ABC Blog

The Different Types of Insulation

Key Takeaways

Texas homes need insulation that handles heat, humidity and occasional freezes, and the right type depends on your home’s age, budget and goals. Blown-in cellulose is a strong all-around choice for Texas attics, but spray foam, fiberglass and mineral wool each have their place.

Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, along with protecting it from outdoor elements, is a top priority for all homeowners. How do you determine which types of insulation are best for your Texas home?

The right insulation materials for your home depend on where you live, the climate, your budget and performance goals. Texas homeowners have unique insulation needs because of prolonged heat, high cooling costs, humidity and occasional winter freezes.

Insulation isn’t the most exciting aspect of homeownership, but choosing the right materials is important. Your insulation affects your energy bills, the indoor … Read Full Post »

What Do House Mice Eat?

Key Takeaways

House mice will eat almost any food they can find, from pantry items and pet food to birdseed and garbage. Since they can survive on very little, just removing food usually isn’t enough to treat an infestation. Sealing up entry points, storing food properly and calling in professional pest control are the best ways to get rid of house mice.

Ever opened your pantry to find distinctive gnaw marks on boxes and bags? Mice are opportunistic omnivores who will eat plants, meat and just about anything else. Simply removing food from problem areas often doesn’t solve a rodent problem. 

Take a closer look at what and how often mice eat, which foods attract them the most, how to prevent an infestation and when professional rodent control is the right move.

What Do House Mice Actually Eat?

The quick answer to the common question, “What do … Read Full Post »

Christmas Lights Not Working? Common Causes and How to Fix Them

Christmas tree with string lights

Key Takeaways

When your Christmas lights aren’t working, common causes include power source issues, loose or burned-out bulbs, blown fuses, damaged wiring or weather-related damage. Start with simple troubleshooting, but for more complex repairs, it’s better to call in an electrician.

Nothing welcomes in the holiday season more than hanging Christmas lights. After all that hard work, you step back to relish in your accomplishment and bask in the sparkly glow. Only problem: the lights aren’t turning on.

When your Christmas lights aren’t working, the solution could be as simple as a loose bulb or as complex as an overloaded electrical circuit.

This guide explains all the possibilities so you can get back to celebrating the holidays. You’ll learn the most common causes of Christmas lights not working, how to troubleshoot and when to call a professional.

Why Are My Christmas Lights Not Working?

Christmas lights not working? … Read Full Post »

Are Mice Nocturnal?

Key Takeaways

Mice are nocturnal and most active between dusk and dawn, but scarce food, nest disturbances or overcrowding can push them out during the day, too. Watch for droppings, gnaw marks and nighttime scratching, and call a professional if signs of infestation keep showing up.

Hearing scratching in the walls at night, but nothing during the day? You could be hearing mice. Mice are nocturnal animals and typically only leave their nests after dark. However, in some circumstances, they can come out during the day.

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Are mice nocturnal?” you may have many other questions about mouse activity in your home, including:

  • Why mice prefer nighttime
  • Whether mice ever come out during the day
  • Signs of mouse activity
  • How to prevent infestations
  • When to call a professional

Take a closer look at mice and their activity … Read Full Post »

How To Get Rid of Ants in the House

Key Takeaways

Ants keep returning as long as their colony stays active and can find entry points, food or water in your home. Baits are more effective than sprays since worker ants carry them back to the colony, and getting rid of ants long-term means identifying the species, removing the colony and sealing entry points, not just handling the ants you see.

For homeowners in Texas, it’s all too common to spray your property for ants, only to see them return shortly after. If you’re searching for “how to get rid of ants in the house,” then it’s time to take an approach that addresses both visible ants and the hidden colony.

Here’s a closer look at how to best handle an ant infestation, from dealing with the different ant species to taking simple but effective steps to protect your home. It’s also essential to … Read Full Post »

What to Know About Replacing Siding on a House

handyman repairing exterior siding

Key Takeaways

Whether to repair or replace siding depends on the extent of the damage. Small, isolated issues like a single damaged section or a small crack can usually be repaired. But problems like rot behind the walls, hail damage across multiple elevations or siding nearing the end of its typical lifespan usually call for a full replacement.

