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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 »

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 »

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 »

Florida Carpenter Ants: Controlling An Infestation

. Posted by in , • Orlando
Florida carpenter ant on damaged wood

How to Get Rid of Florida Carpenter Ants

Orlando homeowners searching for pest control solutions often discover carpenter ants after noticing tiny piles of sawdust along baseboards or in attic crawl spaces. Learning how to get rid of carpenter ants starts with proper identification—confirming that the insects are actually Florida carpenter ants, not termites or another species.

Florida carpenter ants have a brown to rusty orange-colored head and thorax, with the bottom half of their bodies being black. This ant grows a circular ring of golden hairs around its abdomen. Antennae are bullet-shaped and segmented into 12 parts. Workers measure in at about a quarter of an inch to a half of an inch in length, while winged swarmers and the queen can reach up to three-quarters of an inch long.

If the ants on a … Read Full Post »

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How To Tell if Termites Are Active

. Posted by in • Houston
white termites in soil

Key Takeaways

  • Fresh mud tubes indicate activity — Moist, soft mud tubes that get repaired after breaking signal an active subterranean termite colony. Dry and crumbly? Old damage.
  • The mud tube test works — Break off a small section and check back in 2-3 days. If it’s rebuilt, they’re still using that pathway.
  • Clicking sounds reveal colonies — Soldier termites bang their heads against wood when disturbed. You might hear faint clicking inside walls at night.
  • Swarmers indoors = established colony — Finding winged termites inside your home means a mature colony’s already there. That’s a red flag.
  • Fresh frass confirms drywood activity — Tiny pellet-shaped droppings near wooden items? They’re actively feeding. Time to act.
  • Old damage looks different — Brittle … Read Full Post »
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How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches: Advice For Homeowners

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi
How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches

If you’ve found a roach in your home, you may be worried about what comes next. Roaches are a common sight in Texas, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less alarming to see in your home. Seeing one means it’s time to take action to control these pests and help curb future issues.

For more insight into cockroach behavior in Texas homes, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. According to Brown, several species are especially common across the state.

“German, American and smoky brown cockroaches are all common in Texas.”

Brown explains that homes are attractive to roaches because they offer everything these pests need to survive.

“Homes provide roaches with all the things they need … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Bed Bugs Live?

. Posted by in , • Austin
a bed bug

Unfortunately for Texans, bed bug activity is high throughout the state. These pests are notoriously hard to control, and you may have a lot of questions and concerns, like how long do bed bugs live? 

To get expert insight, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Adult bed bugs can live up to a year in perfect laboratory conditions, in the real world that is generally much shorter.”

Brown explains that under ideal conditions, a bed bug’s typical lifespan is around six to twelve months. Ideal conditions include a warm environment, access to a blood meal and plenty of hiding spots.

However, they can also survive for months in cooler temperatures and without feeding, which contributes to why they’re often hard to control.

Many areas of Texas stay … Read Full Post »

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Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in , • Austin
a dog in grass

Texas has a high mosquito population, especially in our state’s warm, humid regions. While these pests are a long-time nuisance for humans, you may also wonder if your dog has to deal with them. Do mosquitoes bite dogs, or are our pets protected by their fur?

The short answer is that yes, mosquitoes bite dogs. Fur helps, but it’s not always enough to keep your pet from getting bitten. Here’s a closer look at why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to help prevent them from pestering your pets.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

You may be surprised to learn that mosquitoes bite dogs just as often as they bite humans and other mammals. 

For more information about why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to protect your pet, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Read Full Post »

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