My AC Is Not Cooling Below 75 Degrees

August 13, 2023. Posted by Russell Jenkins in Air Conditioning & Heating • Dallas-Fort Worth

Air conditioners make homes more comfortable on hot and humid days. So, it can be frustrating when the AC is not cooling below 75 degrees, even if it has been running for hours. Many factors can cause this issue, including clogged filters, refrigerant leaks and the wrong unit size. While it’s possible to troubleshoot it yourself, it is best to contact an HVAC professional for your AC problems.

Why Your AC Is Not Cooling Below 75 Degrees

Many people prefer their homes to be colder than 75 degrees, especially when it is hot outside. If your AC can’t reach below 75 degrees, here are the possible issues you might be dealing with.

Clogged Air Filter

Air filters are an essential AC component, trapping dirt, dust and debris. However, they can become clogged over time, hampering airflow. This can lead to a variety of issues with your AC system. To prevent costly AC problems, clean … Read Full Post »

Identifying & Controlling Anopheles Mosquitoes

It’s important for homeowners to know the difference between anopheles mosquitoes and other mosquito species, especially when it comes to their appearance and habits. Luckily, there are several ways to tell anopheles mosquitoes apart from other species.

If you have a mosquito problem on your property, it’s best to call a pest control specialist.

Identifying & Controlling Anopheles Mosquitoes

Anopheles mosquitoes differ from other species in several ways. First, their bodies are slimmer and they often position themselves at an angle. While other mosquitoes remain parallel to the ground at rest, anopheles mosquitoes perch at a 30 or 45-degree angle. They also keep this exact position when feeding on humans and animals.

Their angled position makes their body shape look like an arrow. In general, their bodies are much smaller than other mosquito species. Anopheles are black or dark brown in color, and they have three body sections: the head, thorax and abdomen.

Anopheles mosquitoes … Read Full Post »

Do Roaches Die in the Cold?

July 24, 2023. Posted by Russell Jenkins in Pest Control • Dallas-Fort Worth

A roach infestation is every homeowner’s nightmare. These pests are extremely resilient and can live for a long time. They are also very hard for homeowners to control on their own.

Many homeowners notice a decline in roach activity during the winter and wonder if the cold got rid of the population. While roaches do not like cold weather, they have ways of surviving it.

Roaches enjoy living indoors, but they may also infest your yard. An outdoor roach infestation should still be taken seriously.

Finally, understanding the signs of a roach infestation, such as spotting roaches on the wall, is important for homeowners. Bringing in professional pest control services is the best way to reduce roach populations.

Do Roaches Die in the Cold?

Homeowners with an annoying roach infestation often hope the pests will be gone as soon as the temperatures drop. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. While roaches do not like … Read Full Post »

My Toilet Is Leaking Into the Bowl: What’s Wrong?

July 21, 2023. Posted by Russell Jenkins in Plumbing • Dallas-Fort Worth

Many homeowners take their toilets for granted, but just like any plumbing fixture, they need proper maintenance. Toilets can cause major indoor leaks, wasting as much as five gallons a minute. You can save a lot of water when you pay attention and catch problems early.

If you suspect your toilet is leaking into the bowl, here’s how to confirm your suspicions and troubleshoot the issue. But as with most plumbing issues, contacting the pros is the best solution. Professional plumbers have the tools and expertise to determine the cause and provide an effective solution.

How To Know If Your Toilet Leaks Into the Bowl

If you think your toilet leaks into the bowl, the first telltale sign is a massive spike in your water bill. Here are other ways to determine if you have a leaking toilet.

Use Food Coloring

Pour a bit of food coloring into the toilet tank and mark the water … Read Full Post »

How To Identify Different Types of Carpet Bugs

July 19, 2023. Posted by Russell Jenkins in Pest Control • Tyler

Carpet beetles are destructive pests that no homeowners want to deal with. The first step in getting rid of carpet beetles, often called carpet bugs, is identifying and understanding the various species.

Next, it’s important to catch the signs of a carpet beetle infestation, such as holes or thinning areas of your carpets and rugs. Keep in mind that these pests infest all types of natural fibers.

Finally, keep reading to learn a few do-it-yourself methods that can help reduce a carpet beetle infestation. Since these pests reproduce rapidly, it’s best to use a professional pest control service to fully control the problem before more damage is done.

How To Identify Different Types of Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles are small beetles that like to infest carpets to lay their eggs. While they are most commonly found in carpets, these pests will also infest wool, leather, felt and silk.

These fibrous materials make perfect places for … Read Full Post »

How To Find a Water Leak in Your House

July 14, 2023. Posted by Russell Jenkins in Plumbing • Dallas-Fort Worth

Your home may seem like a serene haven, but there might be sneaky leaks ready to wreak havoc. Leaks can cause massive spikes in your water bill and damage your beloved house. The key to preserving the peace in your home is early detection.

The sooner you sniff out a water leak, the less trouble it can cause. To help you, here are the common signs of a water leak you should look out for. Contact the professional plumbers immediately if you notice anything suspicious. They have the tools and expertise to perform the necessary repairs.

How To Find Water Leaks in the House

All homeowners will face a leak at some point. It’s a common problem even in new homes. Unfortunately, leaks aren’t always obvious, so you have to be extra attentive to find a water leak. Here are the most common signs of a leak.

Changing Water Meter

If you think there’s a … Read Full Post »

Can You Dethatch and Aerate at the Same Time?

July 5, 2023. Posted by Russell Jenkins in Lawn • Dallas-Fort Worth

The key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant and beautiful lawn is proper maintenance. That includes dethatching, aerating and overseeding your lawn at the right times. Many homeowners want to know if they can dethatch and aerate their lawns at the same time, and the answer is yes.

However, there is a particular order to follow for the best results. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to dethatch and aerate your lawn so it looks beautiful all year.

Next, it’s highly recommended to aerate your lawn before overseeding. Overseeding is adding new seeds to your existing grass to fill bare patches or increase grass density. Aerating your lawn beforehand improves soil-to-seed contact, which helps the seeds germinate and develop strong root systems.

Finally, there are two categories of lawn aeration tools: spike and plug aerators, also known as core aerators. Figuring out which type is best for your lawn depends on your … Read Full Post »

How To Build a Pergola

June 23, 2023. Posted by Russell Jenkins in Landscaping • Dallas-Fort Worth

If you are a fan of spending time outdoors, consider giving your backyard an upgrade with a pergola. A pergola is a customizable outdoor structure with vertical pillars and horizontal beams.

Pergolas have various uses that can be tailored to match your needs, the style of your home and the landscape. Adding a high-quality pergola to your backyard can even give you more usable space for summer BBQs.

Plan Your Pergola Design

Before you start building your pergola, decide on your design. There is ample inspiration to help you dream up your ideal pergola online.

Some pergolas are simple and modern; others are more ornate and traditional. Consider the size of your yard, the shade it can provide and the overall style of your home when choosing your pergola design.

Choose the Right Location

A level area with ample room will be best for setting up the pergola. Consider your home’s layout and any other outdoor … Read Full Post »

Types of Wasps That Live in the Ground

June 14, 2023. Posted by Russell Jenkins in Bee & Wasp Removal, Pest Control • 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 »

Wheat Weevil: Identification & Control Guide

June 1, 2023. Posted by Russell Jenkins in Pest Control • Dallas-Fort Worth

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 »