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Pests: The Real Kitchen Nightmare

. Posted by in , • Austin

Thanks to Austin’s subtropical climate, fighting household pests here can sometimes feel like a full-time job. Even if you try your hardest to fortify your home against infestations, it’s not uncommon to see ants, roaches, rodents and other tiny invaders parading across your kitchen floors and counters. Since pests typically travel in large colonies and often carry dangerous bacteria, being proactive about pest control is important. To help you get your battle plan on track this season, we’re identifying three of the most common pests in the Austin area and sharing tips on how to keep them out of your kitchen for good.

Roaches

Because they settle wherever food is easily available, roaches are the quintessential kitchen pests. If you see one occasionally, a lot more can be hiding somewhere in your kitchen and even throughout your home. To find out whether you’re dealing with a few strays or a full-blown infestation, … Read Full Post »

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Are AC Units the Newest Target for Neighborhood Thieves?

. Posted by in • Austin

Protect your HVAC system from unscrupulous folks

Some news items just make you want to shake your head. Something we heard the other day certainly fits this bill: Apparently, homeowners across Texas are waking up to find that thieves have stolen their HVAC systems in the night! It appears that a few homeowners have even caught these unscrupulous bandits in the act. Since cool air is a basic necessity during the long, hot Texas summer, you need to know how to protect your home from AC thieves.

They Steal WHAT?!

According to a recent news report, a family in the Houston suburb of Katy recently got an unpleasant surprise: They awoke to find that their entire air conditioning unit was missing. Although they were fortunate not to catch the potentially dangerous thieves in the act, they lamented the loss of an essential piece of residential equipment. Since AC units are heavy and have … Read Full Post »

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Brown Spot, Rust and Fairy Ring: Can Your Lawn Survive the Onslaught?

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Finding patchy, unexplained grass death, weird rings or reddish-orange powder all over your San Antonio lawn can be disconcerting. Invasion by unusually small aliens or unscheduled irrigation courtesy of the Great Dane that lives next door might be among your first suspicions. Before you make tinfoil hats or plot revenge against your neighbors, you might want to consider these common fungal diseases as a potential cause.

Brown Patch: Is It Fungus or Fido?

Brown patch is commonly seen in Bermuda and St. Augustine grass. The visible symptoms of brown patch can vary by season and environmental factors. Circular or irregular patches of thin, light brown grass are typical. Lumps of dark brown, foul-smelling solids near the area may indicate that your problem is a mammal rather than a fungus. Treatment for brown patch includes conservative watering early in the day, good aeration and careful avoidance of over-fertilization. Fungicides are most effective as … Read Full Post »

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The Best Thermostat Settings for Summertime Energy Savings

. Posted by in • Austin

Dial up the temperature to dial down your costs

Everyone wants to keep cool all summer long, but there’s no need to pay extra for that privilege. There’s plenty you can do to cut the energy usage of your air conditioning system without compromising comfort, and probably the simplest way is to just adjust your thermostat.

The rule of thumb for summer thermostat settings is to set it as high as you can without becoming uncomfortable. For most people, that’s somewhere in the 76-79 degrees Fahrenheit range. Turning your thermostat up by one degree cuts your energy usage by about 8%, so it pays to make that adjustment even if it’s just from 72 to 73. Experiment with different settings and find your family’s sweet spot.

One way to make it easier to set your thermostat higher is to invest in ceiling fans. Fans make the air feel cooler by producing a breeze … Read Full Post »

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How to Handle Scary Scorpions

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station

Dealing with the creepiest pests in Texas

You can’t tell by looking, but scorpions are close cousins of spiders and ticks. Lineage and scientific names don’t matter when they crawl up the bedroom wall, though. Of all the pests that sneak into the house, scorpions may well be the scariest. But do they really deserve so much fear and loathing?

Strange Scorpion Facts

It’s hard to not be afraid of something that can survive a nuclear blast, and scorpions share that dubious honor with cockroaches. Those long-tailed creatures hiding in the attic glow in the dark when you hit them with a UV light. Their elaborate mating ritual involves locking claws and dancing. In fact, they keep up the courtship for more than 24 hours! Have a little sympathy for gentlemen scorpions: The ladies often finish the mating game by eating their partners.

Wood-Loving Pests

Texas is home to 18 species, but only striped bark … Read Full Post »

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Mosquitoes Making Unwanted Waves This Summer

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

An annoying pest may have just become deadlier

In North Texas, the dog days of summer are known for stifling heat and restless locals. This summer, however, there’s a potentially serious threat to the health and well-being of people and pets across the Metroplex. According to numerous reports, mosquitoes bearing a potentially deadly pathogen have appeared in the region this year. In other parts of the country, mosquitoes with even more exotic ailments are making the rounds as well.

The West Nile Scare

Over the past several months, nearly a dozen pools of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus have been discovered in various corners of the metro area, including:

• Two Dallas ZIP Codes
• Carrollton
• Irving
• Mesquite
• Coppell
• Cedar Hill
• Duncanville

West Nile is a serious disease that causes flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, headaches and fever, in about 20% of those infected. In rarer cases, it can lead to encephalitis that causes … Read Full Post »

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Choosing a Thermostat? Don’t Make These Mistakes

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Why a thermostat is one of the most important investments in your home

As summer days heat up throughout San Antonio, you rely more and more on your home’s HVAC system to keep you cool. A well-maintained air conditioner or heat pump can help you beat soaring temperatures and stay comfortable in your own home. You can make the most of your AC unit’s potential by choosing a thermostat that’s prepared to meet your comfort demands.

Thermostat Basics: More Than Temperature Control

Also known as comfort controls, thermostats allow you to monitor and control the operation of your HVAC system. A wide variety of thermostats are available to residential and commercial customers. Both central air and ductless cooling systems rely on comfort controls.

Many homeowners don’t put much thought into choosing a thermostat for their San Antonio AC unit. You might think that all thermostats are alike or that a thermostat can’t have a … Read Full Post »

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Best Practices for Preventing Mosquito Infestations

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

Nothing spoils an outdoor gathering as quickly as swarms of attacking mosquitoes. Not only are mosquitoes annoying, they carry diseases that affect both humans and animals. Luckily, there are ways to control mosquitoes both inside and outside your home using common sense and an integrated pest management (IPM) program that minimizes harmful environmental effects.

Here’s the Buzz on Outdoor Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, and the larva and developing insects need water to mature. Adult mosquitoes live in moist, cool places, such as under leaves, in drains and on plants. The best way to reduce mosquito populations is by removing sources of standing water. Outdoors, this includes removing pots and containers; filling in puddles; covering drains; keeping ponds, birdbaths and swimming pools clean; and keeping rain gutters free of debris. Even pool covers or tarps protecting outdoor furniture are attractive mosquito breeding grounds.

Some experts recommend using an integrated mosquito … Read Full Post »

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Good Hedges Make Good Neighbors

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth

Even if you love your neighbors, you probably don’t want to see everything that goes on in their yard. In the 1990s sitcom “Roseanne,” the Conners’ elderly neighbors enjoyed prancing about in the nude with the curtains pulled back. This accidental discovery prompted Dan and Roseanne to ask their neighbors to plant a hedge. Hopefully, this isn’t the case for you, but if your neighbors have an unsightly yard or you just need a bit more privacy, planting hedges in your landscaping provides the ideal solution.

Improve Your Landscaping With Hedges in Dallas

Hedges offer more benefits than just additional privacy; they also define property lines, break the wind and provide food and shelter for birds. Installing a privacy fence generates an impersonal look and may offend your neighbors, but planting a hedgerow creates a living fence that marks a boundary without cutting off neighborly communication. In addition, seeing a row of … Read Full Post »

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The Best Tips for Battling Mosquitoes This Summer

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Keeping your family safe from mosquito borne diseases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 30,000 people have contracted West Nile virus in the U.S. from a mosquito. Additionally, there’s a long list of other diseases that mosquitoes can pass to humans and animals, so it’s definitely a good idea to take preventative measures to keep your entire family safe.

Tips for Avoiding Mosquito Bites

1. Stay Indoors During Dawn and Dusk

Mosquitoes can bite you at any time of the day, but they’re most active at dawn and at dusk. Due to this, it’s best to avoid being outside during these time periods, especially if you’re not wearing a mosquito repellent.

2. Wear Long Sleeves and Pants

It can be uncomfortable to wear pants and long sleeves in the San Antonio area during the summer, but it’s better to take this step than to become a buffet dinner for a swarm of … Read Full Post »

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