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Where Do Rats Come From?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a rat

Key Takeaways

Rats are drawn to Texas homes year-round by food, water and shelter, and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps to get inside. Sealing entry points, removing attractants and scheduling regular professional inspections are the most effective ways to keep them out.

The climate and urban growth in Texas make it all too common for homeowners to find pests entering their homes, and that includes rats. But where do rats come from in the first place? 

While they might seem to appear from nowhere, they all come from somewhere. Infestations often start outdoors, drawn by trash or pet food before moving indoors, especially through attic access. Even clean homes require the right prevention to avoid rats. Here’s what every Texas homeowner should know about these pests.

To get expert insight, we spoke with Manuel Ortiz, Certified Applicator and General Manager at ABC Home & Commercial … Read Full Post »

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No Hot Water in House: What Can I Do?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

In Texas homes, a sudden loss of hot water can stem from anything from a tripped breaker to hard water buildup to an aging unit. Here’s how to identify the problem, what you can check yourself and when to call in a plumber.

Few household problems are as frustrating as turning on the shower and not having hot water. Whether it happens first thing in the morning or after a long day, losing hot water can quickly disrupt your routine.

In Texas homes, the cause can range from a simple power interruption to hard water mineral buildup, storm-related outages or an aging water heater. Some problems are relatively easy to identify, while others require professional repair.

If you have no hot water and notice a gas smell, water leaking around the heater or signs of electrical damage, contact a plumber. Otherwise, there are several basic checks you can perform before scheduling service. … Read Full Post »

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What Are the Benefits of Water Softeners?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

Hard water is a common problem in Texas homes, and it’s caused by minerals like calcium and magnesium that build up in your pipes, appliances and fixtures over time. A water softener removes those minerals before they can cause damage, which can help your plumbing last longer, lower your energy bills and make cleaning easier.

White buildup around the faucet is easy to ignore until it keeps coming back no matter how often you wipe it away. The same goes for cloudy spots on glasses, dry skin after a shower or a water heater that seems older than it should be. A lot of those small frustrations trace back to one thing many Texas homeowners deal with every day: hard water.

In many areas of Texas, groundwater moves through limestone and mineral-rich soil before it ever reaches the home. That means calcium and … Read Full Post »

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Toilet Leaking at Base? Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Plumber

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

A toilet leaking at the base isn’t always coming from the base. Water from a higher leak can travel down the porcelain and pool at the floor, making it look like the seal underneath has failed. This is worth addressing since even a slow leak can cause hidden damage.

A small ring of water around the toilet can be easy to shrug off, especially if it disappears after you wipe it up. If you notice that same damp spot showing up again, especially after flushing, it usually means something needs attention. A toilet leaking at the base may come from a simple issue. It could also be the first sign that water is reaching places it shouldn’t.

That matters more than many people realize. Even a slow leak can work its way into flooring, soften the subfloor underneath and create the kind of … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My AC So Loud? A Homeowner’s Guide to Common Causes & Fixes

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

A loud AC unit is often the first sign that something is wrong, from loose parts and clogged filters to failing motors or refrigerant leaks. Identifying the type of sound early can help you decide whether it’s a simple DIY fix or time to call a professional.

In many parts of Texas, air conditioners run hard for most of the year. Naturally, most homeowners get used to the normal background sound of cooling. A steady hum, a brief click at startup or airflow moving through the vents doesn’t always mean anything is wrong. But when the sound changes, if it suddenly bangs, buzzes, whistles or seems louder than usual, that’s usually when people start asking “why is my AC so loud?”

Some sounds are harmless and tied to normal AC operation. Others point to parts wearing down, airflow problems or electrical issues that … Read Full Post »

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My AC Is Blowing Warm Air: What Is Going On?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

If your AC is blowing warm air, common culprits include clogged air filters, low refrigerant and a frozen evaporator coil. Staying on top of routine maintenance, like replacing filters every three months and scheduling annual professional tune-ups, can help Texas homeowners prevent cooling issues and keep their AC running year-round.

As a Texas homeowner, the last thing you want during the spring and summer months is for your AC to blow warm air. Not only does it make your home uncomfortable, but it can also indicate a deeper issue with your air conditioning unit. 

What does it mean when your AC blows warm air? Typically, it signals that your AC is running but not properly cooling the air. 

This guide covers the most common causes of an AC unit blowing warm air, why it’s more common in Texas homes and when you should call … 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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Palm Tree Care: A Complete Guide for Healthy Palms in Texas

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Palm trees are staples of many Texas landscapes, but they require a different approach to care than traditional shade trees. While palms can thrive in the Lone Star State, challenges like extreme heat, high winds and storm exposure make proper maintenance very important.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to care for palm trees the right way in Texas, including how to water, fertilize and trim them. 

This guide also includes expert insights from J Zambo. J is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager at ABC Home & Commercial Services and has over 20 years of experience. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.

Palm Tree Care Basics: What Every Palm Needs

There are two crucial aspects of caring for palm trees: 

  • sunlight requirements
  • soil requirements 

When these environmental needs are met, palm trees can thrive in Texas.

Sunlight Requirements

Most palm trees thrive in … Read Full Post »

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How To Improve Soil Quality In Your Lawn

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Key Takeaways

Healthy soil is the key to a strong, green lawn. When soil becomes compacted or loses nutrients, your grass struggles, no matter how much you water or fertilize. Improving your soil with compost, aeration and good lawn habits can help your lawn grow thicker and healthier.

As a homeowner, it can be frustrating when you spend your weekends on your lawn, only for it to be patchy, uneven or a brownish-green color. You may spend time fertilizing, watering and mowing your lawn, but your lawn isn’t improving. What many homeowners don’t realize is that the quality of your soil can have an impact on your lawn’s health. 

Over time, soil can lose nutrients and helpful microbes, become packed down and struggle to grow strong roots. When that happens, even the best fertilizer or watering schedule … Read Full Post »

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Why Is My Hot Water Heater Leaking?

. Posted by in • Corpus Christi

Did your water heater mysteriously start leaking? This is frustrating for any homeowner, but the good news is that most leaks start small and can be easily fixed if you act quickly. The solution may be as simple as tightening a few loose connections or valves.

However, a water heater leak can sometimes indicate a larger problem. If rust or corrosion is at play, it may be time to replace your water heater altogether.

This guide covers the most common causes of water heater leaks, what they mean and what homeowners should do about them.

Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

The first step in fixing a leaking water heater is to determine the cause of the leak. This is easier said than done, since water heaters can leak for a variety of reasons. They can range from easy-to-fix problems to more serious issues.

Most water heater leaks begin slowly and worsen over time. If … Read Full Post »

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