How to Deter Bees From Making Your Home Theirs

May 5, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Pest Control • Bryan-College Station

Bees serve a vital function in nature. But having bees come to visit is very different than having bees who come and stay.

How to Deter Bees from Making Your Home Theirs

In case you’re wondering how to deter bees from building a hive in or around your home, we’ve got some things you need to know.

The Truth About Bees

Worker bees are attracted to flowers and budding trees, landing on open flowers and picking up pollen on their legs and bodies as they suck up the nectar in the flowers. The pollen is then distributed across the area as they land on each flower. Once full, bees return to their hive and deposit the nectar they’ve picked up. The deposited nectar is stored and used to feed the queen and the rest of the hive, creating the honey we use in our tea, on toast and when baking.

Bees do not go looking … Read Full Post »

Can Sand Fleas Travel Home With You? Banishing Sand Fleas

May 4, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Pest Control • Corpus Christi

Many of us enjoy spending time in coastal areas, soaking up the sun at our favorite beach. While the feeling of the sand in our toes and the cool ocean breezes are welcome, there are some things about spending time near the water which aren’t as nice. One of the drawbacks is that we share the coastal environment with many other animals, some of which bite. One group of these creatures is commonly called sand fleas, which can leave behind irritating, itchy welts.

The next natural question you might ask as you are packing up to head home or to your hotel is “Can sand fleas travel home with you?”

The short answer to that question is that Americans typically don’t have true sand fleas in their homes. That’s because what we commonly call sand fleas in the United States and what are actually sand fleas, which are found in South America, … Read Full Post »

CPS Energy Rebates For San Antonio Residents

May 4, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Air Conditioning & Heating • San Antonio

City Public Service (CPS), based in San Antonio, is the largest municipally-owned energy company in the United States. CPS offers a wide variety of options to heat and cool a San Antonio home or business, and their programs reward residents who are environmentally conscious. The company offers clean energy and serves as a regional leader in solar power, LED lighting, clean coal and smart grid design.

City Public Service actively seeks ways to improve their services and the value of those services. One way the company accomplishes this goal is through the SaveNow energy savings programs and rebates.

Many San Antonio residents are looking for more efficient energy sources that balance a concern for the environment with a desire to save money. Buying a new AC unit that has a high energy rating is a good place to start if you are looking for ways to save on heating costs and how to … Read Full Post »

What To Feed Ducks and Where To Feed Ducks in Austin

May 3, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Community • Austin

One of life’s simple pleasures is feeding animals. Feeding ducks is a fun outdoor activity for all ages. Before you head out the door with that old loaf of bread, take a few minutes to learn more about what to feed ducks, what types of ducks you’ll commonly see in the southern states and the best places to feed ducks in Austin.

What to Feed Ducks

Most people think stale bread is the perfect treat for ducks in your local pond, but that’s a common misconception. So, even if the bread isn’t stale, can ducks eat bread? The short answer: yes, but it isn’t the ideal food.

Why Isn’t Bread Ideal for Ducks?

Bread isn’t the ideal food for ducks because it has little nutritional value and can cause health problems in ducklings, lead to overcrowding and contaminate the water in which they live. Crackers, chips, donuts, cereal and popcorn are good sources of … Read Full Post »

How To Kill Mosquito Larvae In Pool

May 2, 2017. Posted by Vanessa Jenkins Green in Mosquito Control • Houston

Having a pool means having a built-in destination for relaxation, fun, and entertainment. Unfortunately, having a pool also means that you may attract some uninvited guests to your backyard oasis: mosquitoes. Keep reading to learn more about how to kill mosquito larvae in your pool and how to keep these pesky pests away.

Swimming Pool Mosquito Control Tips

The months of the year that are ideal for swimming are also prime time for mosquitoes. You will likely encounter these bloodsucking creatures if you’re anywhere near a pool or body of water during the warmer months. You may ask yourself: Do swimming pools attract mosquitoes? Since both water and humans attract mosquitoes, unfortunately, the answer is yes. You can take some steps to keep mosquitoes out so that you can enjoy your pool and backyard during the warmer months of the year.

