When Is Mosquito Season Over?

April 28, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Mosquito Control • Austin

In certain parts of the country, thermometers might reach freezing temperatures on only a few days of the year. During those periods, mosquito season can seem like a year-round nuisance, which may not be far from the truth—especially since mosquitoes can move underground during the colder winter months.

When Is Mosquito Season Over?

It’s a good question, especially in the southern parts of the country with mild winters. Mosquitoes have an annoying habit of taking up residence in some people’s homes, living in drains, potted plants or anyplace where they have access to water and warmth. So when is mosquito season over in warmer climates? Let’s look at the facts.

Why Mosquitoes Are Considered Pests

Mosquitoes can carry infectious diseases that may have serious consequences for humans. Over a million people worldwide die every year from mosquito-borne illnesses, and the United States is not exempt from that statistic.

In certain areas of the U.S., pregnant … Read Full Post »

2017 Corpus Christi Bucket List, Summer Edition

April 27, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Community • Corpus Christi

Temperatures are rising and it’s time to make your list of the top things to do this summer in Corpus Christi, Texas! Fortunately, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Summer Bucket List that has something for everyone, including both indoor and outdoor summer fun activities.

2017 Corpus Christi Bucket List, Summer Edition

Corpus is known for its fantastic museums and bird watching opportunities—and, of course, its beautiful beaches and all that comes along with Gulf Coast culture. But this town also has plenty of indoor culture, and you don’t have to be into fishing, boating or even swimming to enjoy every bit of your summer in Corpus Christi.

Fun for the Whole Family

Take the whole family for a museum day outing and hit the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and the Texas Surf Museum. You can also head to the North Beach area to visit the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington, a … Read Full Post »

ABC Owners Bike Across Country For Charity

April 26, 2017. Posted by Vanessa Jenkins Green in Community • Houston

Three brothers. Two charities. Four thousand miles.

Bobby, Dennis and Raleigh Jenkins, the owners of ABC Home & Commercial Services, will be cycling across the country this summer to raise money for A Child’s Hope and the Moss Pieratt Foundation.

ABC Owners Bike Across Country for Charity

The ride will start in Seattle on May 23, 2017 and end in New York City. The Jenkins brothers are biking to support two organizations that are near and dear to their hearts. You can learn more about the ride, donate and subscribe to email updates on the Brothers Bike website.

This is not the first time the ABC owners have cycled for charity. In 2008, the Jenkins brothers biked from Austin to Canada to fundraise for Caritas of Austin. Afer that trip, they set their sights on a cross-country charity ride. “My brothers and I are willing to put in the sweat equity … Read Full Post »

Do Possums Carry Rabies?

April 25, 2017. Posted by Vanessa Jenkins Green in Rodent & Wildlife • Orlando

Many people find possums scary, even threatening—and that’s perfectly understandable. After all, possums (also known as “opossums”) have those frightening-looking teeth that they’re all too happy to bare when surprised in their natural habitat—which might, unfortunately, include your backyard. They also use an intimidating hissing sound to scare off potential predators. But do these small animals deserve their bad reputation?

Do Possums Carry Rabies?

Many people have limited knowledge about them and might wonder: Do possums carry rabies? Do possums attack? Do they bite humans? To answer these questions, let’s learn a little more about this somewhat misunderstood creature.

Facts About Possums

Possums are smallish animals, about the size of a cat, with long tails, pointy faces, and grayish-white fur. They are marsupials—animals like kangaroos- carrying their young in a pouch on the mother’s belly. And while possums are often seen as pests, they’re quiet animals that usually don’t threaten humans, pets, or property. … Read Full Post »

2017 Austin Bucket List, Summer Edition

April 24, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Community • Austin

It’s no secret that Austin has a lot to offer. Summer provides the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Whether you’re a lifelong Austinite or a newbie, our bucket list includes all the top things to do around town during the summer months.

Top Things To Do This Summer in Austin

Summer fun doesn’t have to be limited to the time you spend poolside. From indoor activities to culinary treats to museums, we’ve got something for everybody here in the Live Music Capital of the World on our 2017 Austin Bucket List for Summer. Think outside the box, get creative and see why so many people consider Austin the best place on Earth!

