From home repairs to hotel rooms and medical costs, hidden rodent infestations have hidden expenses for homeowners in Houston and across the state. Rodent dens that go unnoticed are more expensive and dangerous to remove than infestations that are uncovered quickly. Crawl spaces, attics and voids surrounding water pipes are prime real estate for rodents seeking a new home. Places that homeowners don’t inspect often are more likely to harbor unnoticed residents. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, most homeowner’s insurance policies specifically exclude damage caused by termites, insects, rodents and other pests. It’s the homeowner’s responsibility to correct any pest-related conditions and hire a pest control expert if necessary. Here are a few costly problems that can arise from hidden rodent infestations.

Electrical Damage

Rodents love to chew on wires, insulation and pretty much anything. Electrical damage caused by rodents isn’t just expensive. It’s dangerous. When mice, rats or squirrels strip off the protective insulation, bare wires can spark a deadly electrical fire. Rodents may even come in contact with electrical panels and areas that can affect the electrical system for your entire home.

Damage to Building Systems

Duct work, air conditioning units and critical building systems can all be infiltrated by rodents. These destructive animals live inside air returns, gnaw through insulated ducts and build nests inside air conditioning units. This type of infestation can reduce the efficiency of equipment or cause permanent damage. Homeowners may also be exposed to hazardous germs in the air. The damaged systems will need to be repaired or replaced.

Structural Damage

Mice, rats, squirrels and larger rodents are all equipped with incisors designed for gnawing. Wood, sheetrock, furniture and common building materials are no match for determined rodents. These creatures frequently make holes to enter roofs, attics, chimneys, crawl spaces and ground-level areas. Rodents can even undermine foundations. Once inside, they’ll continue to wreak havoc. Plus, entry points can contribute to water damage and secondary problems.

Contamination

Germs found in rodent droppings, urine and saliva readily contaminate cabinets, counters and most surfaces. However, airborne germs are also a danger. Simply sweeping or cleaning rodent droppings can stir up salmonella, hantavirus and various bacterial diseases.

Odors

Rodent colonies are linked to unpleasant odors and serious health concerns. Unnoticed infestations can contribute to unusual smells that aggravate asthma, allergies and respiratory problems. Rodents may also become trapped and die in a confined or difficult to reach area, which can cause extreme odor problems that require fumigation.

To prevent infestations and catch problems early, it’s a good idea to check your property regularly and investigate unusual sounds or activity. If you don’t know what to look for, have a pest control expert here at ABC complete an inspection. Early detection is the key to preventing costly damage and serious health problems.

Along with the enjoyment of warm weather comes the annoyance of mosquitoes. Although you may plan on just ignoring these pests, the frequency of mosquito bites may become irritating and the potential for serious health concerns should keep you cautious. This summer, it may be wise to be proactive about a mosquito problem.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquitoes are carriers of an array of viruses. Although not every mosquito is a threat, there is no way to know before a mosquito bites you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a thorough list of mosquito-borne diseases, but the four diseases most likely to affect any given family in the United States are West Nile virus, malaria, dengue fever and canine heartworm.

West Nile virus is a potentially fatal disease that causes brain inflammation and flulike symptoms. Malaria involves a parasite attacking your red blood cells, causing a persistent fever. Dengue is a type of fever that is accompanied by joint pain. Finally, canine heartworm is a parasite that lives in a dog’s heart and lungs. These diseases can be treated, but prevention is clearly the better route.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Before a mosquito infestation can be addressed, it’s important to understand what entices mosquitoes in the first place. Most people know that mosquitoes are attracted to water, but fewer people know that it takes only a little water to encourage mosquito breeding. Even the smallest puddle or receptacle containing water is sufficient. If the water is dirty, mosquitoes will lay eggs. Mosquitoes also lay eggs in old tires and in the holes of trees. Property containing a pool or a pond is even more likely to have an infestation.

