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Garbage Disposal Humming but Not Spinning

a garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are mighty pieces of equipment in the kitchen, able to grind up food scraps to prevent drain blockages. But just because they are sturdy doesn’t mean they will last forever. Like any appliance, they can develop issues over time and cause stress levels to rise.

One common problem homeowners experience is when the garbage disposal is humming but not spinning. With some troubleshooting knowledge, it’s possible to get your garbage disposal up and running again. But your DIY skills can only take you so far. Sometimes, you need the help of a professional plumber.

What To Do if Your Garbage Disposal Is Humming but Not Spinning

Garbage disposals aren’t silent workers. They hum as they run, and that’s normal. What’s not is if it’s making noise but not spinning. It’s still receiving power, so it’s not an electrical supply problem. Something else is causing the issue, and it could be any … Read Full Post »

How Big Are Mosquitoes?

a mosquito

Not many insects are as annoying as mosquitoes. They can ruin a perfectly happy gathering with friends, leaving everyone itchy and irritated. What’s worse, these pests can spread diseases like dengue, Zika and Chikungunya.

It can help homeowners to know how to identify mosquitoes in their homes to prevent their population from growing. To tell mosquitoes apart from other insects, it helps to know how big they are. Here’s everything you need to know about mosquito sizes and other defining characteristics.

If you’re a busy homeowner with no time for pesky mosquitoes, get the pros to help. Pest control specialists have the tools and expertise to manage the mosquito population in your home.

How Big Are Mosquitoes? Size and Other Characteristics

So, how big are mosquitoes? These insects vary in size depending on the species and their stage of life. But on average, they’re usually about a quarter of an inch long.

Mosquito size also … Read Full Post »

Air Conditioning Vent Condensation: What’s Wrong?

an AC vent

The combination of heat and humidity makes for an uncomfortable experience at home. No homeowner wants to sweat inside their home. Fortunately, turning on the AC can bring some welcome relief.

On extra humid days, you might notice some air conditioning vent condensation. A small amount shouldn’t be a cause for concern, but excessive condensation could signify an underlying problem. You could have a damaged drain line or a leaking roof.

If you can’t figure out what’s causing the condensation, let HVAC professionals handle it. They will identify the root cause and perform the necessary repairs and replacements.

What Causes Excessive Air Conditioning Vent Condensation?

It’s not unusual to see condensation in the AC vent in the spring and summer. It happens when the excess moisture in the air interacts with the vent’s cold surface. The water vapor then cools down, forming water droplets in the vent. The same happens when you bring a … Read Full Post »

Navigating Mosquito Season: Insights and Strategies for Houston Residents

Mosquito Control service - ABC Home & Commercial Services - Houston, TX

Houston’s Mosquito Exterminators: Winning the War Against Pests

Houston, prepare for the inevitable return of mosquito season! These tiny, persistent pests can quickly take the fun out of outdoor activities with one bite. However, armed with knowledge and proactive measures, you can minimize mosquito encounters and maximize their enjoyment of the season. In this post, we’ll delve into the nuances of mosquito activity in Houston and provide practical strategies to keep them at bay.

Understanding Mosquito Activity in Houston:

Houston’s humid subtropical climate creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. With ample rainfall and warm temperatures, these insects thrive year-round, with peak activity occurring from spring through fall. Mosquitoes in Houston are not just nuisances; they also pose health risks by transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Dengue fever.

What other factors are influencing mosquito activity in Houston?

  • Weather Conditions: Mosquitoes are most active during warm, humid weather, which is … Read Full Post »

My AC Is Running but Not Cooling

an air vent

Your AC is expected to cool down your home and provide comfort during hot and humid days. But it doesn’t always work that way. If your AC is running but not cooling, it will leave you hot instead of calm and collected. Unfortunately, this is a common problem homeowners face, and there are many possible reasons behind it.

Something is amiss inside your AC if it can no longer do its job. Here are some ways to find the culprit and troubleshoot the problem. However, most AC issues are complex and require the expertise of a pro. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s better to let an HVAC specialist take over. They can perform the necessary repairs and replacements and have your unit running smoothly again.

