ABC Blog

Please choose a city to view local blog posts:

Choose a City

How To Identify Termite Damage Versus Wood Rot

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
termites in dirt

In Texas, moisture is more than just an annoyance, it can be an open invitation for termites. The combination of humidity, high heat and seasonal storms leaves homes exposed to elements that can damage and deteriorate them. Wood faces an additional threat: termites.

This leaves many homeowners wondering if the damage they see is caused by rot or termites. Being able to identify termite damage versus wood rot is important, because each issue requires a different approach.

It’s common for homeowners to mistake the two because they share similarities, even as a mature colony eats away at a home’s structure. Termites can quickly become an expensive problem if you don’t address them effectively.

What Causes Termite Damage?

Termites cost homeowners billions of dollars in damages annually. Texas has the ideal climate for them to thrive. Plus, termites are notoriously good at finding entry points that are hard to see with the naked eye.

Two main … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Homeowners

. Posted by in • Houston

The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Homeowners

As a homeowner, maintaining your property goes beyond just cleaning and repairs. One critical yet often overlooked aspect of home maintenance is regular pest inspections. Pests can wreak havoc on your home, posing health risks, causing structural damage, and leading to expensive repairs. This article explores the importance of regular pest inspections, the benefits they offer, and the best practices to ensure a pest-free environment.

Pest infestations can cause significant damage to your property. Termites, for example, can compromise the structural integrity of your home, while rodents can gnaw through electrical wires, creating fire hazards. Early detection and pest control measures are essential to prevent pest infestations from escalating into more severe problems.

Regular pest inspections can help property owners save money by identifying issues before they become major concerns. Addressing a small pest infestation early on is much more cost-effective than dealing with … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Why Is My Water Bill So High?

. Posted by in • Austin
a person's hand with a calculator and a bill

Key Takeaways

  • Water bill spikes are usually caused by hidden leaks or changes in household water use.
  • Running toilets and slab leaks are two of the most common culprits.
  • When in doubt, calling a licensed plumber can help prevent damage and avoid higher utility bills.

When homeowners see a sudden spike in their water bill, it can often lead to finger-pointing and frustration. Maybe your water pressure isn’t as strong as it used to be, or your toilet won’t flush all the way.

Most of the time, a higher water bill comes down to two things:

  • A hidden leak somewhere in your plumbing
  • A recent change in how much water your household uses

If you have kids home from college, guests staying over or a new garden that you’re watering more, you may also … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

. Posted by in • Houston

Wildlife-Friendly Garden

How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is a rewarding endeavor that enhances your outdoor space while supporting wild creatures. By incorporating local flora, providing protection, and creating diverse habitats, you can transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary for birds, pets, and other nature wild creatures. A well-designed wildlife garden not only beautifies your surroundings but also contributes significantly to the health of your local ecosystem.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to create a thriving wildlife habitat in your outdoor space, ensuring that it becomes a haven for various forms of nature and wild creatures. From feeding birds and supporting natural varieties to providing food for other insects and slow worms, you’ll learn how to make your garden wildlife-friendly.

By growing natural varieties, you create natural habitats that cater to the needs of wild creatures. Local Flora are crucial as they provide … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

How Often Should You Water a New Tree?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Planting a new tree is a great investment for your yard, but it requires careful maintenance. Many fail because of improper watering, so it’s important for homeowners to learn how often they should water their new trees.

This comprehensive guide includes a clear watering schedule for new trees, tips for adjusting to factors like the Texas heat, rainfall and soil types. It also includes signs that your tree is getting too much or too little water.

Finally, keep reading for expert insights from J Zambo. J is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services and has over 20 years of experience. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.

Why Proper Watering Is Critical for Newly Planted Trees

Unlike established trees with strong roots, newly planted trees have limited root systems. New trees rely entirely on the moisture in the surrounding soil to … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

How to Prepare Your Pool for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

. Posted by in • Houston

Winter Pool Preparation

How to Prepare Your Pool for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thoroughly Clean Your Pool Before Winter

As the temperatures drop and the swimming pool season comes to a close, preparing your pool for winter is essential to ensure it remains in excellent condition for the next season.

Properly winterizing your above-ground pool or inground pool helps prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures, reduces maintenance in the spring, and prolongs the life of your pool. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to winterize both above-ground pools and in-ground pools, ensuring your pool is ready for the off-season.

Start with a thorough cleaning to remove debris and ensure a clean pool. For saltwater pools, adjust the water chemistry with pool shock and add shock to kill algae and bacteria growth.
Next, lower the water level to just below the skimmer and ensure you remove the remaining water from the pool pipes … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Lawn Pest Identification & Control Guide

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Texas lawns commonly face pests like chinch bugs, grubs, armyworms, fire ants and sod webworms. Look for irregular patches, chewed blades, soil mounds or lifted turf. Early detection and proper lawn care help, but often, professional help is needed.

Have pests taken over your Texas lawn? Thanks to the Lone Star State’s humid and warm climate, Texas lawns can be hotspots for lawn pests like grubs, chinch bugs, armyworms, fire ants and other insects that can cause significant damage. 

As a homeowner, it’s important to learn how to identify pest damage so you can control it as early as possible. This guide, developed by ABC’s certified lawn care professionals, covers how to identify, prevent and control the most common lawn pests across Texas landscapes. 

“Grubs feed on the roots of grass,” says J Zambo. “So when you go to pull on the dead areas, … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

How To Improve Soil Quality In Your Lawn

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Healthy soil is the key to a strong, green lawn. When soil becomes compacted or loses nutrients, your grass struggles, no matter how much you water or fertilize. Improving your soil with compost, aeration and good lawn habits can help your lawn grow thicker and healthier.

As a homeowner, it can be frustrating when you spend your weekends on your lawn, only for it to be patchy, uneven or a brownish-green color. You may spend time fertilizing, watering and mowing your lawn, but your lawn isn’t improving. What many homeowners don’t realize is that the quality of your soil can have an impact on your lawn’s health. 

Over time, soil can lose nutrients and helpful microbes, become packed down and struggle to grow strong roots. When that happens, even the best fertilizer or watering schedule … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Why Is My Toilet Running?

. Posted by in • Austin
a running toilet

Key Takeaways

Running toilets are common and can waste hundreds of gallons each day. Use this guide to spot the signs, understand the most likely causes and know when to bring in a plumber.

A toilet that constantly runs can cause all kinds of issues for your household. The sound is annoying, but it can also cost you money. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, which can add up fast.

Unfortunately, running toilets are very common. Any issue that allows water to leak from the toilet’s internal system can cause that nonstop flow. 

Below, we go into the most common causes and how homeowners can identify them, along with when it’s time to call in a plumber.

Quick Checklist

Use this short to-do list to help you figure out what might be going … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

The Importance of Regular Pool Inspections

. Posted by in • Houston

Pool Inspections

The Importance of Regular Pool Inspections

Maintaining a swimming pool involves more than just regular cleaning and chemical balancing. One of the most crucial aspects of pool care is scheduling regular pool inspections.

At ABC Home & Commercial, we understand that regular pool and spa inspections are essential for ensuring the safety, functionality, and longevity of your swimming pool. Whether it’s your residential pool or a commercial swimming pool, these inspections play a vital role in preventing potential issues.

Our skilled swimming pool inspectors conduct thorough swimming pool inspections to address any concerns and ensure your pool remains in excellent condition.

Why Regular Pool Inspections Matter

A thorough swimming pool inspection includes evaluating the pool deck, pool equipment, and any associated features. Our skilled swimming pool inspectors conduct detailed pool and spa inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure that all components are in top condition.

Regular pool inspections are crucial for … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed