ABC Blog

Please choose a city to view local blog posts:

Choose a City

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 »

Comments Closed

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 »

Comments Closed

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 »

Comments Closed

What is Crown Molding?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
crown molding

Whether you’re looking to add something special to a room or upgrading an entire house, crown molding is a simple way of adding elegance. It is especially useful for making small rooms feel larger. With crown molding, the ceiling can look higher and the windows can look taller. Installing it on your own can be difficult, so it’s best to call in a professional handyman for help.

What is Crown Molding?

Crown moldings, or cornices, are decorative elements used where walls meet ceilings. They typically feature a gentle curve with attractive designs to create a smooth transition between vertical walls and horizontal ceilings. Crown moldings are made from various materials, including plaster, wood and composite materials (polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, vinyl or PVC).

Additionally, crown moldings help hide building imperfections, including drywall joints, poor painting or wall cracks. They also make rooms feel bigger by making ceilings appear higher and windows larger.

That said, … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Incorporating Native Plants into Your Landscaping Design

. Posted by in • Houston
Incorporating Native Plants into Your Landscaping Design

Creating a stunning and sustainable landscape design with native plants is an excellent way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Native plants are those that have evolved naturally in a specific region over thousands of years, making them well-suited to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. By incorporating these plants into your landscape, you can reduce maintenance, support local ecosystems, and enjoy a more resilient and vibrant garden. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various landscape design elements, offer practical landscape design ideas, and provide tips for selecting and caring for native plants in your landscape designs.

A well-thought-out landscape design plan begins with an assessment of your property and the unique characteristics of your yard. Identify the common themes you want to highlight, such as the incorporation of trees, shrubs, and other plant materials that are native to your region. Consider the design process in stages, … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Turf Versus Artificial Grass: What’s the Difference?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
artificial turf

For many homeowners, their lush lawn is their pride and joy. It’s the first thing neighbors and guests see, making it one of the most valuable parts of the home. While natural grass can dramatically boost curb appeal, there’s a lot of maintenance work behind the scenes. All the weeding, watering and mowing can take a toll on your hands and back.

That’s where artificial grass comes in. Resembling natural grass, you can use it to beautify your property without the backbreaking maintenance work. You don’t have to worry about technicalities like “When is the best time of day to fertilize your lawn?” Contact lawn care professionals if you want the look of a sprawling, pristine lawn minus the stress. They will install artificial grass in your yard and make it look seamless.

Turf Versus Artificial Grass: Pros and Cons

While artificial and turf grass are both synthetic, their main difference lies in … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Creative Landscaping Ideas for Small Spaces

. Posted by in • Houston
Small Space Landscaping

Small Space Landscaping

Creative Landscaping Ideas for Small Spaces

Designing a beautiful and functional landscape in small spaces can be both a challenge and a rewarding experience. Whether you’re working with a tiny yard or a modest small backyard, creative landscaping ideas can make the most of your limited square footage. In this guide, we’ll explore various strategies to transform your small garden or small patio into a stunning and practical outdoor retreat.

Small yard landscaping presents unique opportunities to enhance the charm and functionality of your outdoor area. One effective approach is to establish focal points that draw the eye and create visual interest. Adding a fire pit or a stylish deck can serve as a central feature in your front yard or backyard, making the space more inviting and functional.

Incorporating a flower garden is another way to add beauty and vibrancy to a small area. Choose plants that add … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Are Termites Attracted to Light?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
termites

Termites are elusive pests that are hard to spot, which is why it’s important for homeowners to learn as much as possible about their behavior. Whether or not termites are attracted to light is a common question because homeowners often spot flying termites around light sources.

Some termites are attracted to light, but turning your lights off is not an effective way to deal with a termite problem.

Are Termites Attracted to Light?

Are termites attracted to light? The answer is yes, termites are attracted to light when they are swarming.

Swarming can occur during the spring and summer when swarmer termites leave their colonies to mate and start new colonies. Unlike soldier and worker termites, swarmer termites have wings and will find a mate in the air.

If there is an active termite colony on your property during swarm season, you may see a termite swarm or notice the aftermath of a termite swarm. … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

What Is Flea Dirt?

. Posted by in , • Austin
flea dirt on a pet

What is flea dirt, and does it mean a flea infestation is nearby? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

Flea dirt is the feces of fleas, and it’s made up of their waste and the blood of the host they feed on. It looks like regular dirt, but it’s an undeniable sign of a flea infestation. If you see flea dirt on or around your pet, you need to treat the flea problem.

The most effective way to deal with a flea problem is to call in a pest control specialist. The experts can treat the fleas and put prevention methods in place to deter them from coming back.

What is Flea Dirt?

Have you spotted mysterious flecks of black or dark brown dirt in your pet’s fur? It could be flea dirt, which is the feces of fleas. When fleas feed on the blood of their hosts, they excrete black, crumbly flecks that resemble … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Can Scorpions Climb Walls?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
a scorpion

Merely looking at the body shape and appearance of scorpions, one might think they can’t scale vertical structures like walls. But that is not true.

Just like other arachnids, scorpions can climb any rough surface using the small pincers on their feet. These pincers, sometimes called chelae, allow them to firmly grip rough surfaces such as rocks, stucco walls and trees.

However, the fact that scorpions are great wall climbers does not mean they can climb any surface. They have difficulty climbing glass, plastic, metals and other smooth surfaces. These surfaces do not provide sufficient foothold for their pincers to latch on.

If you notice scorpions in your home, contacting pest control professionals is best. Deterring scorpions on your own can be overwhelming as these pests are resilient and difficult to locate. Pest control specialists can deal with the situation. You can even take advantage of their visit to ask other pest-related questions, … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed