ABC Blog
Choose a City

Do Roaches Shed?

. Posted by in • Austin
a roach on a neutral background

Cockroaches are excellent at adapting to their environment, making them difficult to control. Most homeowners have had a run-in with cockroaches at some point, but it can be frustrating when you notice more and more of them making your house their home.

Learn how roaches infiltrate a household, how to identify the breed and what you should do to control them.

Do Roaches Shed?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that roaches do shed. They shed their skin multiple times throughout their life to accommodate their body’s growth. You may find cockroach exoskeletons in their nests, beneath electrical equipment, furniture, closets, drawers and corners of rooms.

The exoskeleton is a solid outer coat that protects roaches. Roaches cannot grow over the limitations of their hard shell, so they have to molt to become larger. Cockroaches will molt anywhere from 6 to 14 times in their lives, depending on the species.

Cockroaches lose their old skin … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Types of Wasps That Live in the Ground

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

There are around 100,000 species of wasps, and they all build impressive nests. However, some wasps choose to build their nests underground. It’s important for homeowners to understand the difference between ground wasps and other types of wasps so that they can deal with them properly.

One type of ground wasp is the cicada killer wasp. While they prefer to leave humans alone and focus on hunting cicadas, female cicada killer wasps will sting when they feel threatened. Understanding their appearance and life cycle will help homeowners avoid an unfriendly encounter with cicada killer wasps.

Finally, wasps often appear in gardens because they like to feed on plant nectar. While they can provide some benefits, they can also become an annoyance. Contacting a pest control specialist is the best way to deal with a wasp problem in your garden.

Types of Wasps That Live in the Ground

Wasps are known for building impressive nests, … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

What To Do About Ants in Your Lawn

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
ants in a lawn

Are ants invading your lawn? Ants are pesky nuisances, but there are ways you can manage their population to protect and preserve your lush lawn.

Ants in lawns are often an annoyance for homeowners during warmer months, particularly as nest-building ants may damage your lawn by building nests and tunnels in it. Some species can even bite or sting. Therefore, it’s important that you act when you see ants in your lawn.

What Conditions Attract Ants?

Ant species typically prefer lawns with dry, well-drained soil and low water-holding capacity. These conditions allow ants to easily build nests for food storage, colony defense and protection.

Ants are drawn to lawns that contain organic matter, such as dead leaves, grass clippings and debris. These materials give them the essential nutrition needed to survive and reproduce.

Finally, ants need water for survival. That’s why they are drawn to lawns with access to collected sources of moisture like sprinkler … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Do Bats Hibernate?

. Posted by in , • Orlando
a bat in a tree

Bats are intriguing creatures to learn about. They’re known for their echolocation capabilities and being nocturnal by nature.

Bats possess incredible talents, which could be vital in survival situations like natural disasters. But have you ever considered whether bats hibernate like other mammals do?

Hibernation is an instinctual behavior used by animals during winter to conserve energy and survive harsh conditions. Of the over 1,400 bat species globally, only some hibernate. When they do, they might find comfort within your home or nearby spaces such as backyard sheds or treehouses.

Do Bats Hibernate?

During the winter months, when food becomes increasingly scarce, bats enter a state known as torpor. Their heart rates and breathing slow, their metabolic rates diminish, and body temperatures decrease to conserve energy and resources.

Hibernation allows bats to survive winter weather by tapping into their fat reserves while resting. However, not all species hibernate; some fly south, searching for warmer climates … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Wheat Weevil: Identification & Control Guide

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
wheat weevils on damaged grain

Wheat weevils are pesky pantry pests that can ruin a good box of cereal. As their name suggests, these tiny bugs feast on and live in wheat. They reside in pantries and cupboards where they can access dry foods.

These small pests, which are technically beetles, contaminate food and can become a major headache for homeowners. They reproduce rapidly, meaning a small wheat weevil problem can become a big infestation in no time.

The best thing homeowners can do is educate themselves about wheat weevils so that they can deter them from their kitchens.

If you have wheat weevils in your pantry or kitchen cabinets, the best thing you can do is contact a pest control expert. Using a professional service is the best way to control the infestation.

