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Crazy Ants are the new Pest Control Problem in the Austin Area

. Posted by in , • Austin

There’s a new ant in town, and wherever it goes, fire ants start disappearing. It also doesn’t sting or bite. But don’t get excited yet. The Rasberry crazy ant which showed up in Travis County and Round Rock this fall swarms into homes by the hundreds of thousands in search of food.

In the Houston area, where the ants are much more prevalent, they have already made some homeowners miserable, said Roger Gold, professor of entomology at Texas A&M University.

“People that have them said they wish they had the fire ants back,” he said. “We have pictures of families sweeping them up with brooms where there are piles of ants. … They can get into AC systems and short them out.”

When the ants get electrocuted they produce a pheromone that causes other ants to rush in, Gold said, leading to so many ants in the electrical system that it shorts out. … Read Full Post »

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Expert Advice from College Station Bed Bug Exterminators

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station

Bed Bugs have made a strong comeback and are moving quickly throughout our society once again. The best way to deal with bed bugs is to seek out a bed bug exterminator, as this invasive pest can be very difficult to get rid of without proper treatments. Bed Bugs present unique challenges to the bug extermination industry because Bed Bugs are great “hitchhikers”; they can hide in luggage, purses, clothing and even a wallet. They are very small in their young stages and difficult to find.

Bed Bugs can be transferred by individuals or live on possessions in homes, hotels, college dorms, apartments, and shelters. Once bed bugs have been introduced into a structure, they find numerous areas to harbor and continue to increase in population. Typically, they hide out in cracks and crevices during the day, coming out at night in search of a meal. Bed Bugs also lay eggs … Read Full Post »

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Need for Live Animal Trapping Creeps into your Office too!

. Posted by in , • Houston

Texas is home to thriving pest populations that, when left unchecked, can damage your business. In addition to the damage they can do to your property, visible evidence of pest infestations can impact how your customers perceive the quality of your business.

ABC Commercial Services takes a comprehensive and environmentally conscientious approach to live animal trapping, pest management, termite treatment, and prevention. Staff entomologists and treating specialists ensure that your property is getting everything you need, but ONLY what you need to maintain a pest-free environment.

As members of the country’s most prestigious pest control organizations, our programs are constantly being evaluated and improved as technologies and best practices evolve.

ABC’S APPROACH TO PEST CONTROL SERVICES INVOLVES FOUR STEPS:

Step 1: Initial Inspection and Evaluation

ABC will conduct a thorough inspection of the premises by one of our trained inspectors. This will allow us to:

  • Assess the situation and identify conducive conditions for pests
  • Identify pests and any related damage
  • Evaluate … Read Full Post »
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Flea Extermination Houston: 6 Common Misconceptions

. Posted by in , • Houston

Now, more than ever, fleas are becoming a problem, making flea extermination in Houston critical. In fact, according to a Kansas State University study, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs. That’s because when fleas feed, they inject saliva containing various histamine-like compounds, enzymes, and amino acids that induce hypersensitivity. So, what do pet parents need to know to protect their pets?

Here are six common misconceptions about fleas:

1. If you don’t see fleas on your pet, there’s no need to worry about a flea allergy. 
FALSE! Your pet can have a flea allergy even if you don’t see fleas. One flea bite from a flea can cause an allergic reaction. That one bite can make the pet scratch and/or bite the affected area for seven days!

2. When it comes to a flea, you only need to worry about a flea bite. 
FALSE! If a cat or … Read Full Post »

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Flea Extermination Dallas: 6 Common Misconceptions About Fleas

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

Now, more than ever, fleas are becoming a problem. In fact, according to a Kansas State University study, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs. That’s because when fleas feed, they inject saliva that contains a variety of histamine like compounds, enzymes and amino acids that induce hypersensitivity. So, what do pet parents need to know to protect their pets?

Here are six common misconceptions about fleas:

1. If you don’t see fleas on your pet, there’s no need to worry about a flea allergy. 
FALSE! Even if you don’t see fleas, your pet can have a flea allergy. One flea bite from a flea can cause an allergic reaction. That one bite can make the pet scratch and/or bite the affected area for 7 days!

2. When it comes to a flea, you only need to worry about a flea bite. 
FALSE! If a cat or dog eats … Read Full Post »

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Is Termite Control Something I Can Do On My Own?

