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How To Identify a Vole Versus a Mouse

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a mouse

Do you know how to identify a vole, pictured above, versus a mouse? Both rodents are common pests that homeowners may deal with on their property, so it’s important to understand the key differences between the two species. While voles and mice look similar, there are also several differences in their appearance, lifestyle and behaviors that homeowners can use to tell them apart.

How To Identify a Vole Versus a Mouse

As a homeowner, being in the dark about the pests invading your property is frustrating. The best way to control unwelcome house guests is to educate yourself about what type of pest you are dealing with and how to treat them.

Common rodent species that are easy for homeowners to mix up are voles and mice. The good news is that learning how to identify a vole versus a mouse is pretty easy. Understanding a few key differences in their appearances, lifestyle … Read Full Post »

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Do Chigger Bites Spread? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a chigger

When you’re walking your dog through a field or just in your yard and suddenly feel an itching sensation, it could be because of chiggers, which are also sometimes called grass mites. Within hours of being bitten, you can feel an intense itching sensation around the affected area. One thing that might be stopping you from scratching is the question that you can’t get out of your head: do chigger bites spread?

If you’ve spent enough time outside in warmer parts of the country, you’ve probably already fallen victim to chigger bites. These microscopic pests, which are red, orange, yellow or straw-colored, latch onto passing people and animals. The chigger larvae, with six legs, are what actually attach to your clothing and skin. Once these creatures become adults, they are referred to as mites. They also gain another set of legs.

When you pass through an area with chiggers, you could have … Read Full Post »

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Why Does My GFCI Keep Tripping?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
A GFCI outlet

If you want to make your home as safe as possible for everyone, installing GFCIs or ground fault circuit interrupters in your outlets will bring you closer to that goal. Areas like the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom, are at higher risk for electrical mishaps, but these quick-acting safety devices can significantly reduce the dangers.

But as with any device, GFCIs can malfunction. They typically last 10 to 15 years, but some can start failing when they hit the 5-year mark. If your GFCI keeps tripping, it’s a sign that something is wrong. While you can try troubleshooting it yourself, it’s always best to let a licensed electrician handle electrical issues.

What’s Causing Your GFCI to Keep Tripping?

It is good when your GFCI occasionally trips because it’s a sign that it is doing its job. But, if it’s tripping constantly, there is an underlying problem you need to look into. Here are … Read Full Post »

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Your Guide to the Christmas Parades in Bryan, Texas

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
Santa on his sleight at a Christmas parade in Bryan, TX

If you’re looking to experience a fun and festive Christmas parade, Bryan, TX, is the place to be this holiday season. There are several Christmas parades in Bryan to choose from—though only one is a lighted parade, with lighted floats, firetrucks and other vehicles.

There are also many other local events to help you and your loved ones kick off a merry and festive holiday season. Let’s take a look at the best of Bryan at Christmastime:

  • Santa Arrival Parade: Santa comes to town the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 24, 2023, and downtown Bryan is illuminated for the Christmas season. This early evening event is free and open to the public. Come see Jolly Old Saint Nick circle the square as twinkling lights kick off the season of merriment!
  • Downtown Bryan Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade: This is Bryan-College Station’s one and only lighted Christmas parade. Beginning at 6 PM on … Read Full Post »

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When to Fertilize Your Lawn in the Fall

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
soil

Should you fertilize your lawn in the fall? The answer is yes; however, when you start the process is important. You want to ensure that you nourish your lawn before the cooler temperatures set in so that your lawn can make a strong spring comeback.

Next, it’s easy to accidentally over-fertilize your lawn. Luckily there are ways to reverse over-fertilization, and it starts with understanding the signals your lawn sends you that you used too much fertilizer.

Finally, this guide will break down the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers. Keep reading to learn which type is best for your lawn.

When to Fertilize Your Lawn in the Fall

Even though the leaves change colors and vegetation starts to go dormant in the fall, it is still an active growing time for your grass. It’s important not to skip your fall fertilization because it prepares your lawn to return lush and beautiful in the … Read Full Post »

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Aerating Versus Dethatching: What’s the Difference?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
green lawn with trimmed landscape and white fence

Keeping your lawn looking its best isn’t always easy, but it can be rewarding. Periodic dethatching and aeration are beneficial treatments for keeping your lawn green, healthy and beautiful.