What To Do If Your AC Is Running But Not Cooling

ACs have intricate systems. One malfunctioning part can lead to the entire unit’s … Read Full Post »

What Do Mosquitoes Do with Blood?

a mosquito

A perfect night at home with friends can quickly go south when mosquitoes intrude on the party. These pests not only leave itchy bites but can also transmit diseases.

But, what do mosquitoes do with blood, anyway? Believe it or not, they don’t bite just to annoy you. Female mosquitoes need animal or human blood for reproductive purposes.

If mosquitoes are taking over your property, let pest control specialists help. They know how to manage the mosquito population on your property. You can also schedule regular treatments with them so they can deal with any lurkers and help prevent future infestations.

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite and What Do They Do With the Blood?

Only female mosquitoes bite animals and humans. They have a long mouthpiece called a proboscis that they use to pierce our skin and suck blood. They then secrete saliva into our system to prevent the blood from coagulating. Our bodies will … Read Full Post »

Mites Versus Bed Bugs: Identification Guide

a bed bug

Homeowners may confuse mites and bed bugs, pictured above, for each other. However, they are entirely unrelated species, each requiring different treatment methods. It’s crucial to know which one is infesting your home if you want to get things under control.

There are some ways to try to tell these two pests apart. You can also let pest control specialists come over and identify the intruders in your home. They will assess the situation and provide the best solution to manage the mite or bed bug infestation. That way, you and your family can relax at home and get undisturbed sleep again.

Mites Versus Bed Bugs: Appearance and Habits

Bed bugs are flat and small parasitic insects that depend on human and animal blood for their nutrition. They feed when their victims are asleep and usually hang out near sleeping areas. Meanwhile, mites are arthropods closely related to ticks. They come in many … Read Full Post »

Small Black Tick: Identification & Control Guide

a deer tick

Do you know how to identify a small black tick? These pests, also called deer ticks or black-legged ticks, are among the most common tick species. While they may be tiny, they can carry and transmit a host of dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease.

Small Black Tick: Identification & Control Guide

Ticks can become major annoyances for both humans and animals, so homeowners need to be able to identify these pests. The most common type of tick is a small black tick, also known as a deer tick or a black-legged tick.

You can identify this type of tick by its black legs, which is where it gets its name. Small black ticks are also smaller than other tick species. An adult is around the size of a sesame seed, while a nymph, a younger tick, is no bigger than a poppy seed.

Next, as the name suggests, most small black ticks are black. … Read Full Post »

My AC Is Dripping Water: What’s Wrong?

an AC unit

Many of us can’t imagine a home without air conditioning. That’s especially true in the summer when the AC is the only thing keeping us from melting. While air conditioning is synonymous with comfort, it can also be a source of unnecessary stress. Imagine coming home, ready to relax, only to see a puddle of water under the AC.

It’s not fun to have a leaking AC. Not only is it messy, but it also means there’s something wrong with your unit. If your AC is dripping water, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue before it snowballs into a more costly problem.

Here are some troubleshooting methods that can help you solve the leak. If none of them work, it’s time to get professional help. An HVAC professional will have your AC running smoothly again without any pesky leaks.

Why Your AC Is Dripping Water and What You Can … Read Full Post »

My Toilet Won’t Flush and It’s Not Clogged

a toilet

Toilets serve an important role in our households. We usually take them for granted, only realizing how convenient they make our lives when they stop working. It’s troublesome if you notice your toilet that won’t flush.

If your toilet won’t flush and it’s not clogged, there’s probably something wrong with one of its components. If you can’t get it working, it’s time to seek professional help. A licensed plumber has the tools and expertise to tackle your toilet troubles.

What To Do When the Toilet Won’t Flush and It’s Not Clogged

The most common reason a toilet won’t flush is a clog. Finding wads of toilet paper or a missing toy is not unusual. But if you’ve checked and there are no obstructions, it’s time to examine your toilet’s internal parts. Something might be broken or have come loose, causing the flushing system to malfunction.

You can follow these troubleshooting steps to find the … Read Full Post »