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The Difference Between Bed Bug And Mosquito Bites

. Posted by in • Orlando
Difference between bed bug bites and mosquito bites

Unless you live inside an air-conditioned bubble, you’re likely to find yourself scratching your skin at some point throughout the year as you come into contact with different varieties of biting insects. Both indoors and outdoors, and especially during the summer, you might have run-ins with fleas, mosquitoes, horse flies, black flies, or even—shudder—bed bugs. Bed bugs can be very difficult to get rid of, so finding suspicious, itchy welts on your skin can cause momentary panic as you try to figure out the culprit. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to tell the difference between bed bug bites and mosquito bites or the bites of other insects, as long as you know what to look for. Read on to learn about various insect bites and the signs and symptoms indicating which pesky pest has taken a chomp out of you.

Mosquito Bites Vs. Flea Bites

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What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

. Posted by in , • Austin
flea bites on a man's arm

Key Takeaways

Flea bites typically appear as small, itchy red bumps in clusters around the ankles and legs, and can often be mistaken for bites from other insects. Acting quickly and taking a comprehensive approach is the best way to control fleas.

Have you noticed itchy red bumps on yourself or your family members? Maybe you’ve noticed your pets scratching more than usual? These are common signs of a flea infestation.

To help you understand what flea bites look like, how to differentiate them from other bug bites and what to do about them, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

What Do Flea Bites Look Like on Humans?

Flea bites can look very different from person to person, so it can be difficult to determine if you’re dealing with flea bites or another type of bug bite. … Read Full Post »

I Have Tiny Black Mosquitoes in My House

. Posted by in , • Houston
a tiny black mosquito biting someone

Key Takeaways

  • Those tiny black mosquitoes are likely Aedes species — a group that includes the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, both of which are aggressive daytime biters.
  • The Asian tiger mosquito was first detected in the United States right here in Harris County, Texas, in 1985, after hitching a ride in imported used tires — making Houston ground zero for this invasive species.
  • Aedes mosquitoes are “container breeders.” Even a quarter-inch of standing water in a saucer, toy, or clogged gutter is enough for them to lay eggs.
  • Both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus can transmit Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, so activity in and around the house should be taken seriously.
  • Stop them indoors with EPA-approved products, tight window screens, … Read Full Post »

How Long Do Mosquitoes Live Indoors?

. Posted by in • Houston
How long do mosquitoes live indoors

Key Takeaways

  • The average mosquito lives about two weeks indoors, though some survive up to a month under the right conditions.
  • Female mosquitoes are the only ones that bite — and after a single blood meal, one female can lay up to 300 eggs at a time.
  • Mosquitoes enter through open doors and windows, drawn indoors by warmth, moisture, and the carbon dioxide humans exhale.
  • Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and overwatered houseplants are the most common indoor hiding spots.
  • Even a small amount of standing water inside your home — in a vase, flower pot saucer, or drain — is enough for mosquitoes to breed.
  • If DIY methods aren’t solving the problem, a licensed pest control specialist can eliminate mosquitoes and the conditions … Read Full Post »

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

. Posted by in , • Austin
a thumbnail from the video

Key Takeaways

Many homeowners think mosquitoes are attracted to light, but they’re actually drawn to you. Things like your breath, body heat and scent are what attract them, so that’s where you should focus your prevention efforts.

It’s a common assumption that mosquitoes are drawn to light, but is it actually true?

To find out, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. No, mosquitoes aren’t attracted to light. Light may have a small effect on these pests, but factors like carbon dioxide, body heat and your scent are what really draw mosquitoes in. 

Since mosquitoes are attracted to people, and people are often around lights, it’s easy to see why we tend to blame light for mosquito activity. Here’s a closer look at mosquito behavior.