Dethatching removes built-up dead grass blades and organic matter that resides on the soil surface below the green, creating a barrier. This barrier inhibits water, nutrients and air from getting into the soil to reach the root zone. Dethatching slices this barrier and allows that debris to be removed.

Aerating, on the other hand, helps to break up compacted soil, removes built-up layers of organic matter and introduces pathways for air, water and nutrients to reach deeper into the root zone.

What Is Dethatching Grass?

Dethatching your lawn is a helpful step in keeping your lawn healthy and green throughout the year. Dethatching helps remove any built-up debris or organic matter on the surface that may prevent water, air and other nutrients from reaching the … Read Full Post »

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Bathtub Faucet Leaking After Water Is Turned Off

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a bathroom

A hot bath is one of the best ways to unwind after a long day. But it can lead to frustration if the bathtub faucet keeps dripping when you turn it off. Not only is it an irritating sound, but it also wastes a lot of water and can raise your water bill.

There are many possible reasons for this issue. It is best to troubleshoot it as quickly as you can. If nothing works, contact the professionals. A licensed plumber will pinpoint the cause and fix your bathtub.

Reasons Why Your Bathtub Faucet Is Leaking After the Water Is Turned Off

There are three common culprits behind a leaking bathtub faucet. Here’s a closer look at each of the possible causes and how you can troubleshoot them.

Worn-Out O-Ring or Washer

Faucets have various small parts inside them that work together to manage the flow and temperature of water. But they can corrode and … Read Full Post »

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How Much Fertilizer for My Lawn?

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a handful of fertilizer

Knowing how to fertilize your lawn can seem difficult. While it’s easier than most homeowners think, it’s important to get the ratio of fertilizer correct. If you apply too much fertilizer, it will burn your grass and kill your roots. Then, you’ll have to start over from the beginning with grass seedlings. But applying too little fertilizer means your lawn will not get the nutrients it needs to be healthy.

The good news is that there’s an easy formula to determine exactly how much fertilizer you need on your lawn. Working with a lawn care specialist will ensure you never use too little or too much.

After you apply fertilizer, you should stay off your grass for a day or two to give the nutrients a chance to sink into the soil. Walking or running on the lawn too soon can damage the grass and disrupt the fertilization process.

How Much Fertilizer for … Read Full Post »

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What To Do if Water Is Leaking From Your Ceiling

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
water leaking from the ceiling

A ceiling leak is a problem that no homeowner should ignore. If you see water dripping, brown stains forming or paint bubbling, these are signs of a ceiling leak, and you should address it as soon as you can.

Here’s everything you need to know about the issue, including the causes of leaks and what you should do. Contact a professional plumber to get to the root of the problem and find a solution before the damage gets worse.

There are two common reasons why water is leaking from the ceiling. It can be a plumbing issue, such as a leaking shower or damaged piping. Or, there is an issue with your roof, causing water to come in. Here’s how these problems can lead to a ceiling leak.

Damaged Pipes

Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of ceiling leaks in the winter. When temperatures get extremely low, the water inside the … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Crape Myrtle Not Blooming?

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a crape myrtle tree

Crape myrtle is a gorgeous plant that boosts the curb appeal of any home. They produce a cloud of beautiful and colorful blooms in the summertime and rich-colored green leaves in the fall.

If your crape myrtle is not blooming, there could be many reasons, such as too much shade, insufficient water, improper pruning or a soil imbalance. Keep reading to learn how to correct these problems so that your crape myrtle will bloom its beautiful flowers again.

Next, the growth of black fungus can weaken crape myrtle plants and detract from their beauty. Seeing sooty mold means that your crape myrtle has an insect infestation you must deal with before it spreads further.

Lastly, crape myrtle aphids are the most common pest to infest crape myrtle trees and shrubs. They suck the sap from the leaves and leave a sugary substance that causes black mold to grow. Luckily, there are easy ways … Read Full Post »

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