ABC Blog

Please choose a city to view local blog posts:

Choose a City

Liven Up Your Home With Winter Decorations

. Posted by in • Orlando
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 »

Comments Closed

Hate Mosquitoes? Then You Should Love Bats

. Posted by in • Orlando
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 »

Comments Closed

How Organic Fertilizer Can Save You Money

. Posted by in • San Antonio

The word organic often evokes a negative reaction from consumers. While the benefits of organic products and lasting impacts on one’s health and the long-term effects they have on the environment are positive, many are quick to assume that the higher prices don’t outweigh those long-term outcomes. When it comes to your lawn, the benefits of organic fertilizer, even from a cost perspective, are worth the investment.

How Organic Fertilizer Can Save You Money

When it comes to your lawn, your health, and the environment, it’s important to consider the long-term consequences of the products you choose. When you are evaluating the pros and cons of organic fertilizer, cost is certainly a consideration. And while the initial costs of organic fertilizers might be more expensive, using organic fertilizer today will help you save money tomorrow.

Fertilizers made from synthetic materials may achieve short-term results, but organic ingredients allow plants to absorb nutrients … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Things to Do for Christmas in Bryan and College Station

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
Things to do for Christmas in Bryan College Station

There are so many preparations that go into creating a festive holiday season. Between decorating your home, stocking the pantry with your family’s favorite goodies, and making trips to the store, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Have you ever felt like December just comes and goes in a blink of an eye?

As you tackle your long list of holiday to-dos, we want to ensure you enjoy all the fun there is to be had as well. Whether you prefer something active or taking a stroll under a canopy of lights, there’s plenty of things to do for Christmas in Bryan, College Station, and the surrounding area that your family will love.

Things to Do for Christmas in Bryan and College Station

Let’s take a look at a few of our favorites holiday events in the area and a few new additions to our calendar this year.

Santa’s Wonderland

Our list wouldn’t be complete … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

San Antonio Christmas Events

. Posted by in • San Antonio
San Antonio Christmas events

December is one of our favorite times of year here at ABC Home & Commercial Services. For starters, Christmas is in full swing with classic Christmas songs playing on the radio, baked goods aplenty, and holiday cheer on our faces. 

San Antonio Christmas Events

With all the holiday spirit in the air, we want to share some of our favorite San Antonio Christmas events. So grab your Santa hat and a handful of candy canes, because these are the 2016 San Antonio holiday events you won’t want to miss.

See The Lights

San Antonio has a number of Christmas light parks and celebrations to choose from. Don’t worry if you haven’t to these displays yet. Many events carry on into the New Year as well.

Santa’s Ranch

This Christmas light park is located in New Braunfels, Texas, about 15 minutes north of San Antonio. Santa’s Ranch, a one-mile drive-thru park, has over 1 million lights and … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

ABC Austin Reduces Carbon Footprint With New Solar Energy System

. Posted by in • Austin
Why is solar energy good for the environment

Austin has a reputation as a green city. Our local utility company, Austin Energy, not only sells the most renewable energy in the nation, but also has an ambitious goal to be carbon neutral by 2020. Austinites can choose from a wide array of parks, nature preserves, trails, and greenbelts to take advantage of the city’s mild climate and numerous sunny days. Government officials have made protecting the environment a priority, enacting many eco-friendly policies, including pledging to reduce the amount of trash going to landfills by 90% by 2040.

ABC’s Corporate Responsibility

As a local business with a long history of providing environmentally-friendly home services, ABC Home & Commercial Services recently expanded its commitment to reducing the company’s impact on the planet. With the help of Freedom Solar, the roof of ABC’s Austin headquarters is now outfitted with 448 solar panels. By installing these panels, ABC will offset 138.6 tons … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

What Is The Best Room Temperature For Puppies?

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Room temperature for puppies

Many of us consider our pets a part of our family. With countless “dogs-welcomed” restaurants, trails, large dog parks and training and boarding facilities, it’s no wonder that so many cities are seeing an increase in puppy adoptions.

Welcoming a dog into your home involves research and planning, particularly if you have decided you’d prefer to adopt a puppy. From proper nutrition to adequate amounts of exercise to an endless amount of love and care, it’s your duty to ensure your pet is cared for. Thinking about the best room temperature for puppies and older pets is one way to make sure your furry friends stay happy and healthy.

What’s the Best Room Temperature for Puppies?

It might sound silly, but even the smallest factors, like your home’s temperature, are important aspects in maintaining your dog’s overall health, particularly if you have a puppy. Let’s discuss what new dog owners need to know … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

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

. Posted by in • Orlando
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 »

Comments Closed

Keeping Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Holiday pet safety

It’s the holiday season! We all love to deck the halls with festive decorations and throw holiday parties, but it’s also important to remember our pets during this busy time of year.

As wonderful as the holidays are, the decorations and foods of the season pose threats to our furry family members. That said, it’s not impossible to avoid holiday hazards for pets.

Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

Avoid a trip to the pet emergency room with some advanced planning and by taking a few simple precautions. Here are some ways to avoid the most common Christmas dangers for pets:

Christmas Tree

If you have cats or dogs, here are a few things you should think about when it comes to your Christmas tree:

  • Make sure you have a wide, weighted base so your pets can’t knock over the tree. Some cat owners use fishing line to tie their trees to … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

. Posted by in , • Austin
does light attract mosquitoes

We all love to spend relaxing evenings out on the patio. That said, outdoor lighting can attract unwelcome visitors. Don’t let flying insects, especially mosquitoes, ruin your night.

One question we often hear from frustrated homeowners: what are mosquitoes attracted to? Our pest control experts reviewed several recent scientific studies to help determine what changes homeowners can make to outdoor lighting to make your porch less attractive to flying creatures.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

  • Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?
  • How Do I Keep Mosquitoes Away From My Lights?
  • Do Insects Avoid LED Lights?
  • What’s the Ideal Bulb for Outdoor Lighting?
  • Are Flying Insects Bugging You?

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

The short answer is yes – but why, exactly, are bugs attracted to light? Many flying insects, including moths, mosquitoes, and many flies, find the glow of artificial lights irresistible. The scientific term for the attraction bugs have to light is phototaxis.

Positive phototaxis describes the behavior of … Read Full Post »

Comments Closed