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5 Reasons Why Raccoons Don’t Make Good Roommates

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Ripping the Mask Off Urban Raccoon Facts

It’s so easy to see raccoons here in San Antonio as just another urban animal posse, but their little bandit masks hide ulterior motives. Behind those cute faces lurk smart creatures determined to winter in your home. Procyon lotors (scientific name) make lousy roommates, and here are five reasons why.

1. Your Yard Is a Smorgasbord – You see a lovely lawn, well-kept flower beds and a healthy vegetable garden. Raccoons see an invitation to dig up the landscape, dine at will and ruin your hard work. They’ve learned that your yard sets out an easy buffet compared to foraging outside the city limits.

2. They Really Want Inside – Raccoons don’t hibernate, but they do slow down when cold weather moves in. Your warm attic makes a natural urban habitat, so they’ll rip off shingles and chew through fascia on their way inside. Outdoor garbage … Read Full Post »

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How to Lengthen the Lifespan of Your Washer and Dryer

. Posted by in • Austin

Get more use out of your appliances with smart preventative maintenance

“They don’t make things like they used to” is a common complaint when something big like a washer or dryer breaks down. Although nothing lasts forever, a little care and diligence can help major appliances keep going for many years. Get the most out of the 12-year average life span of your washer and the 13 years expected from a dryer with these simple maintenance tips.

Be Clean

Prevent the buildup of detergent and lint by cleaning both the inside and outside surfaces of your washer and dryer on a regular basis. Empty the dryer lint trap every time you remove a load, and find out if your washer also has a lint trap that should be cleared to prevent poor drainage.

Aim for Efficiency

Follow manufacturer instructions to avoid overloading your washer and dryer. Learn which settings are appropriate for different load sizes … Read Full Post »

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The Heat Is On: Eliminating Bed Bugs with Heat Remediation

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Controlling bed bugs is no sweat when you use heat

Finding bed bugs in your home can be a shock. These tiny parasites feed on human and animal blood and can hitch a ride in on almost anything. Luggage, clothing and old furniture are all potential “vehicles” for bed bug travel. Using heat remediation treatments can put a stop to a problematic infestation.

Bed Bug Woes

For most people, bed bug bites result in red, itchy bumps, but the reaction can be severe if you’re allergic. Bed bugs have also been known to carry pathogens, including serious diseases such as MRSA—there is no scientific evidence to show that bed bugs spread these diseases to humans, but it’s still disconcerting to know that there are parasitic insects lurking in your bedroom.

Treatments for Banishing Bed Bugs

Bed bug populations are growing, perhaps due in part to the fact that these pests have become resistant to many … Read Full Post »

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5 Ways Your Landscaping Can Boost Your Energy Efficiency

. Posted by in • Austin

Beautify your lawn and conserve resources at the same time

Smart landscape design can lower your energy bills all year long. Learning how to arrange plantings for maximum efficiency transforms your lawn into a beautiful oasis that works to reduce heating and cooling costs. Start saving now with these energy-efficient landscaping tips for your Austin home.

Cool Down with Trees

Shade trees have the power to cool your yard by as much as six degrees and reduce indoor temperatures up to 25%. A cooler house can make your air conditioner run 10% more efficiently throughout the season. This not only reduces energy use but also prolongs the life of the unit by reducing wear from regular operation.

Create Dead Space

Planting vines, shrubs and bushes near the walls of your home traps an insulating pocket of “dead air” that helps regulate temperatures in all seasons. Place plants far enough away so that there will be … Read Full Post »

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Bugs That Look Like Termites But Aren’t

. Posted by in • San Antonio
Bugs That Look Like Termites But Aren't

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than five billion dollars worth of property damage each year in the United States alone. The most destructive type of termite, the subterranean species, feeds 24 hours a day, so this dangerous pest doesn’t ever take a vacation. Homeowners can protect their biggest investment by learning more about bugs that look like termites but aren’t.

Most of us can distinguish between the most common bugs and insects we see in and around our home. Roaches, mosquitoes and flies look quite different from each other. But when it comes to other insects, our knowledge is fuzzy, at best.

Different pests require different types of treatment. Let’s explore what insects resemble termites and how to tell these bugs apart so that you can keep these pests away from your property.

