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Vole Versus Mouse: Key Differences Texas Homeowners Need to Know

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

Voles and mice may look similar, but they behave very differently. Voles stick to your yard and damage grass, roots and landscaping, while mice head indoors to nest, contaminate food and spread disease. Knowing which pest you’re dealing with helps you choose the right treatment.

You notice winding trails in your lawn or hear scratching near the garage, but is it a mouse or a vole? Not knowing whether you’re dealing with a vole, pictured above, or a mouse can lead to the wrong treatment plan and ongoing property damage.

Texas’ climate means rodent activity can be a year-round concern. The foliage and landscaping on your property can attract a variety of rodents as well. Here’s what you should know about the differences between voles and mice to better protect your home.

To get expert insight, we spoke with Manuel Ortiz, Certified Applicator and … Read Full Post »

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What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Key Takeaways

Flea bites typically appear as small, itchy red bumps in clusters around the ankles and legs, and can often be mistaken for bites from other insects. Acting quickly and taking a comprehensive approach is the best way to control fleas.

Have you noticed itchy red bumps on yourself or your family members? Maybe you’ve noticed your pets scratching more than usual? These are common signs of a flea infestation.

To help you understand what flea bites look like, how to differentiate them from other bug bites and what to do about them, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

What Do Flea Bites Look Like on Humans?

Flea bites can look very different from person to person, so it can be difficult to determine if you’re dealing with flea bites or another type of bug bite. … Read Full Post »

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Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Light?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Key Takeaways

Many homeowners think mosquitoes are attracted to light, but they’re actually drawn to you. Things like your breath, body heat and scent are what attract them, so that’s where you should focus your prevention efforts.

It’s a common assumption that mosquitoes are drawn to light, but is it actually true?

To find out, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. No, mosquitoes aren’t attracted to light. Light may have a small effect on these pests, but factors like carbon dioxide, body heat and your scent are what really draw mosquitoes in. 

Since mosquitoes are attracted to people, and people are often around lights, it’s easy to see why we tend to blame light for mosquito activity. Here’s a closer look at mosquito behavior.

Why People Think Mosquitoes Are Attracted to Light

Many homeowners assume that mosquitoes are … Read Full Post »

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What Smells Do Mosquitoes Hate? A Texas Homeowner’s Guide to Natural & Proven Repellents

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Key Takeaways

Scents like citronella, lemon eucalyptus and lavender may temporarily repel mosquitoes, but they won’t solve an infestation. For effective mosquito control in Texas, focus on removing standing water and professional mosquito treatment.

Mosquitoes can be a persistent problem in Texas because of year-round heat, humidity and standing water. If you’re looking for natural ways to repel these pests, you might have come across methods that use certain scents. While some smells do help repel mosquitoes, none solve infestations, so a layered approach is best. 

So what smells do mosquitoes hate that are backed by science, and what works in Texas specifically? To help separate myth from fact, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Here’s a closer look at what actually works and when it’s time to call a professional.

Why Smell Matters: How Mosquitoes … Read Full Post »

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How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches: Advice For Homeowners

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

If you’ve found a roach in your home, you may be worried about what comes next. Roaches are a common sight in Texas, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less alarming to see in your home. Seeing one means it’s time to take action to control these pests and help curb future issues.

For more insight into cockroach behavior in Texas homes, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services. According to Brown, several species are especially common across the state.

“German, American and smoky brown cockroaches are all common in Texas.”

Brown explains that homes are attractive to roaches because they offer everything these pests need to survive.

“Homes provide roaches with all the things they need … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Bed Bugs Live?

. Posted by in , • Austin

Unfortunately for Texans, bed bug activity is high throughout the state. These pests are notoriously hard to control, and you may have a lot of questions and concerns, like how long do bed bugs live? 

To get expert insight, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Adult bed bugs can live up to a year in perfect laboratory conditions, in the real world that is generally much shorter.”

Brown explains that under ideal conditions, a bed bug’s typical lifespan is around six to twelve months. Ideal conditions include a warm environment, access to a blood meal and plenty of hiding spots.

However, they can also survive for months in cooler temperatures and without feeding, which contributes to why they’re often hard to control.

Many areas of Texas stay … Read Full Post »

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Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs? Your Questions Answered

. Posted by in , • Austin

Texas has a high mosquito population, especially in our state’s warm, humid regions. While these pests are a long-time nuisance for humans, you may also wonder if your dog has to deal with them. Do mosquitoes bite dogs, or are our pets protected by their fur?

The short answer is that yes, mosquitoes bite dogs. Fur helps, but it’s not always enough to keep your pet from getting bitten. Here’s a closer look at why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to help prevent them from pestering your pets.

Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?

You may be surprised to learn that mosquitoes bite dogs just as often as they bite humans and other mammals. 

For more information about why mosquitoes bite dogs and how to protect your pet, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Read Full Post »

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Bed Bug Feces And Other Signs Of An Infestation

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Bed bug feces are often one of the earliest and most reliable signs of a bed bug infestation. The dark brown or black ink-like dots are often tricky to spot but can be found with careful inspection. Early detection is especially helpful in Texas, where warm weather can allow bed bugs to reproduce quickly.

For more insight into what bed bug feces look like and where they’re commonly found, we spoke with Alan Brown, Board-Certified Entomologist and Technical Director at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“Bed bug feces are digested blood. The fecal spots are black liquid and look very much like ink spots.”

He explains that these spots are typically found close to where bed bugs live and feed, including:

“Bedding, night stands, head boards, … Read Full Post »

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How To Identify Termite Damage Versus Wood Rot

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

In Texas, moisture is more than just an annoyance, it can be an open invitation for termites. The combination of humidity, high heat and seasonal storms leaves homes exposed to elements that can damage and deteriorate them. Wood faces an additional threat: termites.

This leaves many homeowners wondering if the damage they see is caused by rot or termites. Being able to identify termite damage versus wood rot is important, because each issue requires a different approach.

It’s common for homeowners to mistake the two because they share similarities, even as a mature colony eats away at a home’s structure. Termites can quickly become an expensive problem if you don’t address them effectively.

What Causes Termite Damage?

Termites cost homeowners billions of dollars in damages annually. Texas has the ideal climate for them to thrive. Plus, termites are notoriously good at finding entry points that are hard to see with the naked eye.

Two main … Read Full Post »

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A Homeowner’s Guide To Termites In Texas

. Posted by in , • Austin

The Lone Star State has a lot going for it. However, like any other part of the world, homeowners have a unique set of challenges specific to this region and climate. An unfortunate example is the destructive termite.

These tiny pests might not seem scary, but they cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage across the country every year. And since Texas is one of the more desirable locations for people and termites, this poses an issue for homeowners who don’t want to see their homes become a snack for these pests.

If you’ve discovered signs of termite activity in your home, or if you’re concerned you might have an underlying termite problem, this can be a scary moment. People invest a great deal of time and money in their homes. It’s the foundation for your family and your entire life. So what do you do now?

This guide helps Texas homeowners recognize … Read Full Post »

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