In order to prevent an infestation, every effort should be made to limit the number of places where dirty water can gather. Turn over wheelbarrows, plastic pools and other outdoor objects when not in use. Keep bird baths clean at all times. Ponds should be aerated or filled with fish. Cover pools when they are not being used and keep the pool cover dry as well. Never permit water to stand for more than four days.

Even after doing all of this, however, mosquitoes may still come around. Mosquitoes travel up to 20 miles to find a meal, so a mosquito infestation may warrant professional help. Pest control experts, like those here at ABC Home & Commercial Services, have effective strategies to repel and prevent mosquitoes.

Especially in a hot and humid city like Houston, professional pest control may be necessary to solve the problem. Although fighting a mosquito infestation may require a bit of effort, it is definitely worth the peace of mind that follows.

The weather is getting warmer and bees will soon be a common sight in the Houston area. Unfortunately, this means that many people will have to deal with infestations in and around their homes. But, extermination may not be the best solution. If you do need pest control in Houston because of a bee problem, ABC can help remove these useful insects and their hives without harming them.

The Benefit of Bees

With bee populations dwindling, keeping them alive is more important than ever. Experts have many explanations for the widespread collapse of honeybee colonies. Some speculate that viruses and various species of mites are the main factors, while others worry that pesticides or cell phone towers may be disrupting their ability to navigate. Whatever the cause, the future of American honeybees is uncertain. Bees may be a nuisance when they buzz around the food at barbecues, but they also play a vital role in the ecosystem. Bees pollinate over 90 different crops in the U.S. and many of the foods we eat are a direct result of their efforts.

Bees may be crucial for crops and plants, but they can be a real problem when they nest near human settlements. If they become aggressive, their stings are painful and can be dangerous to those with allergies. Bees are able to build their hives in tree branches, sheds, chimneys and even the smallest cracks in houses. Sizable swarms of bees near the home are the most visible signs of a nearby colony. Bee hives can sometimes be detected in walls when the wax and honey melt and seep into the drywall or plaster.

There are a few ways to prevent a full-scale infestation. Small or undeveloped hives can simply be disturbed or destroyed, forcing the bees to find a new nesting area. To prevent bees from building hives in your home, fill in any holes and cracks that could act as points of entry. Filling them with moth balls is also effective.

Bee Removal

Because of their important function in the environment, exterminating bees instead of having them carefully removed is bad for plants and people. It also puts even more stress on an already endangered insect. ABC Home & Commercial Services has the necessary expertise to get bees off the premises without resorting to lethal methods. The bees can then relocate to a more suitable place and continue to benefit the local plant life.

The Houston area is a perfect environment for bees, and infestations are common. If you’re dealing with troublesome bees, extermination is not the only answer. Instead, contact ABC and help preserve the American bee population.

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Deep root feeding, also known as deep root fertilization, is a treatment that delivers nutrients directly to the root zone of a tree or shrub. If a tree is not properly nourished, the tree cannot flourish. In the worst case scenario, tree removal may be necessary.

Is Deep Root Feeding Necessary?

Deep root feeding is not always necessary, but some trees do require it. Trees in the Houston area grow in an environment that can make it difficult to adequately fertilize trees using traditional broadcasting methods of fertilization. Here are some circumstances that require treatment:

•  If a tree is growing in very compact soil, nutrients are less likely to penetrate the soil and reach the root zone.
• In some urban and suburban areas, trees are not able to gather adequate nutrients from the immediate environment.
• If the branch and leaf growth of the tree appears to be stunted, this can be a serious sign that the tree is not obtaining adequate water and nutrients. In general, any signs of growth stress indicate some form of trouble.

If a property owner suspects that a tree is in need of deep root feeding, a professional consultation with ABC Home & Commercial Services can determine if a treatment is necessary.

