ABC Blog

Please choose a city to view local blog posts:

How to Maintain Artificial Turf

artificial turf

A lush lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but it can quickly become a nightmare because of the maintenance requirements. From weeding to watering to mowing, it can get overwhelming for a busy homeowner. That’s where artificial turf comes in. You get the same aesthetic without devoting as much time, effort and money to maintenance. You also don’t have to worry about the best time of day to fertilize your lawn and other technicalities.

However, artificial turf still needs regular TLC to keep it looking its best and last as long as possible. If you’re wondering how to maintain artificial turf, here are some of the best care tips to help you maximize your investment. A lawn care specialist can help you install artificial turf and keep it in pristine condition for many years.

How to Maintain Artificial Turf

If you’re tired of spending your free time caring for your lawn, you’ll be glad … Read Full Post »

Holiday Events & Christmas Parades in Bryan, Texas

Santa on his sleight at a Christmas parade in Bryan, TX

If you’re looking to experience fun and festive holiday events and a Christmas parade, Bryan, TX, is the place to be this holiday season.

Downtown Bryan Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade

This is Bryan-College Station’s one and only lighted Christmas parade. Beginning at 6 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, the parade starts at the intersection of 24th Street and Bryan Avenue and heads south, snaking through historic downtown Bryan as it turns on 28th Street before heading back up Main. Visitors can expect spectacular floats as well as lighted fire engines and more—and a visit from Santa at the end of the parade! You can even get some holiday shopping done at the many booths. Best of all, the parade is free to attend!

Do Some Christmas Shopping—Bryan, TX

Aside from Christmas parades, there are lots of other fun events going on around the Bryan–College Station area this holiday season. Here’s where to … Read Full Post »

How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV Car?

an EV charging

Charging our gadgets is part of our daily routines, whether it’s our phones, laptops or headphones. However, charging a car is something many of us are still getting used to. One challenge you might face is figuring out how long it takes to charge your EV so you can schedule your day appropriately. There’s no straightforward answer to this question because there are various factors to consider.

If you’re new to the EV world, here’s your guide to EV charging at home. Contact an electrician if you’re ready to enjoy the convenience of home charging. A licensed electrician will assess your electrical panel, upgrade it if necessary and install the charging station correctly.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV Car?

Your EV’s charging time is dependent on a host of variables. Even the weather and your charging cable’s length may have an impact. But if we’re narrowing it down to … Read Full Post »

How to Safeguard Your Home Against Common Fall Pests

Fall Pest Control: How to Safeguard Your Home Against Common Fall Pests

As autumn arrives, the cooler temperatures and increased moisture can attract various pests seeking warmth and shelter in your home. Fall is a prime time for pests like rodents, spiders, ants, bugs, boxelder bugs, and other insects to invade. Cluster flies and household pests have also become more common. To protect your living space, it’s essential to implement preventive measures, including keeping dirty dishes clean and sealing entryways. Here’s a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your home against common fall pests.

Understanding Common Fall Pests: Stink Bugs and Household Pests

Rodents:

Mice and rats are notorious for seeking refuge in homes as the weather cools. They can cause damage by chewing on wires, insulation, and structural components and may also pose health risks by spreading diseases. They often invade homes looking for food source, including garbage cans and stored food. To minimize … Read Full Post »

My Icemaker Is Not Working: What’s Wrong?

an icemaker

With an icemaker, drinking your favorite cold beverages just got easier. Gone are the days of manually refilling ice trays, waiting for the water to freeze and prying out the ice cubes with your fingers. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t run into trouble with an icemaker. Unfortunately, a malfunctioning icemaker is one of the common refrigerator problems homeowners experience.

Is your icemaker not working? Several refrigerator components can be responsible for the problem, including the water filter, water inlet valve and freezer compartment. Before you get too frustrated, here’s a rundown of the possible culprits and how to troubleshoot the issue. If you lack DIY experience, let an appliance repair specialist take over. They have the tools and expertise to get your icemaker up and running again. These pros can also resolve other issues, such as when you’re asking, why is my fridge making a loud noise?

