electricity flowing properly through your home. Unfortunately, problems can arise and these issues can be especially dangerous and expensive. In addition to the fire danger, electrical panel issues can lead to damage or even destruction of any plugged-in appliances or electronic devices.

Due to the hazards that come with dealing with electricity, you should always contact a licensed electrician when facing power issues in your home.

Common Issues in Bad Electrical Panels

There are several subtle (and not-so-subtle) hints that your electrical panel might have a problem.

Here are four of the most common signs of an electrical panel issue.

Read Full Post »

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Flying Termites After Rain: Should I Be Worried?

. Posted by in ,
a group of flying termites

Have you ever wondered why flying termites are more likely to make an appearance after it rains? Homeowners often wonder what this means and what they need to do.

There are a number of factors that influence when termites swarm, including humidity and warmth. Right after a spring rainstorm, the environment is perfect for flying termites to leave the nest and find a mate so they can start a new colony.

Unfortunately, spotting flying termites is an indication that there is already a large termite colony nearby. You should not take this lightly since termites can cause severe structural damage.

There are several species of flying termites, and they can be a variety of colors, including black flying termites. While these pests do not bite, they can cause damage to your home.

Why Are There Flying Termites After Rain?

Rain can stimulate termite activity, so it’s normal to see these pests after rainfall. However, some … Read Full Post »

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Mole Versus Mouse: Which Pest Do I Have?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
brown mouse perched on woodwork outside

Do you know the difference between a mole versus a mouse? While the two animals seem similar, there are key differences that can help homeowners tell them apart.

The first major difference is that, unlike mice, moles are not actually rodents. Other differences between moles and mice include their appearance, habitats, nesting habits and diet.

While it’s common to find mice inside your home or on your property, moles live most of their lives underground. The only time homeowners may see them is when they surface to find a mate.

The more you know about the differences between a mole and a mouse, the easier it is to identify a pest problem. Both moles and mice can cause property damage, so it’s best to catch an infestation early. A pest control specialist can help you identify which animal is causing you problems and provide solutions to kick them off your property.

Mouse Appearance, Habits, … Read Full Post »

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Common Bed Bug Hiding Places

. Posted by in , • Orlando
two bed bugs

Are bed bugs infesting your home and biting you at night? These pests are not only invasive, but they can also cause you physical discomfort.

The first step to getting rid of bed bugs is identifying their hiding places. They are resilient bugs that can hide inside tiny crevices, so it’s easy for them to go unnoticed. Some of the favorite hiding spots include mattress piping, cracks in the bed frame and inside your box springs.

An advanced bed bug infestation will also spread away from your bed. It’s possible to find them hiding and laying eggs in your curtains, especially if you keep them closed most of the time.

What are the Common Bed Bug Hiding Places?

Bed bugs are invasive pests that can hide in discreet places. Their bodies are the width of a credit card, meaning they can squeeze into tiny places and go unseen for a long time. Despite their … Read Full Post »

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