The Process

Bruce Zimmerman of Open-Line Garden Show describes deep root fertilization as the process of punching holes in the ground to deposit either liquid or granular fertilizer near the tree’s root system. The holes are placed around the trunk, radiating away from the trunk to encircle the tree with multiple rings of holes. The placement of holes should occur inside and outside of the tree’s drip line, which is defined as the outermost point reached by the tree’s canopy. Depending on the tree, the depth of the holes should be between eight and 18 inches.

How Does Deep Root Feeding Work?

Unlike standard lawn fertilizers, deep root feeding penetrates the soil to reach the root zone. Additionally, the holes that are placed to inject the fertilizer help to loosen soil and allow water, oxygen and other nutrients to reach the roots after treatment.

Our specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services can provide many tree maintenance needs, including deep root fertilization and tree pruning. We also specialize in a number of other Houston landscaping and lawn care services. Contact us at ABC today if you think your trees are in need of nutrients.

Many parents understand the importance of having a pest-free home. However, they also know that several chemicals used to control various pests are dangerous for pets and children. In some cases, the results have been fatal. ABC Home & Commercial Services understands parents’ concerns and values every family member’s health. This is why they offer an alternative form of pest control, which is the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method.

What Is The IPM Method?

The EPA encourages the use of this method because they say it is less harmful to the environment than standard pest control methods. IPM can be summed up as a holistic approach to pest management. The practice encourages education and awareness for homeowners. It also encourages preventative treatments in addition to control methods if infestations occur.

What Are The Components Of IPM?

The IPM method includes several components. The first part is pest monitoring. Homeowners must be vigilant and know how to look for signs of problematic infestations. The second part of the program involves establishment of an action threshold, which is the point where enough pests are sighted that they should be considered a threat. Habit modification is the third part of the method. To successfully complete this step, homeowners may have to store food better, clean more often or take other steps to prevent pests from entering the home. The fourth step is using chemicals that are less harmful to eradicate pests, and the final step involves regular inspections to confirm that precautions are working. If adjustments must be made to the plan, a specialist will provide helpful suggestions.

ABC Home & Commercial Services offers quality pest control in Houston. Homeowners who want to protect their children and pets by choosing a greener pest control option may contact ABC for a consultation. While there are many exterminators in Houston claiming to offer fast and effective service, we offer a wider variety of options to fit the needs of every family or individual. ABC’s pest control specialists know what it takes to eradicate and prevent pests, so call today to discuss ways to keep these unwanted dwellers away.

The hot, humid environment in Texas provides an ideal breeding ground for many insect species, including one of the most hated pests, the cockroach. Several roach species live primarily outdoors and go unnoticed due to their nocturnal habits, but some of these creepy insects enter the home and establish populations within walls or other dark hiding spots. Pest control in Houston is important for residents to eliminate and control these bugs that harbor inside buildings.

Common Roach Species in Houston

German cockroaches are the small species that cause the most problems indoors. Due to their ability to eat anything, hide in tiny crevices and breed at a rapid rate, Houston pest control companies utilize several tactics to eliminate these insects. German roaches live exclusively indoors while contributing to germ distribution, allergies and asthma. American cockroaches are startling when spotted because of their large size. Living both inside homes and outdoors, they are the most common species in Houston. American roaches find shelter in dark, moist places like wood piles, basements and underneath cabinets and large appliances. Two other species in the Houston area are Oriental and Smokey brown roaches, which live primarily outdoors, but sometimes enter the home in search of food or water.

How Do Roaches Enter the Home?

Despite their large sizes, cockroaches have flat bodies that can fit through cracks underneath doors and windows. Some species gain entrance through electrical wiring and plumbing fixtures. Although it may be impossible to seal off every entryway, roach problems can be prevented by creating an environment that they find unappealing.

