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Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes in Dallas?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas, Texas skyline

As homeowners in Dallas, Texas, know we have large mosquito populations. Unfortunately, our city offers the conditions that mosquitoes love: warm, humid weather, plenty of rain and mild winters.

Contact a pest control service if you’re dealing with a mosquito problem on your property.

Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes in Dallas?

Mosquitoes thrive in hot and humid climates, so Dallas is an ideal home for these pests.

Dallas has so many mosquitoes because the city has warm weather nearly year-long, with summertime temperatures consistently over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Dallas also enjoys fairly mild winters, which allows mosquitoes to have an extra-long breeding season.

Cold weather can significantly reduce mosquito populations, which is why they like to reside in warmer places like Dallas.

Another factor is humidity. Mosquitoes require moisture to breed, and humid air creates the perfect damp environment. In Dallas, humidity remains high in the spring, summer and fall seasons. Mosquitoes can reproduce and … Read Full Post »

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What You Need to Know About Black Carpet Beetles

. Posted by in • Austin
a black carpet beetle

As a homeowner, you might be worried about black carpet beetles, since their larvae can cause damage to your belongings. The black carpet beetle, or Attagenus unicolor, is a common household pest. Black carpet beetle larvae eat just about anything, from animal by-products (wool, hides and feathers) to natural fibers and plant products (vegetables, grains and cereals).

If you’re dealing with a black carpet beetle problem, your best option is to contact pest control professionals to handle these pests. You can also ask them questions like, “When do mosquitoes come out?”

What Do Black Carpet Beetles Look Like?

Adult black carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects, typically one-eighth to three-sixteenths of an inch long. They are dark brown or black, with a shiny, smooth appearance. Their larvae are light brown to black and covered in bristly hairs, growing up to a quarter inch long. The larvae have a long, elongated and carrot-shaped body … Read Full Post »

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How Small Are Termites?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
termites

Have you ever seen a termite? These pests are hard to spot, especially since they spend most of their lives staying out of sight from humans. However, it’s still important for homeowners to learn about the appearance of termites, such as how small they are and what termites look like.

If you suspect a termite infestation in your home, contact a pest control company.

How Small Are Termites?

How small are termites? There are several species of termites, like subterranean and drywood termites, but they are all small pests. In fact, termites only range in size from one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch long. The tiniest termites are around the size of a grain of rice while larger termites are near the size of a paper clip.

While understanding the size of termites is helpful, it’s important for homeowners to know other aspects of termites’ appearance. The more you know, the easier it will … Read Full Post »

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How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Climate and Soil

. Posted by in • Houston
Grass Types For Climate

Grass Types For Climate

How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Climate and Soil

Selecting the right grass for your lawn is crucial for achieving a beautiful, healthy, and vibrant landscape throughout the year. Your local climate and soil conditions should guide your choice and specific lawn needs.

For warm season grass, options include Bermudagrass, which thrives in sunny, hot climates; Zoysiagrasses, ideal for areas with both sun and shade; St. Augustinegrass, suitable for tropical and subtropical regions; and Buffalograss, a drought-resistant choice for dry, sunny areas. On the other hand, cool season grass like Kentucky Bluegrass, known for its lush coverage in cooler climates; Perennial Ryegrass, which establishes quickly and grows well in cooler conditions; Fine Fescue varieties, great for shady areas; and Tall Fescue, offering robustness and drought tolerance, are excellent choices for cooler regions.

Choosing the appropriate grass type will ensure your lawn remains healthy and attractive.

Understanding … Read Full Post »

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How to Fix Squeaky Stairs

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
stairs in a home

Squeaky stairs are a nuisance. Besides disrupting the peace during quiet moments at home, they indicate that your stairs need maintenance. Thankfully, fixing them typically isn’t hard. It may be as simple as a loose tread, worn wedges or protruding nails. Understanding the cause of the noise is the first step to a quiet staircase.

Identify the Source of the Squeak

Before you can fix the noise in your stairs, you need to know what’s causing it. Start by enlisting the help of a friend or family member and follow these steps.

Pinpoint the Problem Area

Have someone walk up and down the stairs while you listen for creaks. Focus on the exact steps or joints making noise. Stand at the center of the stairs and gently rock side to side, followed by front to back.

