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What Are PFAS in Water?

a glass of water

Most of us don’t think much about our water. However, everyone should be more mindful of their drinking water supply at home because of synthetic chemicals called PFAS. These chemicals can find their way into the drinking water.

What are PFAS in water? Here’s a closer look into these “forever chemicals” and their harmful effects. If you want peace of mind, contact the professionals for help. Water quality experts can put measures in place to keep it PFAS-free. They can also help you understand why water quality is important.

What Are PFAS in Water? Here’s Everything You Should Know

PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, comprise a large group of human-made chemicals that have been in production in the U.S. since the 1940s. Manufacturers use them for household and commercial products to make them resistant to chemical reactions and heat. They also repel water, oil, grease and stains. You can find PFAS in … Read Full Post »

How Big Can a Wolf Spider Get?

a wolf spider

If spiders creep you out, you won’t like the wolf spider. They have hairy bodies with three rows of beady eyes. They’re also larger than other common household spiders, with some species growing as big as tarantulas.

While you probably don’t want anything to do with them, it helps to know how they look and behave. That way, you can identify their presence in your home and take the necessary measures to control them. Let’s review some of their traits, including size and appearance, and what draws them to your living space.

If wolf spiders keep giving you jump scares, pest control specialists can help manage their population. They have the tools and expertise to keep these spiders in check and bring peace back into your home.

How to Identify Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are common household pests, with over 240 species in North America alone. They’re especially rampant when temperatures drop outside in … Read Full Post »

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS?

a water filtration system

These days, chemicals are everywhere, making health a top concern. It can be hard to know what is okay to consume. Even drinking water carries risks because of synthetic chemicals like PFAS. But before you get too worried, know there are ways to ensure your water at home is chemical-free.

If you want peace of mind, let a professional assess your water quality at home. They can then install a water softener or water filtration system and provide regular maintenance to ensure the unit functions effectively. They can also help you understand why water quality is important.

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS? Everything You Need to Know

PFAS or per- and polyfluorinated substances are man-made chemicals that have been around since the 1940s. They are typically used to make water-resistant or non-stick consumer products. They are also present in firefighting foams and used in various industrial operations.

Here are some common products that can … Read Full Post »

Christmas Light Ideas for Your Outdoor Spaces

christmas lights

The holiday season is a joyous time, and one of the best ways to welcome it is by decorating your outdoor spaces with holiday lights. You can take your outdoor decor in several directions, from simple and classic to bold and whimsical.

For example, elegant all-white string lights can create a timeless look on your front lawn. Mix multi-colored lights with fun inflatables to add more pizazz to your decor. Keep reading for a complete list of Christmas light ideas for your outdoor spaces.

The best way to create a cohesive outdoor decor look is to choose a theme you want your decor to follow. The options are endless. The fun thing about choosing a theme is mixing it up every year for variety or adding to your existing theme to expand your decor.

Finally, practicing safety procedures is important when installing outdoor holiday lights. It’s easy to mix up outdoor and indoor … Read Full Post »

Where To See the Best Austin Christmas Lights

the Austin trail of lights

As the holiday season approaches, many Central Texans wonder about where to find the best Austin Christmas lights displays. Everyone loves the holidays, and they’re even better with festive, twinkly lights to warm up the chilly evenings as you spend quality time with family and friends.

Best of all, Austin has a wide variety of places and ways to enjoy Christmas lights. From small, intimate neighborhood displays to ticketed events boasting spectacular winter wonderlands, there’s something for every Central Texan. Just remember that a little advance planning goes a long way. Austin’s most popular ticketed holiday events sell out quickly. Even the free, smaller neighborhood lights displays can draw nightly traffic and crowds of revelers, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Here are some of the best Austin Christmas lights displays, from incredible neighborhood displays to spectacular ticketed events with millions of sparkling LED bulbs:

Are Rats Smart?

rat

Do you have a rat problem in your home? The first thing you’ll likely want to know is how to control these annoying pests. However, it’s important to recognize that rats are smart creatures with savvy survivalist instincts.

Rats use their intellect to adapt to their surroundings, communicate with each other, avoid threats, solve problems and more. Homeowners need to understand that rats are smart and that controlling a rat population is not simple. It’s best to leave the job to a professional pest control service.

Are Rats Smart?

Did you know that rats are considered very smart animals? Their intellect is part of why controlling rats can be challenging. The rodents are excellent at using their wits to stay out of sight and avoid traps.

Rats also use their intelligence to adapt and find ways to survive in rough and changing circumstances. They have great survival instincts and practice extreme caution in unfamiliar … Read Full Post »

Wolf Spider Size: How to Identify These Arachnids

a wolf spider

Unless you’re a fan of arachnids, you probably don’t like seeing spiders in your home. These eight-legged creatures usually give homeowners the creeps with their long limbs and hairy bodies. One species you might encounter indoors is the wolf spider. While wolf spiders don’t cause any particular harm, they are on the larger side and can be frightening to spot at home.

Here are some characteristics of wolf spiders to help you identify them. A pest control specialist can manage spiders in your home so you can relax and not have to worry about facing one at every turn. They can also help with other types of spiders, like grass spiders.

Wolf Spider Size, Habits and Other Characteristics

Wolf spiders are a widespread group, with 240 species thriving in North America alone. They got the name “wolf” because they chase their prey and pounce on them. This sets them apart from other spiders, … Read Full Post »

Native Trees for Your San Antonio Yard

cedar elm tree

San Antonio doesn’t just boast a rich heritage and enviably mild winters. The city is also alive with a variety of native trees that can make any visitor green with envy. San Antonio residents are spoiled with choice when it comes to trees they can plant in their yards, including hardy deciduous varieties, evergreens and flowering ornamentals.

If you want a luscious yard you’ll be proud to show off to your neighbors, here’s a guide to the most common native trees in the area. Arborists can help you find the best spots for them on your property. They can also create an optimal pruning schedule for your trees and ensure they grow strong and healthy.

These Native Trees in San Antonio Are Perfect for Your Yard

Given the wide variety in San Antonio, choosing trees for your yard can be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve narrowed it down to the nine most … Read Full Post »

How Many Legs Does a Centipede Have?

a centipede

Centipedes are fascinating insects known for having many legs. But how many legs do centipedes actually have? It may surprise you to know that the answer is not 100.

How Many Legs Does a Centipede Have?

Given their name, most people assume that centipedes have 100 legs. However, that is not the case. Centipedes can have anywhere from less than 15 legs to over 300 legs. Interestingly, they will always have an odd number of pairs of legs.

Centipedes have an odd number of leg pairs because they have one pair of legs per body segment, and they always have an odd number of body segments.

The number of legs that centipedes have also varies based on the species. For example, common house centipedes often have 15 pairs of legs, or 30 legs total. On the other hand, many tropical centipede species have around 150 pairs of legs or around 300 legs in total.

Since … Read Full Post »

How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better

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 »