Sanitation and a professional Houston pest control company are essential for protecting your home from these invaders. Roaches need food and water to survive, so eliminating crumbs and water sources is the first step to preventing infestations. Daily cleaning of floors and food-preparation surfaces will help get rid of what roaches seek. These insects search for food and water at night, so don’t leave any wet items, such as mops and pet dishes, on the floor after bedtime. Vacuum regularly within their favorite hiding spots like underneath appliances and within dark crevices. Once you spot one cockroach in the home, more are probably hiding, so rely on ABC Home & Commercial Services to help control and prevent future pest problems.

Fleas are small insects that can cause big problems for pets and humans alike. These parasites can thrive on both mammals and birds by feeding on the host’s blood via irritating bites. Additionally, fleas can act as a vector for diseases that affect both humans and pets. Taking action to prevent an infestation is the best method for completely avoiding the pest, but an existing infestation must be treated.

Preventing a flea infestation is generally less troublesome than eradicating an existing problem. Here are some tips to prevent an infestation:

•    Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule can prevent many flea invasions. Vacuuming carpets is particularly important. Areas frequented by pets are the most vulnerable.
•    Chemical flea treatments specifically for dogs and cats are easily accessible and relatively inexpensive. Treatments are available as shampoos, topical applications, and flea collars.
•    Avoid excessive contact with unfamiliar animals. Fleas are known to hitch rides on unsuspecting people and exposure to strange animals heightens the risk of picking up an insect hitchhiker.

For information about flea prevention and the flea life cycle, visit the insect experts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Eradicating an infestation can be tricky. If an infestation is already present, here are some techniques for eliminating the flea population:

•    Chemical flea treatments for pets will take care of the adult fleas that are on the pets.
•    Any and all bedding used by flea-infested pets must be washed in hot water. The hot water kills flea larvae.
•    Adult fleas and flea larvae will inhabit carpeted areas of the home. A thorough vacuuming will kill many of the pests, but steam cleaning is more effective.
•    The most effective treatment for a flea infestation is a professional flea control application by a qualified pest control specialist. A customized flea control and maintenance plan will eradicate the existing infestation and provide residual protection. Additionally, these plans typically involve a lawn treatment to provide outdoor protection.

For Houston pest control and flea treatment needs, homeowners can rely on the pest control specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services. As a respected exterminator in Houston, ABC Home & Commercial Services has the products and the knowledgeable staff needed to provide effective flea control.

Both alarms and surveillance cameras can prevent vandalism and theft. Security alarms only alert the police when thieves enter a building without permission. Video cameras can provide footage of crimes, regardless of how the perpetrators gain entry. Many businesses utilize surveillance cameras, but people can also use them for home security. There are several pros and cons to using cameras in conjunction with an alarm.

Security cameras deter crime when they are visible to the public. Thieves cannot be assured that their crimes will go undetected if the home or business owner is not present. Cameras can also help police identify criminals. When a break-in occurs, camera footage may reveal the guilty party. It can also become useful when customers, employees, contractors or visitors commit theft. If an item goes missing, a building owner can consult camera footage to help him recognize the perpetrator.

Surveillance cameras do have some disadvantages. They consume a lot of electricity and it costs a substantial amount of money to purchase, install, and maintain them. In some cases, cameras aren’t effective. Criminals occasionally succeed in destroying them or blocking their lenses. Burglars can also wear masks to hide their identities. However, thieves only use these techniques during break-ins. Security cameras can still be useful for identifying shoplifters or dishonest guests.

People can present camera footage as evidence in court. Police in New York City use security camera footage in 9 out of every 20 criminal convictions, according to AM New York. A home or business monitoring center can utilize a camera to determine if it should contact the police when an alarm is triggered. Video cameras have become more sophisticated in recent years. They store footage digitally, so there’s no need to buy tapes. Some models also feature zoom capabilities.

Although it’s more expensive, the combination of a surveillance camera and an alarm offers superior protection. When the police identify and apprehend a criminal, it prevents future crimes and gives victims an opportunity to recover stolen items. For more information about purchasing a Houston security system or surveillance camera, call us at ABC Home & Commercial Services at (281) 730-9500. We can help local residents obtain a wide range of effective business and home security products to keep themselves and their belongings safe.