If the squeak comes from the front of the stairs, the tread has come loose from the riser. If … Read Full Post »

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Do Carpenter Ants Have Two Sets of Wings?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a carpenter ant with wings

Can you identify carpenter ants? The more homeowners know about their appearance, the easier it is to spot and control a carpenter ant infestation. One interesting feature of carpenter ants is that some of them have two sets of wings while others have no wings at all.

If you have a carpenter ant problem, contact a pest control specialist. They will find the nest, treat the colony and can put prevention methods in place to stop the carpenter ants from returning.

Do Carpenter Ants Have Two Sets of Wings?

Do carpenter ants have two sets of wings? The answer depends on the type of carpenter ant. For example, worker carpenter ants do not have any wings.

Reproductive carpenter ants, on the other hand, do have two sets of wings. This type of carpenter ant is also known as the alates. They are the ants that leave their colony to mate and form new colonies.

Alates … Read Full Post »

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How to Get Rid of Weevils

. Posted by in • Tyler
two weevils

If finding weevils in your home makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Imagine opening your pantry and finding tiny bugs crawling all over your flour, rice or pasta. Unfortunately, finding weevils in your home is more common than you think.

Weevils are small and sneaky intruders, but their impact can feel overwhelming. They sometimes arrive in unopened packages or squeeze through small gaps in containers. Once they’re in, they multiply quickly, and a minor problem soon becomes a full-blown infestation.

If you have a problem with these pests, don’t panic. Contact pest control professionals if you notice weevils in your home. These experts have the skills and experience to handle even persistent infestations.

Identifying Weevils and Infested Food

The first step in dealing with weevils is identifying their presence in your home. Weevils are attracted to moisture and feed on grains, nuts and dried fruits. Therefore, you’ll most likely find them around the kitchen … Read Full Post »

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Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a circuit breaker

Circuit breakers are silent protectors. From sudden power surges to ground faults or short circuits, breakers ensure our homes and appliances stay protected from electrical issues. A breaker works by immediately terminating electricity flow into the home in case of an overload or overheating and can prevent electrical fires.

If your breaker keeps tripping even when no appliance or device is plugged in, there might be a serious problem. Understanding why this issue is happening can be helpful. However, the best option is to consult a licensed electrician. The electrician has the training and skills to determine the cause and can address the electrical issue.

Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In?

Even when you’re not using any appliance or gadget, your breaker can still trip due to the following reasons.

Ground Faults

A ground fault happens when a current takes unintentional paths to the ground. When this occurs, anything in the … Read Full Post »

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The Role of Mulching in Lawn Health

. Posted by in • Houston
Mulching in Lawn Health

Mulching in Lawn Health

The Role of Mulching in Lawn Health

Mulching is a fundamental practice in maintaining a healthy lawn and promoting overall lawn health. By incorporating mulch into your lawn care routine, you can significantly enhance the vitality and appearance of your yard. Regularly mulching grass clippings from your lawn mower is one effective way to achieve this.

As you mow, instead of bagging and disposing of lawn clippings, continue collecting grass clippings and let them naturally decompose on the lawn. This practice not only returns valuable nutrients to the soil but also helps to mulch clippings, enhancing the overall health of your lawn.

A lawn healthy and thriving yard benefits immensely from the proper use of mulch. Mulch grass from mowed lawns provides a natural layer that protects and enriches the soil. By allowing grass clippings to remain on the lawn, you can avoid the need for additional fertilizers, … Read Full Post »

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How to Identify Brown Patch Fungus

. Posted by in • Austin
brown patch on grass

Is brown patch fungus damaging your lawn? This fungal disease can wreak major havoc on not just the appearance of your lawn, but the health.

An expert can identify the root cause of the brown patch fungus in your lawn, create a personalized treatment plan and put prevention methods in place to help maintain the health of your lawn for the long-term. Additionally, they’ll advise you on proper lawn maintenance techniques to avoid fungal diseases in the future.

How to Identify Brown Patch Fungus

Brown patch is a fungal disease that can turn a beautiful lush lawn into a patchy and brown one in a short amount of time. This disease typically appears in mid to late summer and affects some types of grasses more than others.

Brown patch fungus appears as circular or irregular brown patches of grass across your lawn. The grass will look dead, and the patches range in size from … Read Full Post »

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