Fuel Up

When people think of Austin, one of the first things that comes to mind is food, and specifically, tacos. What Austinites know (and love) is that the taco isn’t just for … Read Full Post »

2017 San Antonio Bucket List, Summer Edition

April 21, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Community • San Antonio

Looking for the top things to do this summer in San Antonio, Texas? It’s heating up outside, and your summer bucket list 2017 starts here!

2017 San Antonio Bucket List, Summer Edition

San Antonio summer fun activities range from cultural events to awesome amusement parks, dining experiences you can’t have anywhere else in the world and so much more. When it comes to the top things to do this summer in San Antonio, there’s truly something for everyone. Read on to get our ideas on how to have the best summer in San Antonio!

Take Your Kids to the Zoo, the DoSeum and Kiddie Park

The San Antonio Zoo in Brackenridge Park is a wonderland of all kinds of animals living in habitats nestled along trails and amongst lush foliage. You can ride the train or the Zootennial Carousel or visit the spectacular butterfly garden. Near the zoo is the DoSeum, San Antonio’s children’s … Read Full Post »

How To Keep A Room Cool That Faces The Sun: Summer Tips

April 21, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Air Conditioning & Heating • San Antonio

Ah, summer. The season of cookouts, BBQ, fireworks, splashing in the pool, days at the beach, long nights and family vacations.

It’s also the time of year when you begin to crank up the air conditioning in your home, battling the scorching sun and blistering summer days. We all know the feeling: walking in the front door in the middle of July, only to find the refreshing feeling of cool air spilling out of your AC unit. While we all love that blast of chilled air, we all also love saving money—and in this case, saving money means saving energy. In addition to using your air conditioner this summer, there’s plenty of other ways to help keep your home cool. As you prepare for the hot days ahead, take a look at our summer tips and learn how to keep a room cool that faces the sun.

Utilize Ceiling And Exhaust Fans

Many … Read Full Post »

Birds That Eat Ticks: Do Turkeys Eat Ticks?

April 20, 2017. Posted by Les Stobart in Flea & Tick Control, Pest Control • Bryan-College Station

Ever been bitten by a tick? If so, you know how annoying they can be, at best. At worst, ticks can transmit serious diseases to humans. Ticks are small, parasitic pests that feed on the blood of a “host”—namely, another animal. Ticks aren’t too discriminating when it comes to their food; they’re all too happy to feast on humans, dogs and cats along with other, wilder animals. Fortunately, there are many different animals that are a tick’s natural predator, including some birds that eat ticks that might make a great addition to your home to assist with natural tick control.

Do turkeys eat ticks? That’s a question many homeowners ask. There are several types of poultry and wild birds that eat ticks, for example, along with ants, centipedes and certain other predatory insects. Keep reading to learn more about these parasitic creatures and how you can keep them away from … Read Full Post »

Types of Rodents and Wildlife in Houston

April 19, 2017. Posted by Vanessa Jenkins Green in Rodent & Wildlife • Houston

Whether their presence pops into your mind when thinking about the Lone Star state or not, Texas is home to abundant rodents and wildlife. Houston is no different. Our city is one of the state’s most populated and diverse wild animal ecosystems. The greater Houston area offers a combination of lush outdoors, bayous, and urban dwellings, which serve as the habitat for many rodents and wildlife.

Types of Rodents and Wildlife in Houston

One thing is seeing rodents or other types of wildlife when you are out and about. Spotting one of these animals in your yard will likely produce an entirely different reaction. Learn more about the types of rodents and wildlife that might make it into your outdoor spaces and the steps you can take to ensure they get out—and stay out.

Roof Rats

Rats are much larger than mice, so you’ll know the difference when you see one. Roof rats (sometimes … Read Full Post »

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide On Your Body?

April 18, 2017. Posted by Vanessa Jenkins Green in Bed Bug Control • Orlando

Bed bugs. Chances are good that you’ve heard of them or even had a friend who ran in with these pests that love to bite humans, feeding on their blood and leaving an itchy, painful rash behind. For most of us, the idea of bed bugs sends a shiver of fear up the spine, yet many people don’t know much about this insect, its habitat, or its habits.

Can you find bed bug eggs in hair, and can these pests live on clothing or our body? Do they fly or cause diseases? And how difficult are they to get rid of once they’ve invaded your living space? The more you know about bed bugs, the better you can protect yourself and your home from a bed bug infestation.

A common question homeowners ask is, “Where do bed bugs hide on your body?” Let’s address this query first. Bed bugs hide primarily during … Read Full Post »