Having a sprinkler system in place ensures a thriving lawn even as the neighbor’s yard turns parched under the Texas sun. However, sprinklers should be set up to deliver optimum water to make sure that turf grass and ornamentals get enough water to flourish. By redesigning the sprinkler system into sections, homeowners can adjust the amount, timing and intensity of watering to properly support the landscaping.

Considerations for Sprinkler Sectioning

Different types of Houston landscaping materials will have different moisture requirements. Location in terms of sun and wind exposure will also affect watering needs. For instance, grass and ornamentals in a shady location will need less watering than plants in full sun and in areas exposed to brisk winds.

Growth patterns affect the type of sprinkler system and the amount of water needed. For efficient coverage, sprinklers should be positioned to water the designated area without being blocked by taller plants and thicker growth.

The slope of the land will have an impact on sprinkler layout. On a down slope, expect more effective watering with the sprinkler head positioned at the apex of the slope and water flow is directed downward. This is especially important for new sod and fresh plantings.

Tips for a Successful Sprinkler Layout

If the landscape is new, it should be easy to design the sprinkler system into zones with similar moisture needs. In an existing system, sectioning can be accomplished by laying additional pipes or hoses to rezone sprinkler plumbing.

Examine the layout for overloaded sections to avoid having under-watered areas. Likewise, pay attention to sections that may be putting out more water than needed. This will not only cause root rot, but it will waste water and raise utility bills. To measure water output in a given duration, leave empty soup cans at strategic points with the sprinkler running. Average out the amount of water collected and compare to recommended levels for the type of grass or plants.

Connect the sprinkler system to a timer and program according to watering needs. Houston lawn care experts suggest an automated system as a stress-free way to water efficiently year-round. It is also important to pay attention to local watering restrictions.

According to reports from the North Dakota State University Agriculture Department, sectioning the sprinkler system in a way to account for different zones will lead to more effective watering and a greener lawn, along with promoting water conservation efforts. For more information about updating your sprinkler system and other lawn care needs, contact the specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

Thieves can cause a great deal of damage and steal many valuables in a short period of time. The average burglary victim spends about $2,000 on repairs and replacement items, according to Bankrate.com. To reduce the cost of a break-in, it’s crucial to detect and report burglars as soon as possible. Modern security systems offer many ways to do so! They often notify the authorities and sound an alarm before criminals succeed in entering the home.

A glass breakage detector triggers a siren if it “hears” the sound of a window shattering. When this happens, some burglars give up and flee the area. This technology allows security systems to detect burglars when they break glass instead of attempting to open doors and windows. It also alerts police to vandals who have no intention of entering the home. Criminals find many different ways to break in, so it’s important to use a variety of detection methods.

Motion detectors help security systems sense intruders more quickly. They can spot thieves in outer rooms, such as enclosed porches or mudrooms. Unless the alarm has been disabled, it will sound if movement is observed inside the home. The security system notifies the home monitoring center as well. A staff member will attempt to contact the homeowner. If it doesn’t appear to be a false alarm, the local police will receive a call.

Door and window contacts can detect criminals before they climb in a window or fully open a door. These battery-operated sensors use wireless transmitters to alert the security system when an intruder begins to enter the home. If the system is armed, it will activate a siren and inform the monitoring center that a break-in may have occurred. This type of sensor also notifies the control panel when its batteries run low. The panel displays a message that asks the homeowner to install new batteries.

When combined, these three technologies make it very difficult to enter a home undetected. An extra benefit is that many thieves simply won’t attempt to burglarize a home if it has an alarm. ABC Home & Commercial Services installs sophisticated security systems for Houston residents. With our help, homeowners can avoid burglaries, save thousands of dollars, and avoid spending time replace stolen items. For the best home security in Houston, please call us today.