ABC Blog

How Small Are Termites?

termites

Have you ever seen a termite? These pests are hard to spot, especially since they spend most of their lives staying out of sight from humans. However, it’s still important for homeowners to learn about the appearance of termites, such as how small they are and what termites look like.

If you suspect a termite infestation in your home, contact a pest control company.

How Small Are Termites?

How small are termites? There are several species of termites, like subterranean and drywood termites, but they are all small pests. In fact, termites only range in size from one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch long. The tiniest termites are around the size of a grain of rice while larger termites are near the size of a paper clip.

While understanding the size of termites is helpful, it’s important for homeowners to know other aspects of termites’ appearance. The more you know, the easier it will … Read Full Post »

Do Carpenter Ants Have Two Sets of Wings?

a carpenter ant with wings

Can you identify carpenter ants? The more homeowners know about their appearance, the easier it is to spot and control a carpenter ant infestation. One interesting feature of carpenter ants is that some of them have two sets of wings while others have no wings at all.

If you have a carpenter ant problem, contact a pest control specialist. They will find the nest, treat the colony and can put prevention methods in place to stop the carpenter ants from returning.

Do Carpenter Ants Have Two Sets of Wings?

Do carpenter ants have two sets of wings? The answer depends on the type of carpenter ant. For example, worker carpenter ants do not have any wings.

Reproductive carpenter ants, on the other hand, do have two sets of wings. This type of carpenter ant is also known as the alates. They are the ants that leave their colony to mate and form new colonies.

Alates … Read Full Post »

How to Get Rid of Weevils

two weevils

If finding weevils in your home makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Imagine opening your pantry and finding tiny bugs crawling all over your flour, rice or pasta. Unfortunately, finding weevils in your home is more common than you think.

Weevils are small and sneaky intruders, but their impact can feel overwhelming. They sometimes arrive in unopened packages or squeeze through small gaps in containers. Once they’re in, they multiply quickly, and a minor problem soon becomes a full-blown infestation.

If you have a problem with these pests, don’t panic. Contact pest control professionals if you notice weevils in your home. These experts have the skills and experience to handle even persistent infestations.

Identifying Weevils and Infested Food

The first step in dealing with weevils is identifying their presence in your home. Weevils are attracted to moisture and feed on grains, nuts and dried fruits. Therefore, you’ll most likely find them around the kitchen … Read Full Post »

The Role of Mulching in Lawn Health

Mulching in Lawn Health

Mulching in Lawn Health

The Role of Mulching in Lawn Health

Mulching is a fundamental practice in maintaining a healthy lawn and promoting overall lawn health. By incorporating mulch into your lawn care routine, you can significantly enhance the vitality and appearance of your yard. Regularly mulching grass clippings from your lawn mower is one effective way to achieve this.

As you mow, instead of bagging and disposing of lawn clippings, continue collecting grass clippings and let them naturally decompose on the lawn. This practice not only returns valuable nutrients to the soil but also helps to mulch clippings, enhancing the overall health of your lawn.

A lawn healthy and thriving yard benefits immensely from the proper use of mulch. Mulch grass from mowed lawns provides a natural layer that protects and enriches the soil. By allowing grass clippings to remain on the lawn, you can avoid the need for additional fertilizers, … Read Full Post »

Creative Landscaping Ideas for Small Spaces

Small Space Landscaping

Small Space Landscaping

Creative Landscaping Ideas for Small Spaces

Designing a beautiful and functional landscape in small spaces can be both a challenge and a rewarding experience. Whether you’re working with a tiny yard or a modest small backyard, creative landscaping ideas can make the most of your limited square footage. In this guide, we’ll explore various strategies to transform your small garden or small patio into a stunning and practical outdoor retreat.

Small yard landscaping presents unique opportunities to enhance the charm and functionality of your outdoor area. One effective approach is to establish focal points that draw the eye and create visual interest. Adding a fire pit or a stylish deck can serve as a central feature in your front yard or backyard, making the space more inviting and functional.