Wheat Weevil: Identification & Control Guide

Wheat weevils are tiny beetles that typically live in pantries or cabinets. A wheat weevil infestation can become a big … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

What Do Flea Larvae Look Like?

. Posted by in , • Houston
a flea on skin

If you have furry pets long enough, you will likely encounter fleas. Fleas are incredibly well adapted to living with humans, and the odds are they will find you and your pets at some point.

Your pets can get fleas even if they never leave the house. Fleas are very well adapted to living with us and can come in from outside by various methods:

  • They can hitch a ride inside on pets or rodents.
  • They can hop in through an open door or window.
  • They can come inside through air ducts or unsealed cracks.
  • They can come in on used clothing or upholstered furniture.

Flea Larvae

Fleas follow a typical life cycle. Flea eggs hatch as worm-like larvae an eighth to a quarter of an inch long after one or two weeks. They’re actually more extensive as larvae than adult fleas. The larvae are whitish and often have brown heads. You’ve probably never noticed flea larvae … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

What Is the Species of Wasp With Long Legs?

. Posted by in , • Orlando
a paper wasp

There are over 100,000 species of wasps, making it hard for homeowners to tell them apart and identify which species are taking up residence on their property. However, some wasps are known for their extra-long legs that set them apart from other species.

If you have a wasp problem on your property, the best thing you can do is call in professional help. Contact a pest control specialist if you are dealing with a wasp infestation.

What Is the Species of Wasp With Long Legs?

The type of wasp known for its long legs is the paper wasp species. These wasps are also known for having very slender bodies. Their bodies typically measure one to one and a half inches long and have thin waists separating their thorax and abdomen.

Paper wasps also have two pairs of elongated wings. The first pair is slightly longer than the second. They are usually brown in color … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Do Termites Look Like Ants?

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
reddish brown termites

Do you know the difference between termites and ants? These two pests are easy to confuse because of their many similarities. However, there are several physical differences between termites and ants that you can use to tell them apart.

Termites and ants also differ in their life cycle, habitat, reproductive process and caste system. Understanding their key differences will help you identify an infestation in your home.

Some termites and ants can fly, and they are the ones that leave their colonies to reproduce and start new colonies. Swarmer termites are often confused with flying ants. 

Do Termites Look Like Ants?

It’s not easy to tell tiny insects apart from each other, and termites and ants are often mistaken. However, ignoring a termite infestation because you think they are ants will lead to more structural damage to your home. 

Termite Appearance, Life Cycle, Habitat and More

Many homeowners find that it’s easier to spot the signs … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Best Mulch To Avoid Termites

. Posted by in , • Tyler
termites in dirt

Are termites taking up residence on your property? There are several places where termites can hide outdoors, including in your garden and flower beds. One substance that termites have been known to infest is mulch. Thankfully, there are types of mulch that you can use to help avoid termites.

If you suspect that a termite colony is taking up residence on your property or inside your house, call a professional pest control service to implement an effective treatment.

Choosing the Right Mulch to Avoid Termites

Mulching your flower and garden beds is a great way to keep your yard healthy and beautiful. However, it can become frustrating when you find termites in your mulch. These pests can make their way from your yard to your house and cause severe and costly structural damage.

Homeowners always want to know the best mulch to avoid termites, but the truth is that mulch does not inherently attract … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Mosquito Repellent Plants in Texas

. Posted by in , • Houston
a group of mosquitoes

In Texas, mosquitoes can be irritating, whether you’re spending time outdoors or trying to enjoy your peaceful garden. However, Texas is home to many species of plants that can help repel mosquitoes.

Some plants release oils into the air that mosquitoes find unpleasant, which may help keep them away from your home.

Additionally, certain types of flora also provide an environment unsuitable for mosquitoes to bother you. These plants may soak up excess water, and since mosquitoes prefer still water sources to lay their eggs, they will make their homes elsewhere.

While professional pest control strategies are the best way to control mosquitoes, a few plants in Texas can help you avoid unwanted pests.

Citronella

Citronella is one of Texas’s most well-known plants used to ward off mosquitoes. It works by masking the smells of your skin and emitting an unpleasant aroma for mosquitoes.

Citronella plants are heat and drought-tolerant. They grow well in most parts … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed