ABC Blog

Wildlife Rescue Organizations In Orlando

wildlife rescue Orlando

Both humans and wildlife can agree on one thing: Florida is an excellent state in which to live. However, animals can become a nuisance in new neighborhoods. Unfortunately, in these areas, animals can become injured when they are hit by cars. In these cases, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organizations serve an essential role.

Orlando Wildlife Rescue Groups

Rescue groups can help capture animals caught in bad situations, take care of their health issues, and, when possible, release them back into the wild in areas where they can live their lives safely.

Types of Wildlife In Florida

Florida is home to many wildlife because of our temperate climate and plenty of water and food resources. Below is just a handful of the many different animal species that we are fortunate to have in our area:

  • Bald Eagles
  • Florida Panthers
  • Scrub Jays
  • Manatees
  • Key Deer
  • Brown Pelicans

Liven Up Your Home With Winter Decorations

winter decorations

Want to bring a little taste of winter inside without overwhelming your house with traditional Christmas decorations? Or perhaps you’re searching for some seasonally-appropriate decor once your presents are unwrapped and your tree is put away. Look no further – we have many ideas for winter decorations for you!

Decorate with Nature

Natural accents are the way to go if you are looking for winter decorating ideas. You might consider adding a few of the following elements to your home:

  • Choose boughs of evergreens like pine and fir to decorate your dining room table and fireplace.
  • Pinecones, with or without a dusting of artificial snow, are great around candles or as part of a centerpiece.
  • Try a glass bowl filled with acorns (caps still included).
  • For extra pizazz and staying power, use silver or gold spray paint on large dried leaves, such as those from … Read Full Post »

Hate Mosquitoes? Then You Should Love Bats

benefits of bats

When you think of bats, do you imagine vampires sucking your blood or scary Halloween decorations? If so, you might want to reconsider those preconceived notions. Bats are very misunderstood mammals that don’t hurt humans or our pets. On the contrary, these creatures serve a vital role in our ecosystem.

The Benefits of Bats

Let’s learn more about Florida’s different types of bats and their vital function. Once you know how amazing bats are, you might encourage them to move into your backyard!

Facts About Bats

Bats are small, winged mammals of the order Chiroptera and can be found worldwide. Their forelimbs (arms) have webbed wings and are the only mammals to maintain accurate flight.

The vast majority are insectivores, meaning they eat flying insects. Some species eat fruit and nectar. Only a few rare species eat living creatures other than insects. Out of 1200 species, only three feasts on blood. These bats are … Read Full Post »

It’s Not Just For Kids: Things To Do In Orlando For Adults

Things to do in Orlando for adults

When we think of Orlando, the first thing that usually comes to mind is childhood memories filled with mouse ears, candy shops, and pictures alongside your favorite Disney characters. When it comes to Orlando, the first thing most people think of is often Disney World and Universal Studios.

Our Favorite Things To Do in Orlando For Adults

Despite its association with roller coasters and face paint, Orlando is also a great place for adults. The city has restaurants, events, and outdoor activities just for grown-ups. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Orlando:

Take In the Views

If you’re from Orlando, chances are you’ve seen every corner of Disney World. But have you ever experienced it from above? See its vast size while soaring overhead in a hot-air balloon. Riders can choose a sunrise flight for unforgettable views of Orlando’s many forests and lakes and the many theme parks throughout … Read Full Post »

Christmas In Orlando: Things To Do During The Holidays

Christmas in Orlando

Here in Orlando, we understand that we may celebrate the holidays differently than in other parts of the country. Instead of getting out our mittens and hats, we can sometimes swim on Christmas Day if the weather cooperates. Rather than snowy skies, we can enjoy the sunshine nearly year-round. Families from across the country flock to Orlando during the holiday season to escape the more wintery weather.

How We Celebrate the Holidays in Orlando

Although the weather outside is rarely frightful, we still find plenty of Christmas things to do in Orlando.

Giving Back During the Holidays

The holidays are a season for giving, and we are thankful there are many opportunities to give back to the Orlando community. Hands-On Orlando is a great organization to find volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, and families. Children as young as three can participate with a parent, and an easy online calendar allows you to sign … Read Full Post »

Our Favorite Things To Do In Orlando

Things to do in Orlando

There’s no doubt about it: Orlando is known for its theme parks. From Walt Disney World and Islands of Adventure to Epcot and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—people gather from all over the world to witness the fun and excitement of these parks. A trip to either of these is a guaranteed memorable experience. As all of us who call Orlando home know well, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

Our Favorite Things To Do In Orlando

From indoor activities to exploring the great outdoors to things to do in Orlando for free, there’s something for everyone in the family. There’s no reason to stay home or in a hotel room in a city like Orlando. Read along as we tour our city’s lesser-known but not-less-fun activities.

Visit a Museum

Museums are often associated with a trip to New York City or the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, … Read Full Post »

What Are German Roaches?

What is a German roach

What is a German Roach?  

There’s no good time to find a cockroach running across your kitchen floor. Unfortunately, most homeowners have encountered such a sight more than once. And with more than 3,500 species worldwide and 55 species in the United States, a scurrying cockroach is a common household occurrence.

Cockroaches are incredibly adaptable and have adjusted to the earth’s changes for more than 300 million years; their diet, size, and ability to reproduce quickly and in large numbers enable the species to endure the test of time.

The two most common species found in homes throughout the United States are the German cockroach and the American cockroach. What are German roaches, exactly? Where do German roaches come from? How can you tell which kind of roach may be inside your home?

What They Look Like  

Appearance is one of the easiest ways to identify the type of cockroach living in your home. … Read Full Post »

DID YOU KNOW? It’s Rodent Awareness Week!

roof rats

Did you know that it’s Rodent Awareness Week 2016?

Every year, the National Pest Management Association sponsors a Rodent Awareness Week to educate homeowners about some of the most cringe-worthy pests — rats and mice. Rodent Awareness Week is the perfect time of year to learn what will keep mice away and what will repel rats so you can get them out of your home.

In Orlando, it isn’t uncommon to find rodents or their droppings around decks, storage sheds, attics, or the roof. Our customers often ask us how to get rid of rats independently. This can be tricky without the help of an exterminator. But homeowners should know a few things before calling in a professional.

Why & When Do Rodents Move In?

Rodents will enter a person’s property for one or both reasons: food & shelter during winter. While mice and rats find their way onto your property and into your home for … Read Full Post »

Meet the Mosquito Everyone’s Talking About in Orlando

Aedes egypti

People are buzzing about mosquitoes here in Orlando, and there’s a good reason why. One species found in central Florida, Aedes aegypti, is the primary vector that transmits the Zika virus to humans. Although the long-term implications of the spread of the virus are unknown, Zika causes severe neurological conditions such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Mosquitoes In Orlando

With our wet climate and wetlands, mosquitoes love Orlando. With the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases in our area, it’s essential to understand the problem we face in our region and take steps to control mosquitoes around our homes.

Below we’ll look at some of the types of mosquitoes we have in Orlando and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

Types of Mosquitoes

Out of the approximately 3,500 species of mosquitoes, we’re fortunate to only have 171 here in the US. However, more than in any other state, Florida is home to … Read Full Post »

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

how do you get bed bugs

Bed bugs are on the rise across the country. Although these tiny, reddish-brown parasites have always been a common pest, experts believe that the increased ease of air travel and the outlawing of strong insecticides have allowed their numbers to surge again. Where do bed bugs come from, and what attracts them? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you get these pests out of your home – for good.

Where do bed bugs come from?

Bed bugs were once thought to have medicinal properties and were initially documented in the first century. Once confined to the tropics, these parasites moved with humans, so they can now be found across the globe. The spread of bed bugs is also linked to the fact that the animals are resilient since they can survive for long periods without food. Bed bugs are prolific, and the animals can mate with close relatives – even … Read Full Post »