Incorporating a flower garden is another way to add beauty and vibrancy to a small area. Choose plants that add … Read Full Post »

Are Termites Attracted to Light?

termites

Termites are elusive pests that are hard to spot, which is why it’s important for homeowners to learn as much as possible about their behavior. Whether or not termites are attracted to light is a common question because homeowners often spot flying termites around light sources.

Some termites are attracted to light, but turning your lights off is not an effective way to deal with a termite problem.

Are Termites Attracted to Light?

Are termites attracted to light? The answer is yes, termites are attracted to light when they are swarming.

Swarming can occur during the spring and summer when swarmer termites leave their colonies to mate and start new colonies. Unlike soldier and worker termites, swarmer termites have wings and will find a mate in the air.

If there is an active termite colony on your property during swarm season, you may see a termite swarm or notice the aftermath of a termite swarm. … Read Full Post »

What Is Flea Dirt?

flea dirt on a pet

What is flea dirt, and does it mean a flea infestation is nearby? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

Flea dirt is the feces of fleas, and it’s made up of their waste and the blood of the host they feed on. It looks like regular dirt, but it’s an undeniable sign of a flea infestation. If you see flea dirt on or around your pet, you need to treat the flea problem.

The most effective way to deal with a flea problem is to call in a pest control specialist. The experts can treat the fleas and put prevention methods in place to deter them from coming back.

What is Flea Dirt?

Have you spotted mysterious flecks of black or dark brown dirt in your pet’s fur? It could be flea dirt, which is the feces of fleas. When fleas feed on the blood of their hosts, they excrete black, crumbly flecks that resemble … Read Full Post »

Can Scorpions Climb Walls?

a scorpion

Merely looking at the body shape and appearance of scorpions, one might think they can’t scale vertical structures like walls. But that is not true.

Just like other arachnids, scorpions can climb any rough surface using the small pincers on their feet. These pincers, sometimes called chelae, allow them to firmly grip rough surfaces such as rocks, stucco walls and trees.

However, the fact that scorpions are great wall climbers does not mean they can climb any surface. They have difficulty climbing glass, plastic, metals and other smooth surfaces. These surfaces do not provide sufficient foothold for their pincers to latch on.

If you notice scorpions in your home, contacting pest control professionals is best. Deterring scorpions on your own can be overwhelming as these pests are resilient and difficult to locate. Pest control specialists can deal with the situation. You can even take advantage of their visit to ask other pest-related questions, … Read Full Post »

Landscaping Trends for 2025: What’s New and What’s Next

Landscaping Trends

As we approach 2025, the world of landscaping is set to evolve, bringing fresh ideas and innovative solutions to transform outdoor spaces.

Whether you’re an avid home gardener or a homeowner looking to update your garden, staying abreast of the latest landscaping trend can help you create a beautiful, functional, and sustainable outdoor living space.

At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we are excited to guide you through the emerging landscape design trends and offer insights on how to incorporate them into your garden and outdoor living room.

Our experienced landscape designer can help you adapt these trends to suit your unique needs, ensuring that your garden integrates seamlessly with your interior design and maximizes the potential of growing plants.

Transforming Your Outdoor Space for 2025

One of the most significant landscaping trends for 2025 is the integration of smart technology into outdoor … Read Full Post »

What Bird Builds Nests on the Side of the House?

a house sparrow

Ever woken up to chirping right outside your window, only to find a messy nest tucked under your eaves? While birds bring charm to the outdoors, their nesting habits can wreak havoc on your home. You might worry about damage to your home, health risks or the mess they leave behind. Knowing what birds build nests on the side of the house and how to handle them makes it easier to protect your property.

What Birds Build Nests on the Side of the House?

Several bird species are known for their tendency to build nests on or around houses. Identifying the culprit can help you tailor your deterrent strategies.

House Sparrows

These non-native birds, pictured above, are highly adaptable to urban environments. They favor building messy, globular nests made of grass, string, paper and twigs in any available opening, including vents, gutters and eaves.

European Starlings

Like house sparrows, starlings, pictured above, are non-native birds that … Read Full Post »