Why People Think Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Light

Many homeowners assume that mosquitoes are … Read Full Post »

Flying Carpenter Ants: Signs, Causes & How to Get Rid of Them

. Posted by in , • Houston
a winged carpenter ant

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Flying carpenter ants are swarmers, not strays. Spotting them means a mature colony is nearby — possibly already inside your home’s walls or woodwork.
  • They don’t eat wood, but they still destroy it. Carpenter ants hollow out galleries for nesting, weakening beams, sills, and frames from the inside.
  • Spring is peak season in Houston. Swarms typically emerge between February and June, often after warm, humid days.
  • Misidentifying them as termites is a costly mistake. The two pests look similar but require completely different treatments.
  • Moisture is the root cause. Most infestations trace back to a leak, drainage issue, or damp wood somewhere on the property.

What Are Flying Carpenter Ants?

Flying carpenter ants are the winged, reproductive … Read Full Post »

What Smells Do Mosquitoes Hate? A Texas Homeowner’s Guide to Natural & Proven Repellents

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

Key Takeaways

Scents like citronella, lemon eucalyptus and lavender may temporarily repel mosquitoes, but they won’t solve an infestation. For effective mosquito control in Texas, focus on removing standing water and professional mosquito treatment.

Mosquitoes can be a persistent problem in Texas because of year-round heat, humidity and standing water. If you’re looking for natural ways to repel these pests, you might have come across methods that use certain scents. While some smells do help repel mosquitoes, none solve infestations, so a layered approach is best. 

So what smells do mosquitoes hate that are backed by science, and what works in Texas specifically? To help separate myth from fact, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Here’s a closer look at what actually works and when it’s time to call a professional.

Why Smell Matters: How Mosquitoes … Read Full Post »

Types of Flying Cockroaches in Florida

. Posted by in • Orlando
an American cockroach which is one variety of flying cockroach in Florida

Key Takeaways

  • Florida is home to several cockroach species capable of flight, including American, smoky brown, Cuban, and Asian cockroaches
  • American cockroaches (palmetto bugs) are the largest, growing up to two inches — they can fly but usually glide rather than take sustained flight
  • Smokybrown cockroaches are actually stronger fliers than American roaches and are strongly attracted to light, which is how many end up inside homes
  • Flying cockroaches don’t bite or sting, but they do spread bacteria and trigger allergies — so a sighting warrants action, not just a scream
  • Sealing entry points, fixing moisture issues, and replacing white outdoor lights with yellow bulbs can reduce infestations significantly
  • If flying roaches are showing up regularly, professional treatment is the fastest way … Read Full Post »

How To Identify Different Ant Species in Texas

. Posted by in , • Houston
a crazy ant which is one ant species in texas

Key Takeaways

  • Texas has more than a dozen ant species, and Houston deals with most of them. Warm, humid conditions make Greater Houston one of the most active ant environments in the country.
  • Tawny crazy ants are an invasive Houston problem. This species invades electrical equipment and is nearly impossible to control without professional treatment.
  • Color alone won’t identify an ant. Behavior, nesting habits, and body shape tell more than appearance, especially when several species share similar coloring.
  • Pharaoh ants are the most common indoor species in Texas homes. Standard sprays split their colonies and make infestations worse — not better.
  • Carpenter ants and termites are often confused. Knowing the difference matters: they require completely different treatments.

Common Ant Species … Read Full Post »

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What Causes Cockroaches in Your House?

. Posted by in • Houston
a cockroach climbing up a wall

Key Takeaways

  • Cockroaches don’t just invade dirty homes — any Houston house with accessible food, moisture, or entry points is at risk.
  • German cockroaches are the most common indoor species and spread fast; a single female can produce more than 200 eggs in her lifetime.
  • Larger species like American cockroaches typically live outdoors and enter homes through gaps, pipes, or worn weatherstripping.
  • Sealing entry points, eliminating standing water, and storing food in airtight containers are the most effective prevention steps.
  • If roaches are spotted regularly — or you notice musty odors, droppings, or egg cases — it’s time to call a professional.

What causes cockroaches? It’s a good question whether a Houston home already has a problem or just wants to … Read Full Post »

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