. Posted by in , • Houston

According to the Agricultural Department at the University of Kentucky, Entomology Departments often receive more calls about termites than any other household insect.

Here are some of the top questions asked by homeowners:

Why worry about termites?  Termites cause billions of dollars in damage yearly by feeding on wood and damaging paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners. Termites can injure living trees and shrubs, but more often are a secondary invader of trees and wooded plants already in decline. While buildings may become infested anytime, termites are particularly important when buying or selling a home. Besides the monetary impact, thousands of winged termites emerging inside your home is an emotionally trying experience.

Why are infestations often discovered during March–May?  Spring is when large numbers of winged termites, known as Swarmers, typically emerge inside homes. In nature, termites swarm to disperse and start new colonies. Triggered by warmer temperatures and rainfall, the winged termites … Read Full Post »

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Subterranean Termites Live in Colonies in the Soil Around your Home

. Posted by in , • Houston

Termite colonies can range in size from 500,000 to 5,000,000. Termites feed on cellulose or wood materials. Some of their food source is found in the ground, like trees, but they will also provide for your home. They work 24 hours a day and only need fractions of an inch to invade your home. The annual loss due to structural damage by termites is more than $2 billion!

STEPS TO SIGNATURE PLUS SERVICE

Detection of termite activity

ABC will inspect your home for termites, damage, and foraging (mud) tubes. We will install monitoring stations around the perimeter of structures to serve as an early warning system. You buy a security alarm to protect your home or business from human invaders. With ABC, your home has a security system to warn it from termite invasion. 

Treatment of termites

ABC will apply a liquid treatment zone in the termite’s feeding area. The materials that we use have … Read Full Post »

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Austin Termite Control Attacks Subterranean Termites

. Posted by in , • Austin

Termite colonies can range in size from 500,000 to 5,000,000.  Termites feed on cellulose or wood materials. Some of their food source is found in the ground, like trees, but they will also feed on your home. They work 24 hours a day and only need fractions of an inch to invade your home. The annual loss due to structural damage by termites is more than $2 billion!

STEPS TO SIGNATURE PLUS SERVICE

Detection of termite activity

ABC Austin Termite Control service will inspect your home for termites, termite damage, and foraging (mud) tubes. We will install monitoring stations around the perimeter of structures to serve as an early warning system. You buy a security alarm to protect your home or business from human invaders. With ABC, your home has a security system to warn it from termite invasion.

 Treatment of termites

ABC will apply a liquid treatment zone in the area the … Read Full Post »

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How to Spot and Initiate the Proper Houston Bed Bug Treatment

. Posted by in , • Houston

Houston Bed Bug Treatment

According to the Mayo Clinic, it can be difficult to distinguish Bed Bug bites from other insect bites. In general, the sites of Bed Bug bites usually are:

Red
Itchy
Arranged in a rough line or in a cluster
Located on the face, neck, arms and hands

Some people do not react at all to Bed Bug bites, while others experience an allergic reaction that can include severe itching, blisters or hives.

When to see a doctor
See your doctor for professional treatment if you experience allergic reactions or severe skin reactions to your Bed Bug bites. Here are five signs of a Bed Bug infestation in your home.

1. RED STAINS ON BEDDING OR MATTRESS
It’s possible to kill Bed Bugs while feeding or just after you move around or roll over in bed. The red stains are left on your bedding or mattress when Bed Bugs are crushed. This is easy to see if … Read Full Post »

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Natural Solutions for Austin Safe Pest Control

. Posted by in , • Austin

Though we offer some chem-free options for pest control, some pest issues may not be severe enough to need professional help. For those little nuisances around the house, here are some natural solutions for safe pest control around your Austin home.

Ants

  • Cucumbers – Did you know that some kinds of ants have a natural aversion to cucumber? Try setting out some cucumber slices in the kitchen to keep away these pesky ants.
  • Soapy Water – Put some soapy water into a spray bottle as a pesticide-free way to rid ants from your countertops.
  • Spices & Scents – If you know where the ants are coming in from, try tracing the ant column back to their point of entry. In this area, place one of these at the entry: cayenne pepper, citrus oil, lemon juice, cinnamon or coffee grounds. These items act as deterrents in which ants will not usually cross.

Cockroaches

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