Icemaker Not Working? How … Read Full Post »

Do Ticks Fly?

a tick

Ticks are creepy-crawling insects that no one wants to encounter, especially since they are parasitic pests that carry diseases. The more you understand about tick behavior, the easier it will be to avoid them.

Do Ticks Fly?

Ticks do not fly and do not have wings. Instead, these parasitic insects latch onto animals and humans by crawling onto them. The most common way to encounter a tick is when you’re walking through tall grass or bushes.

The process of a tick attaching to a host is called “questing.” They patiently hide out in a bush or tall grass until a potential host walks by, and then they crawl onto them. They then use their hosts for their blood meals.

While ticks do not fly, researchers have discovered another unique way that they hoist themselves onto a new host. Instead of crawling, they use static energy to launch themselves into the air. They can shoot … Read Full Post »

What Is Forced Air Heating?

a living room

Deciding on a heating system for your home can be overwhelming. There are boilers, radiators, mini-splits and baseboard heaters, to name a few. However, the most popular choice among homeowners is forced air heating.

What is forced air heating? While you’ll find it in countless homes, not all homeowners know how it works. Here’s everything you need to know about it, including how it works and its pros and cons.

If you decide on forced-air heating, contact a licensed professional to install it in your home. The HVAC technician can also perform regular maintenance checks to keep it in tip-top shape. Plus, this pro can help address other HVAC issues, like when you ask, “Why am I not getting power to my thermostat?”

What is Forced Air Heating? Here’s How It Works

Forced air heating is a component of an HVAC system that heats homes. It uses a heat source like a furnace or … Read Full Post »

Natural Pest Control Methods for Your Home and Garden

Introduction

Natural pest control is an eco-friendly and effective approach to managing pests in your home and garden without relying on synthetic chemicals. By utilizing various natural methods, you can maintain a healthy environment while keeping common pests at bay.

This guide will provide an in-depth look at different natural pest control techniques suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.

1. Understanding Natural Pest Control

Natural Pest Control Measures

Natural pest control focuses on using organic and non-toxic methods to deter or eliminate pests. Unlike chemical treatments, these methods often utilize biological processes, natural repellents, and physical barriers to control pest populations.

Natural bug control measures involve methods such as using beneficial insects to combat garden pests or applying natural pesticides, such as neem oil.

Organic solutions for pest issues include homemade traps and the strategic use of essential oils to repel unwanted insects.

Benefits of Natural Pest Control:

  • Eco-friendly: Natural pest control reduces environmental impact and helps … Read Full Post »

Do Opossums Hibernate?

an opossum

Did you know that opossums do not like cold weather? While these creatures do not hibernate, they take special care to stay warm during winter. In warmer areas, they can even stay active year-round.

Understanding opossum behavior is the first step in identifying an opossum on your property. For example, what they eat, how cold they can tolerate and where they shelter are key to understanding their movements. Contact a wildlife control specialist if you suspect an opossum is on your property.

Do Opossums Hibernate?

Do opossums hibernate in the winter? The short answer is no. Opossums do not hibernate. However, they often den in warm places during winter, such as hollow trees and brush piles.

While opossums remain active all year long, their habitats change with the seasons. During the colder months, they seek shelter in enclosed areas, such as under decks or sheds, to stay warm.

A unique aspect of opossums is that … Read Full Post »

How Does a Dimmer Switch Work?

a dimmer switch

Homeowners can be hands-on about many things around the house, but electrical work should be handled by a professional. The dimmer switch is one electrical component that could give you problems at home. You might find that it’s not dimming all the way or won’t work with some lights. If your dimmer switch is stressing you out, we’ll explain how this device works and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Let electricians come to the rescue if you can’t figure it out. These licensed professionals have the tools and expertise to solve the electrical mysteries that could be bugging you at home.

What Is a Dimmer Switch and How Does It Work?

It wasn’t until the 1930s that incandescent dimmers entered the picture, used in theaters to set the mood for different scenes. They had massive panels that required manual operation, a far cry from the modern dimmers.

Fast forward 30 years, dimming technology has … Read Full Post »