What if you suspect there are already larvae in your pool water? The … Read Full Post »

Natural Garden Pest Control: Advice from the Pros

May 1, 2017. Posted by Vanessa Jenkins Green in Pest Control • Orlando

Having a home garden takes hard work and dedication. You have to plan out which plants and vegetables you want to grow, make sure your soil is compatible, and then nurture your plants as they grow. The result can be gratifying, but this accomplishment can be dashed when you notice tiny pests feeding on your plants and destroying the garden you so carefully put together. How do you protect your plants without using chemicals? You have many options if you want to practice natural garden pest control.

Natural Garden Pest Control

Depending on the type of pest you’re dealing with, there are different ways to correct your problem. From mosquito repellent plants to homemade pesticides to adding beneficial bugs to get the job done, home gardeners have many tools at their disposal.

Mosquito Repellent Plants

If you live where the climate stays warm for most of the year, mosquito season can last virtually all … Read Full Post »

When Is Mosquito Season Over?

April 28, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Mosquito Control • Austin

In certain parts of the country, thermometers might reach freezing temperatures on only a few days of the year. During those periods, mosquito season can seem like a year-round nuisance, which may not be far from the truth—especially since mosquitoes can move underground during the colder winter months.

When Is Mosquito Season Over?

It’s a good question, especially in the southern parts of the country with mild winters. Mosquitoes have an annoying habit of taking up residence in some people’s homes, living in drains, potted plants or anyplace where they have access to water and warmth. So when is mosquito season over in warmer climates? Let’s look at the facts.

Why Mosquitoes Are Considered Pests

Mosquitoes can carry infectious diseases that may have serious consequences for humans. Over a million people worldwide die every year from mosquito-borne illnesses, and the United States is not exempt from that statistic.

In certain areas of the U.S., pregnant … Read Full Post »

ABC Owners Bike Across Country For Charity

April 26, 2017. Posted by Vanessa Jenkins Green in Community • Houston

Three brothers. Two charities. Four thousand miles.

Bobby, Dennis and Raleigh Jenkins, the owners of ABC Home & Commercial Services, will be cycling across the country this summer to raise money for A Child’s Hope and the Moss Pieratt Foundation.

ABC Owners Bike Across Country for Charity

The ride will start in Seattle on May 23, 2017 and end in New York City. The Jenkins brothers are biking to support two organizations that are near and dear to their hearts. You can learn more about the ride, donate and subscribe to email updates on the Brothers Bike website.

This is not the first time the ABC owners have cycled for charity. In 2008, the Jenkins brothers biked from Austin to Canada to fundraise for Caritas of Austin. Afer that trip, they set their sights on a cross-country charity ride. “My brothers and I are willing to put in the sweat equity … Read Full Post »

Do Possums Carry Rabies?

April 25, 2017. Posted by Vanessa Jenkins Green in Rodent & Wildlife • Orlando

Many people find possums scary, even threatening—and that’s perfectly understandable. After all, possums (also known as “opossums”) have those frightening-looking teeth that they’re all too happy to bare when surprised in their natural habitat—which might, unfortunately, include your backyard. They also use an intimidating hissing sound to scare off potential predators. But do these small animals deserve their bad reputation?

Do Possums Carry Rabies?

Many people have limited knowledge about them and might wonder: Do possums carry rabies? Do possums attack? Do they bite humans? To answer these questions, let’s learn a little more about this somewhat misunderstood creature.

Facts About Possums

Possums are smallish animals, about the size of a cat, with long tails, pointy faces, and grayish-white fur. They are marsupials—animals like kangaroos- carrying their young in a pouch on the mother’s belly. And while possums are often seen as pests, they’re quiet animals that usually don’t threaten humans, pets, or property. … Read Full Post »

2017 Austin Bucket List, Summer Edition

April 24, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Community • Atlanta

It’s no secret that Austin has a lot to offer. Summer provides the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Whether you’re a lifelong Austinite or a newbie, our bucket list includes all the top things to do around town during the summer months.

Top Things To Do This Summer in Austin

Summer fun doesn’t have to be limited to the time you spend poolside. From indoor activities to culinary treats to museums, we’ve got something for everybody here in the Live Music Capital of the World on our 2017 Austin Bucket List for Summer. Think outside the box, get creative and see why so many people consider Austin the best place on Earth!

Fuel Up

When people think of Austin, one of the first things that comes to mind is food, and specifically, tacos. What Austinites know (and love) is that the taco isn’t just for … Read Full Post »