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DIY Pest Control Solutions: Pros and Cons

. Posted by in • Houston

Home Pest Control Solutions

DIY Pest Control Solutions: Pros and Cons

Pest control is critical to maintaining a safe and healthy home environment. Common household pests, such as ants, spiders, cockroaches, termites, rodents, and wildlife, can cause significant damage and pose health risks.

While professional pest control services offer comprehensive solutions to these pest problems, many homeowners consider tackling pest issues on their own. However, it’s important to be aware of the additional cost that may arise if DIY methods are ineffective or if the bug problem worsens.

Professional service may provide more thorough treatment and protection for your family and home, addressing not only common pests but also issues like bees and other challenging infestations.

Understanding DIY Home Pest Control Solutions

DIY pest control involves using over-the-counter products and homemade remedies to manage and eliminate pests. These solutions range from traps and baits to natural deterrents and chemical sprays and can also include … Read Full Post »

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The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Homeowners

. Posted by in • Houston

The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Homeowners

As a homeowner, maintaining your property goes beyond just cleaning and repairs. One critical yet often overlooked aspect of home maintenance is regular pest inspections. Pests can wreak havoc on your home, posing health risks, causing structural damage, and leading to expensive repairs. This article explores the importance of regular pest inspections, the benefits they offer, and the best practices to ensure a pest-free environment.

Pest infestations can cause significant damage to your property. Termites, for example, can compromise the structural integrity of your home, while rodents can gnaw through electrical wires, creating fire hazards. Early detection and pest control measures are essential to prevent pest infestations from escalating into more severe problems.

Regular pest inspections can help property owners save money by identifying issues before they become major concerns. Addressing a small pest infestation early on is much more cost-effective than dealing with … Read Full Post »

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Lawn Pest Identification & Control Guide

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Texas lawns commonly face pests like chinch bugs, grubs, armyworms, fire ants and sod webworms. Look for irregular patches, chewed blades, soil mounds or lifted turf. Early detection and proper lawn care help, but often, professional help is needed.

Have pests taken over your Texas lawn? Thanks to the Lone Star State’s humid and warm climate, Texas lawns can be hotspots for lawn pests like grubs, chinch bugs, armyworms, fire ants and other insects that can cause significant damage. 

As a homeowner, it’s important to learn how to identify pest damage so you can control it as early as possible. This guide, developed by ABC’s certified lawn care professionals, covers how to identify, prevent and control the most common lawn pests across Texas landscapes. 

“Grubs feed on the roots of grass,” says J Zambo. “So when you go to pull on the dead areas, … Read Full Post »

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A Homeowner’s Guide To Termites In Texas

. Posted by in , • Austin
A group of termites on wood

The Lone Star State has a lot going for it. However, like any other part of the world, homeowners have a unique set of challenges specific to this region and climate. An unfortunate example is the destructive termite.

These tiny pests might not seem scary, but they cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage across the country every year. And since Texas is one of the more desirable locations for people and termites, this poses an issue for homeowners who don’t want to see their homes become a snack for these pests.

If you’ve discovered signs of termite activity in your home, or if you’re concerned you might have an underlying termite problem, this can be a scary moment. People invest a great deal of time and money in their homes. It’s the foundation for your family and your entire life. So what do you do now?

This guide helps Texas homeowners recognize … Read Full Post »

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How To Spot Signs of Termites in Your House

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

Key Takeaways

  • Termites often cause serious damage before homeowners notice them.
  • Early signs include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, frass and discarded wings.
  • Don’t disturb termite activity. Document what you see and call in a licensed pro.
  • Annual inspections and moisture control are the best ways to prevent future damage.

Termites are destructive pests that often wreak havoc quietly. Homeowners may not notice any damage until the situation becomes severe, and the speed at which termites can chew through a home is shocking. Even a “smaller” colony of 60,000 can eat one-fifth of an ounce of wood a day, meaning this “small” colony can go through more than two feet of wood a year.

