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How Many Ants Are in a Colony?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
an ant colony

If you have pesky ants at home, you know how they can feel impossible to control. Since it can seem like they are always around, many homeowners wonder how many ants are in a colony.

If ants are invading your space, contact pest control specialists. Ants are hardworking and resilient pests but are no match for the pros. They have the tools and expertise to control these pests and help prevent future colonies from invading.

How Many Ants Are in a Colony?

Ants are social insects, and each of them belongs to a colony. Unlike other insects, you’ll never find an ant that operates solo. These colonies come in different sizes depending on species, colony age, climate and other factors.

The number of ants in a colony can vary depending on the species, age of the colony and the weather. Most ant colonies will have a few hundred ants, while some ant species, like … Read Full Post »

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What is an Insulation R-Value?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
an attic insulation

Many homeowners don’t realize how essential insulation is to their homes. It keeps hot air from entering or leaving, ensuring the temperature inside stays consistent. With poor insulation, you never know when a draft is about to surprise you.

But insulation does more than keep you warm and toasty. Your wallet will thank you because it can help improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills. It can even control indoor moisture and help keep mildew at bay.

If you are just learning about insulation and R-values, here’s everything you need to know to select the best insulation for your home. You can also contact an insulation specialist for help.

What Is an Insulation R-Value and How Does It Work?

The R-value represents an insulation material’s resistance to heat flow per inch of thickness. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at insulating. R-values can be as low as R-10, typical of flooring … Read Full Post »

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Simple Landscaping Ideas

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a garden bed

Adding landscaping to your home is a daunting task for many homeowners. Luckily, there are some easy landscaping ideas that go a long way in improving your home’s curb appeal without requiring too much manual labor.

One way to boost the visual appeal of your backyard is to add a garden pergola. Not only do they create wonderful seating areas, but they also provide shade for your plants.

Adding a backyard patio is another way to enhance your home and create your ideal outdoor living space. Keep reading for simple landscaping ideas to improve your home, and keep in mind that working with a professional landscape service is the best way to create your dream home.

Simple Landscaping Ideas to Improve Your Home

If you want to increase the curb appeal of your home, adding landscaping can go a long way. The following simple landscaping ideas are easy ways to improve your property to … Read Full Post »

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Low Maintenance Modern Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a front yard

While homeownership has its perks, it’s no walk in the park. It can feel like there are a million things to manage inside and outside the home. When times get busy, yard maintenance is often the first to fall through the cracks. If yours is starting to look unruly, maybe it’s time to update it with a low-maintenance look.

With low-maintenance landscaping, you can save yourself hours of yard work. Not only is it practical, but you will have a beautiful yard you can show off to your neighbors and guests. If you need extra help, contact a landscaping specialist.

Too Busy to Maintain a Yard? These Low-Maintenance Modern Front Yard Landscaping Ideas Can Help

As life gets busier, more homeowners turn to low-maintenance modern front yard landscaping. If you want to do the same, the ideas below can help transform your yard into a hassle-free oasis.

But before you get started, think about … Read Full Post »

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Toilet Flapper Is Not Sealing: What’s Wrong?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
a white bathroom

If you notice that your toilet is making sounds like gurgling and whining, it can be annoying as well as wasteful. If your toilet makes all kinds of gurgling and whining noises, you probably have the flapper to blame for that. It’s a small piece of rubber or plastic hiding in the murky depths of the toilet tank. If it’s not sealing well, it can cause problems for your toilet.

Fortunately for homeowners, flapper issues are usually easy to fix. Here are some troubleshooting methods you can try. But if none work, you can let a professional plumber come to the rescue. They’ll get to the bottom of things and provide the best solution.

What to Do If Your Toilet Flapper Is Not Sealing

The toilet flapper might not be visible, but it plays a crucial role in the toilet system. It seals off the opening below the toilet tank, preventing water from … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Light Switch Hot?