Carpenter Ants 

The bug which is most commonly confused with a termite is an ant. Both … Read Full Post »

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Is Your AC System Asking for Help?

. Posted by in • Austin

7 Signs It’s Time to Service or Replace Your Unit

Austin’s hot summer climate means a serious workout for your air conditioning unit. Just like a football star playing hard in the heat, your AC unit may struggle to keep up with your demands. If you’re worried that your AC can’t keep up, it’s time to study the signs that your unit is in trouble.

Four Indicators That It’s Time to Service Your System

Sometimes, all your AC system needs in order to work well is a little time and attention. Keep in mind that your unit might need service or repair at times other than you expect. Call a pro if any of the four following symptoms sound familiar to you.

The flow of cold air seems weak. Your AC unit comes on and produces cool air, but it doesn’t seem to be circulating throughout your home. This could point to HVAC or … Read Full Post »

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Can I Get A Mosquito Bite In Winter? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in • Orlando
mosquito bite in winter

Do you wish summer could last all year long? Many individuals live in or move to warm and temperate cities to escape the frigid weather in other parts of the country. Want to wear shorts on Christmas Day? Try Orlando. Prefer flip-flops in February? Check out Houston.

There’s a catch to living where the sun is shining most of the year: mosquitoes.

Warm and humid environments are the perfect habitat for many pesky insects, including mosquitoes. Regarding mosquito season, Florida and other southern states don’t get much of a break from these annoying biting insects, which can transmit the Zika and West Nile viruses, among other illnesses.

Newcomers to these cities may wonder if getting a mosquito bite in winter is possible and what else they need to know to keep these pests away. Let’s explore these topics and other common questions about the mosquito.

Where Do Mosquitoes Go In The Winter? What About … Read Full Post »

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Is Your Florida St. Augustine Grass Turning Brown?

. Posted by in , • Orlando

St. Augustine is the turf of choice for Central Florida lawns. You might notice a color change in the late summer and early fall that could cause alarm.

This common lawn fungus is easy to identify, as it creates circular pockets of grass that appear to have died. We’re talking about Brown Patch.

All warm-season turfs are at risk for Brown Patch, especially Zoysia and St. Augustine grass. The disease pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani, will most likely spread from September through May when temperatures are below 80 degrees. It is usually not observed in summer months, but summer weather can lead to over-irrigation, which can lead to fungus. Florida gets excessive rain and high humidity, which can also over-saturate turf grass and lead to infection.

Symptoms:

If an area of your lawn has poor drainage and lacks sufficient sunlight, it may be prone to getting the disease. You’ll notice a soft, dark rot at the … Read Full Post »

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Brown Patch Lawn Fungus on the Rise in Houston

. Posted by in , • Houston

Have you ever noticed beige patches of dead-looking grass interrupting your lush green lawn? The name of this turfgrass disease is a no-brainer: Brown Patch.

Brown Patch is technically classified as a summer lawn disease. However, our Houston Lawn Specialists have noticed an increase in reported cases in the fall due to excessive lawn watering in an effort to battle the overly rough weather conditions Houston experienced during the past few months.

Brown Patch derives from a disease called Rhizoctonia, which is a fungus that thrives in warm, humid climates (sound familiar, Houston?). It lives in plant debris, or thatch, and enters plants through wounds caused during mowing. In most cases, grass can go several months before showing any sign of disease, but trust us, it is growing beneath the surface – and fast.

Brown Patch damage first appears in your lawn as circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by … Read Full Post »

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Avoiding Summer Damage to Your Lawn

. Posted by in , • Dallas-Fort Worth

Practice proper lawn care to maintain healthy grass

When the heat of the Dallas summer meets high-traffic outdoor activity, your lawn can suffer. Try these lawn care tips to bring your outdoor environment back to life and keep it looking beautiful all summer.

Develop a Watering Routine

The general recommendation for watering is to give your lawn one inch of water per week unless the weather is extremely hot. Water in the morning before the heat begins to build. Use a sprinkler or irrigation system to get the water deep into the ground and give the grass the moisture it needs to thrive.

Mow Smart

Warm-season grasses should be cut to a height of two to three inches. Shorter grass browns in the heat and sustains damage more easily. Moisture loss increases when grass is shredded rather than cut clean, so sharpen the mower blades before the season begins. Avoid the urge to mow frequently. … Read Full Post »

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