What does it mean to replace the siding on your house? Put simply, it means removing existing exterior siding and installing new siding. There are two main reasons homeowners do this: to protect their home from the elements and to improve the appearance of their home’s exterior.

If your current siding shows signs of moisture damage or requires frequent maintenance, replacing it may be the best option. The average lifespan of siding depends on the type of siding material you use and how well you maintain it. 

For … Read Full Post »

Interior Paint Ideas to Transform Your Home

Choosing the right interior paint color can instantly change the look and feel of your home. However, with endless shades, finishes, and styles to choose from, finding the right one can feel like a lot.

Fortunately, a few smart guidelines and expert insight can simplify the process. Whether you are updating one room or refreshing your entire home, this guide highlights popular interior paint ideas that feel current, intentional, and made for today’s homes.

Why Interior Paint Color Matters

Interior paint does more than update walls. It shapes how you experience your space every day.
The right paint color can:

  • Make small rooms feel larger and brighter
  • Create warmth and comfort in gathering spaces
  • Set a calming mood in bedrooms and private areas
  • Tie together furniture, decor, and architectural details

For example, lighter interior paint colors reflect natural light … Read Full Post »

DFW Commercial Pest Control, Lawn Care & More

Running a business in North Texas comes with enough challenges. Pest control, building maintenance, and lawn care shouldn’t be among them. That’s why companies across Dallas-Fort Worth count on ABC Home & Commercial Services to help them maintain safe, attractive, and fully functional environments. 

Whether you manage a restaurant, retail store, medical facility, warehouse, processing plant, office, or multi-family property, ABC offers the full range of services you need, all with one trusted partner. 

Comprehensive Commercial Services for Dallas-Fort Worth Businesses 

At ABC, we understand that no two businesses are alike. That’s why we offer a wide range of customizable services to support commercial properties of all sizes, across industries: 

Commercial Pest Control 

Our licensed entomologists and pest managers protect your business from pests that can damage property, trigger health violations, and harm your reputation. Our commercial pest control service addresses everything from crawling and flying insects to rodents and wildlife. 

For food manufacturing … Read Full Post »

Mosquito Control Tips for Summer

Summer mosquito season isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a genuine concern for your family’s health, comfort, and ability to enjoy the outdoors. While professional mosquito control services provide a powerful layer of protection, there are some easy mosquito prevention steps you can take.

At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we help homeowners take control of mosquitoes with professional treatments and practical advice that works. Here’s what you need to know, including some surprising facts and common misconceptions. 

Why Am I Seeing So Many Mosquitoes? 

Ever wonder Why There Are So Many Mosquitoes in Dallas? Well, the short answer is that North Texas has the perfect storm of mosquito-friendly conditions: warm weather, high humidity, and frequent rain. These create ideal breeding grounds for common species like Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. 

Some quick facts: 

  • Mosquito season typically runs April through October. 
  • Mosquitoes need … Read Full Post »

A Homeowner’s Guide to Termite Prevention

Subterranean termites cause billions of dollars in damage to structures every year. Learn how to prevent termites and protect your home with this straightforward guide to recognizing signs of a termite infestation. Join our termite specialist, Reece, as he walks through a home inspection to help you learn more about these pests and termite prevention treatments to protect your property from destructive subterranean termites found in North Texas.

What Are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean termites are a type of wood-destroying insect that lives underground. They are known for their ability to cause significant damage to homes and wooden structures, accounting for 95 percent of all termite damage in North America. These termites build their colonies in the soil and create mud tubes to access above-ground food sources. Subterranean termites are particularly prevalent in warm and humid climates, making North Texas a hotbed for termite activity.

How Termites Damage Structures

Termites damage structures by feeding on … Read Full Post »