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How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are powerful tools in the kitchen, making it easier for homeowners to clean up after meals. But for all their usefulness, they have one major drawback—they can get smelly. Even if you’re diligent in cleaning your garbage disposal, food particles can still build up and cause an unpleasant odor in your kitchen.

Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with any nasty smells. There are several ways to freshen up your garbage disposal and have it smell squeaky clean. In addition, keeping certain foods away from your unit will prevent clogging and unwanted odors. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, a plumbing professional can help get things moving.

Dealing With a Smelly Sink? Here Is How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better

Anything that handles waste is bound to get smelly. Garbage disposal odors usually start with a slight sour smell in the sink. If left unaddressed, the offensive … Read Full Post »

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GFCI Outlet Not Resetting: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • Austin
a GFCI outlet

Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are essential in preventing electrical accidents at home.

What is a GFCI outlet? It is a device used to replace a standard electrical outlet. It monitors the amount of power going into plugged appliances. GFCIs trip whenever they sense irregularities in the electrical current, needing as little as 1/40th of a second to react.

While GFCIs keep us safe from electrical shocks and electrocution, they can malfunction like any other device. Sometimes, they won’t reset, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.

If your GFCI outlet is not working as it should, here are some possible reasons behind the issue and how to troubleshoot them. It’s best to call in a licensed professional to handle electrical components in your home.

GFCI Outlet Not Resetting? Here’s What to Do

Homeowners should investigate if a GFCI outlet won’t reset. There are various possible causes for a GFCI outlet that won’t reset. Here … Read Full Post »

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What Do Carpenter Ants Eat?

. Posted by in , • Tyler
a carpenter ant

Carpenter ants are often compared to termites because they tunnel through wood. However, unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. They are fierce predators with a diverse diet that includes insects and plant matter.

What Do Carpenter Ants Eat?

Carpenter ants are known for building their nests in wood; however, they do not eat wood. Instead, they eat a wide variety of food that changes depending on whether they live outside or indoors.

Outdoor Carpenter Ants

Outdoor carpenter ants feed on living and dead insects, honeydew and various plant materials. These pests are predators and scavengers, so they are skilled at hunting down other living insects or finding dead insect carcasses. Carpenter ants prefer to eat other insects because they contain plenty of protein and nutrients.

However, carpenter ants are attracted to honeydew’s sweetness, which aphids and other sap-sucking insects secrete. Surprisingly, ants do not hunt and kill the insects to access the honeydew. … Read Full Post »

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What To Do After Aerating Your Lawn

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
aerating a lawn

Many homeowners are aware of the benefits of aerating their lawns. Lawn aeration allows for water, nutrients and air to reach your grass’s root system and aids in the overall health of your lawn. However, the thing that most homeowners do not know is that what you do after aerating your lawn is important, too.

To make the process effective, it’s smart to follow the proper post-aeration protocol. For example, watering your lawn after aeration can help keep your soil healthy, whereas raking your lawn after aeration can cancel out the benefits.

For the best outcome, contact a local lawn care specialist. They can handle the entire aeration process and follow-up maintenance for you.

What to Do After Aerating Your Lawn

Aerating your lawn is the process of poking tiny holes into your soil in order to loosen up compacted soil. There are several benefits to aerating your lawn, as it allows for water, … Read Full Post »

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Why Does My Furnace Smell Like Burning?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a technician fixing a furnace

Your furnace is your best friend in the winter, keeping you warm and comfortable inside your home. But if you hate turning it on because your furnace smells like burning, there’s an underlying problem to look into. While some odors are nothing to worry about, your furnace should never produce lingering smells of burning plastic or electrical components. These are signs of an issue with your HVAC system.

If your furnace smells like burning, here are some possible reasons for this frustrating issue. The best way to handle the situation is to get professional help. HVAC specialists will pinpoint the root cause and perform the necessary repairs or replacements. They can also come in for regular tune-ups to keep your furnace in tip-top shape and prevent bigger issues.