. Posted by in • Austin
a hot light switch

Light switches usually don’t cause any trouble for homeowners, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have issues. If you notice that a light switch in your home is hot to the touch, that usually means too much electricity is running through it. Don’t ignore this issue because it can lead to dangerous consequences like an electrical fire.

There are various possible causes for a hot light switch. But whatever the reason, it’s best to let a licensed electrician deal with it. Even if you have DIY experience, electrical problems aren’t something homeowners should ever attempt to fix on their own.

The Possible Causes for a Hot Light Switch

Before you panic, it’s normal for light switches to get a little warm, particularly dimmer switches. Electricity first goes through the switch to get to the light fixture, explaining the slight temperature increase. But it should never be hot. If it does, these are the … Read Full Post »

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Why Do I Have Foamy Pool Water?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
foamy pool water

Foamy water is good when you’re relaxing in your bathtub. But it’s not something you want to see in your pool. Foamy pool water can happen overnight, which can alarm homeowners who want to take a morning dip. Normally, foam comes from phosphates that have gotten into the water. Unlike bath bubbles, pool foam is dense and doesn’t pop when you touch it. That’s because it’s organic material, not air.

The organic material oversaturates the water, explaining why it won’t dissolve. That results in a cloudy-looking pool. You don’t have to worry too much because it won’t harm you. But it does make your pool look less than desirable, and your swimming experience won’t be as enjoyable.

There are some methods you can try to fix this issue, but it’s best to contact pool technicians. They will clear up your foamy pool water so you can return to your swimming routine.

Why Is … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last?

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth

Tankless water heaters are gaining in popularity. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand instead of pulling hot water from a storage tank. That means you can enjoy a nice hot shower even if you wake up late and everyone has had their turn. But, that’s not the only advantage of tankless units.

Another benefit of investing in a tankless water heater is its durability. Tankless models can be a better value for your money because they can easily outlast tanked units. You might have to pay more upfront, but its longevity makes up for that.

How Long Do Tankless Water Heaters Last? How Can You Maximize Their Lifespan?

They’re not cheap, so many homeowners want to know how long tankless water heaters last before taking the plunge. You’ll be happy to know they can work efficiently for 15 to 20 years. That’s a significant improvement from standard models, which tend to max … Read Full Post »

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Can You Mow Wet Grass?

. Posted by in • Austin
wet grass

For many homeowners, their lawn is their pride and joy. It adds to the beauty and functionality of their homes. They’re happy to spend their free time keeping their slice of greenery pristine. But there’s one thing that confuses many homeowners about lawn care.

Can You Mow Grass Wet?

This question has been bothering homeowners for years. Should you wait until the grass is dry before cutting it? Ideally, yes. There are many benefits to doing so. But if you don’t have time to spare, turn to the pros for help. A lawn care specialist can mow your lawn at the right time and keep it healthy all year round.

Can You Mow Grass Wet? Here Are Reasons Not To

If it’s been particularly rainy, you might not have a choice but to mow your grass wet. But when the weather permits, wait until the grass dries before cranking up the lawnmower. Your lawn … Read Full Post »

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Understanding the Life Cycle of a Flea

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth
a flea on skin

If you’re dealing with a flea infestation in your home, it’s important to approach it with the best techniques for controlling these pests. That includes controlling them throughout life cycle, not just the adult fleas.

The Homeowner’s Guide to Understanding the Life Cycle of a Flea

Fleas go through four stages during their life cycle: the egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. They are resilient pests, and each life cycle stage can create a problem for homeowners and pets.

The Egg Stage

Flea eggs are laid on hosts, such as cats or dogs. After a blood meal, adult female fleas prefer to lay their eggs in an animal’s fur where they are barely visible.

However, sometimes, female fleas will lay their eggs in the surroundings of the host instead of on the host. When that is the case, they’ll choose upholstered furniture or bedding to hide their eggs in the crevices of the fabric. They … Read Full Post »

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