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Spider Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

. Posted by in , • Houston
spider myths

The truth about spiders is that they are more closely related to ticks, scorpions, and fleas than insects. Nearly all spiders are poisonous, although some species’ venom is barely toxic. The silk spiders produce to make their webs is the strongest-known natural fiber on the planet. The tensile strength of a single strand is more significant than bone and about half as strong as steel. Many misconceptions and urban myths exist about spiders. Which are true and which are not?

Spider Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

For many of us, spiders are creepy crawlies we’d much rather avoid. This may be why there are many myths about spiders. Let’s look at some of the more common superstitions about these eight-legged animals.

Are Brown Recluse Spiders Deadly?

Of the 4,000 known spider species found in America, there are a few many of us are familiar with by name. One is the brown recluse spider, probably … Read Full Post »

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Quick Tips to Save Money on Houston HVAC Maintenance

. Posted by in • Houston

As energy bills rise, it’s tempting to look for a single solution that will shave off a large part of your heating bill, but there are numerous ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. With these simple and inexpensive Houston HVAC maintenance solutions, you can keep those heating bills from rising – even in the cold holiday season!

ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT

The most obvious way to reduce fuel use is to turn down the thermostat. Think of it as a valve between your fuel supplier and your wallet. For every degree you turn it down, you will use up to 3 percent less heating energy. A 10-degree setback overnight or while at work will cut your heating bill by up to 10 percent. Remember that it doesn’t take long to heat your home to a comfortable level – only about 15 minutes. Never adjust the thermostat above the desired temperature; doing so … Read Full Post »

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Avoid Injuries while Hanging Christmas Lights this Season

. Posted by in • Houston

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a three-year study reporting that nearly 18,000 individuals were treated in emergency rooms for falls alone while hanging Christmas lights. It is important to note that this number only includes people who sought medical treatment at an emergency room. It is estimated that the actual number of injuries is substantially higher, perhaps two or three times this number.

Common Injuries Include:

Every year, hospital emergency rooms treat roughly 12,500 people for injuries such as falls, cuts, and shocks related to holiday lights, electrical decorations, and Christmas trees. {U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)}

Nearly 6,000 emergency room patients are seen each season due to holiday decorating falls alone (CDC).

Over 200 fire-related fatalities and injuries happen during the two days of December 31 and January 1.

Design the look you want for your home this Christmas season safely from the ground with a free quote from … Read Full Post »

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Fall & Winter Seasonal Home Maintenance Guide for the South

. Posted by in • Houston

Specific home maintenance tasks should be completed each season to prevent structural damage, save energy, and keep all your home’s systems running properly. These maintenance tasks are most important for the South in fall and winter.

Critical maintenance tasks to perform

• Get your heating system in order. Add programmable thermostats to your home; they can help save around $180 a year on your energy bills. If you have a heat pump, install a programmable thermostat specially designed for heat pumps. Programmable thermostats for heat pumps are specially designed to keep these systems working at peak efficiency. Schedule your fall HVAC checkup promptly. Ensure you have all electrical connections checked, all moving parts lubricated if necessary, and the condensate drain and trap inspected.

• Clean your gutters. In the South, you’re less likely to have ice form in your gutters than in other parts of the country. Nevertheless, debris in your gutters can easily divert … Read Full Post »

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Possum Control

. Posted by in , • Houston

Opossums are frequently considered a nuisance in and around the garden, mainly when they feed on or trample plants. They can also rummage through garbage cans or “steal” your pets’ food. How to get rid of an opossum can be tricky, but with a bit of perseverance, the backyard possum may be convinced to move elsewhere.

Backyard Possum Control

The best way to combat opossum problems is to understand their habits. While they prefer wooded areas or open fields near streams, they will reside in abandoned burrows; tree crevices; brush piles; or areas beneath steps, decks, and outbuildings.

These animals are also nocturnal, typically active only at night, sleeping throughout the day. This can make it difficult to “see” the intruder attacking your garden. However, they usually leave some telltale signs of their presence through droppings, tracks, overturned pet food dishes or garbage cans, and plant damage. The backyard possum is also considered … Read Full Post »

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Tips for dealing with Drought

. Posted by in , , • Houston

We’re experiencing a drought close to becoming a record-setter for this time of year in Houston. Here are some of ABC’s tips for keeping your outdoor environment in good shape.

Watering and Irrigation

-If you have an irrigation system, ensure all zones and sprinkler heads operate correctly and cover adequately.

-For most lawns, watering a couple of times weekly is adequate.  Plant beds may need additional watering, especially if they drain well.

-Over-watering is detrimental, contributing to several root-damaging diseases and yellow, weak plants.

Mowing

– St. Augustine grass needs to be mowed weekly. Higher mowing helps St. Augustine conserve moisture.  Shorter mowing heights shock St. Augustine, forcing it to expend energy and moisture, growing new blades and ultimately weakening and thinning it.

-Bermuda and Zoysia lawns are healthier and cut much shorter and more often.

-Make sure your mower blade is sharp, reducing moisture loss.  Dull mower blades fray the ends of the grass blades, allowing rapid … Read Full Post »

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Tips & Secrets to Buying a New Heating & Cooling System

. Posted by • Houston

Are you in the market for a new heating and cooling system?  Authorities say to be careful.  Many homeowners who have invested in new high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment didn’t get the comfort and energy efficiency they paid for.

Information is the key to making a wise decision.  This report will teach you what you should know before talking to contractors and let you know some little-known facts about heating and air conditioning. Unfortunately, even many contractors aren’t aware of this essential new knowledge.

This report is based on necessary new research undertaken by the federal Department Of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and electric and gas utilities nationwide.  It also draws on the training resources of heating and cooling equipment manufacturers and trade associations.  And it shares advice from consumer protection groups, publications, and TV investigative news stories.

This report will teach you the three common reasons most new heating and cooling systems don’t work … Read Full Post »

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Bed Bugs

. Posted by in , • Houston

Bed bugs feed on blood, principally that of humans, by piercing the skin with their elongated beaks. Although they inflict misery on their victims, bed bugs have never been proven to carry disease-causing pathogens in the United States.  Bed bugs are spread chiefly by the clothing and baggage of travelers, secondhand beds, bedding, furniture, and laundry.

A mature bed bug is a dark brown, wingless insect.  Its size and color depend on the amount of blood that the body contains.  An unfed bed bug is between 1/4 and 3/8 inch long.  The upper surface of the body has a flimsy, wrinkled appearance.  When engorged with blood, the body becomes elongated and swollen, and the color changes from brown to dull red.  Bed bug eggs are white and about 1/32 inch long.  Newly hatched bugs are translucent and nearly colorless but similar in shape to adults.  As they grow, they molt (shed … Read Full Post »

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