Reasons Your Furnace Smells Like Burning

During the months it’s not in use, your furnace might accumulate dust on its ducts, heat exchanger and ignition … Read Full Post »

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How to Fertilize a Tree

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a tree in a yard

Trees are worthwhile investments, bringing your property to life and boosting curb appeal. But if you want them to thrive and keep looking their best, you have to give them the TLC they deserve. That includes fertilizing them. Fertilizing trees requires technical know-how because different trees have unique requirements. It helps to know what fertilizer to use, how much to apply and how often.

If you’re unsure of how to fertilize a tree, here’s an in-depth guide to help you. However, it’s better to get tree care specialists to assist you with tree maintenance for the best results. They will identify the trees on your property and fertilize them according to their needs.

How to Fertilize a Tree: Fertilizer Types, Correct Amount and Application

There’s no need to worry if the soil on your property is short on nutrients. Fertilizers can compensate for that, providing the necessary nutrients for trees to flourish, flower … Read Full Post »

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Carpenter Ant Queen: Behavior and Identification

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a carpenter ant queen

Do you know how to tell a carpenter ant queen apart from other ants? While all ant species share several similarities, carpenter ant queens have a few distinctions that make them stand out.

Carpenter Ant Queen: Behavior and Identification

The easiest way to identify carpenter ant queens versus other carpenter ants is by their size. Carpenter ant queens can grow up to an inch in length, which is much longer than worker carpenter ants, which range from one-fourth to one-half of an inch.

Next, much like other ant species, carpenter ant queens can range in color. Most of them are reddish-brown but can be black, dark brown and yellow. Their color makes them hard to distinguish from other types of ants, so it’s important to use other factors to identify them.

For example, carpenter ant queens are known for having wings until they reach adulthood, which is a distinguishing factor. Female carpenter ants use … Read Full Post »

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Signs You Need a New Furnace

. Posted by in • Austin
a technician working on a furnace

Winter is for bundling up and getting comfy with a mug of hot chocolate and your favorite book. But, cozy winters are only possible if your furnace is working well. If it isn’t working properly, you and your family will be cold and uncomfortable at home. Before the chilly season, ensure your furnace is ready to keep you warm and toasty.

If you’re doubtful that your unit can make it through the winter, here are some signs you need a new furnace. You can also let HVAC professionals check your system. They will tell you if a replacement is necessary and install the new furnace. They can also perform regular tune-ups to prevent costly problems down the line.

Some Signs You Need a New Furnace

Furnaces are durable systems with an average life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. But just like any appliance, they’re not indestructible and will eventually stop working. Unfortunately, … Read Full Post »

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How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a plant and an air purifier

Homeowners spend a lot of time ensuring their houses are clean and tidy. But many forget to clean the most essential thing in their homes–the air. Many of us don’t realize that we breathe in millions of particles, including dust, allergens and irritants, every day.

Having clean air at home is important, especially if someone in your home has asthma or allergies. If you’re wondering how to improve indoor air quality, we have some tips and tricks that can help. But the best thing you can do is to call an HVAC specialist to ensure you have clean and fresh air at home.

Tips on How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

If you find yourself breathing easier when you’re away from your home or experiencing headaches at home, your home’s air may not be as healthy as it should be.

So, what causes poor indoor air quality? While many think pollution only … Read Full Post »

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How to Identify Possums Versus Opossums

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

What is the difference between possums versus opossums? These animals have many similarities, and mixing up their names is easy. However, there are major differences between each species, and homeowners need to be able to identify possums versus opossums.

The first major difference between these pests is their geographical location. They also have several differences in appearance and behavior.

Contact a pest control specialist if you’re dealing with an opossum problem on your property. They can find the opossum’s shelter and help you put prevention measures in place to deter them from returning.

How to Identify Possums Versus Opossums

Do you know the differences between possums versus opossums? While these critters are very similar, there are a few key differences you can use to tell them apart. The major one is where they live. Possums are native to Australia, while opossums, pictured above, are native to North and South America.

Keep reading to learn about … Read Full Post »

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