That might not sound like a lot, but remember that termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage every year. … Read Full Post »

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Venomous Spiders in Texas

. Posted by in • Austin
a black widow spider

The Lone Star State is known for its diverse wildlife. This variety extends beyond animals like wildcats and armadillos. It also means that homeowners need to watch out for venomous spiders in Texas. 

Many people aren’t big fans of spiders, but it’s important to keep in mind that few spiders commonly found in Texas pose any real risk. Most of them, like the southern house spider, would simply rather be left alone and aren’t much of a threat. 

However, black widow, pictured above, and brown recluse spiders are concerning species to have on your property. Learn how to identify these venomous spiders in Texas, how to prevent them and what you should do if you encounter them.

What Texas Homeowners Need to Know

A Texas homeowner should know that managing spider populations starts with knowledge and prevention. The good news is that out of the roughly 900 species in Texas, only two of them … Read Full Post »

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Early Signs of Termites

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Early signs of termites

Key Takeaways

Early termite signs are easier to spot than termites themselves—watch for mud tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding wood and discarded wings. Quick detection helps prevent expensive structural damage.

As a homeowner, you spend time and effort keeping up with the maintenance of your home. Unfortunately, there’s a pest that can quietly cause extensive damage: termites.

Termites create big problems wherever they go. They’re responsible for costly and extensive damage to homes all over the country, but in Texas, they’re even more of an issue because of our climate. 

While termites prefer to stay hidden, they leave behind evidence of their presence that is easier to spot if you know what to look for. Most homeowners find signs of termites before they ever see a termite themselves. Noticing the signs of termites can help you … Read Full Post »

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What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
Mouse droppings in a bathroom cabinet

Do you know what mouse droppings look like? Being able to identify them is an important part of spotting a mouse infestation. 

Keep in mind that DIY methods can help keep mice away, but they won’t control an existing infestation. For that, it’s best to work with a pest control company who has the experience and knowledge to control these pests.

What Do Mouse Droppings Look Like?

Did you know that one of the signs of a mouse infestation is spotting their droppings around your home? Mice are nocturnal creatures and are skilled at steering clear of danger, so it’s more common to see the signs they leave behind than the actual rodents.

That being said, it’s helpful for homeowners to understand what mouse droppings look like, where you might find them and what they can tell you about a potential mouse infestation.

The easiest way to describe a mouse dropping is that it’s black … Read Full Post »

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Do Mice Hibernate? Keeping Rodents Out Of Your Home

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a mouse outside

As a homeowner, there are many things to consider before winter arrives. You want to make your space as comfortable as possible for the upcoming cold weather. The trouble is, without taking the proper steps, mice and other pests may end up seeing your home as a sanctuary of their own.

If you’re like many homeowners in Texas, you may have wondered: Do mice hibernate, or do they stay active throughout winter? The short answer is no. Mice don’t hibernate, which means they don’t have the capacity to withstand the cold the same way other mammals do. This matters to homeowners because it means these pests may be searching for a place to stay warm, which could be your home. 

The cold triggers their survival instincts, often leading them to find a path indoors. You may notice increased mouse activity when the weather gets cooler. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have more … Read Full Post »

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Deer Mouse Vs. House Mouse: Which Is The Bigger Pest?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Have you noticed signs of mice in your home? If so, you may want to know what type of mice is taking up residence in your home.

If you suspect that a mouse infestation is taking over your home, contact a pest control service.

Deer Mouse Versus House Mouse: Which Is the Bigger Pest?

Deer mice and house mice, pictured above, are two common rodents that homeowners encounter inside their houses. Deer mice transmit hantavirus, making them more of a problem than house mice. However, you’re more likely to find house mice in or around your home. It’s helpful for homeowners to understand the difference between deer mice and house mice so they can correctly identify a mouse infestation and take the proper steps to control it.

These two types of mice differ in three main ways:

  • Appearance
  • Behavior
  • Nesting and habitat

Let’s examine these in more detail.

Deer Mouse … Read Full Post »

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