Home Maintenance

Fall in Altamonte Springs doesn’t look like fall in most of the country. There are no frost warnings, no dramatic leaf changes, and no hard freeze that puts insect activity on pause. Temperatures ease from the intense summer heat into something more comfortable, but the warmth stays. That is why pests also choose to stay.

In fact, fall brings its own wave of pest issues to Central Florida homes. Many species adjust their behavior that pushes them closer to residential structures as outdoor conditions change and the rainy season winds down. This makes it essential for homeowners to rely on Avata Pest Control whenever they deal with pests in the fall. Here are five pests that Altamonte Springs homeowners are most likely to encounter once the calendar turns to autumn.

Roof Rats

Fall is prime time for roof rat activity in Altamonte Springs. The reason comes down to food and shelter. Roof rats increase their foraging range and become more motivated to find secure, warm shelter for the months ahead as temperatures cool and certain trees begin to drop fruit and seeds. They usually invade attics.

Mature neighborhoods with oak trees, citrus trees, and dense palm canopies provide roof rats with a food source and an elevated travel network that leads to rooflines. Homeowners may notice the first signs of roof rat activity in October and November. These signs include scratching sounds in the attic at night, gnaw marks near roofline vents, or droppings along the top plates of attic … Read More

Homeowners mistakenly presume that termites cannot survive the hot & dry weather in Phoenix, and that is a big myth. Irrigation systems and monsoon rain usually provide adequate moisture for varied pests, including termites. Homes in lush surroundings in Arcadia & Ahwatukee have regular infestations, while Central Phoenix & Roosevelt District have older properties prone to termites due to aging structures. Termite activity peaks here in late spring and continues through summer, peaking in June. Rainfall and evening humidity during the monsoon ensure populations thrive easily.

Phoenix termite control services, like Green Mango, offer totally customized treatment plans for property owners here. The team at Green Mango includes local city technicians and exterminators who are aware of common neighborhood concerns. Before you schedule an inspection, here are some aspects to know about termite infestations.

Infestations at a Glance

The typical species found in Arizona is the subterranean termite, which lives in soil and often builds mud tubes to reach wood. These pests can damage entire wooden structures, and homes that have older structures, irrigated lawns, and crawl spaces, especially in established Phoenix areas, are at a higher risk. Drywood termites are less common and infest dry wood (true to their name). Most residents don’t realize they have drywood termites when they buy secondhand furniture. Why do termites infest homes? Despite the dry weather and extreme heat in Phoenix, many properties have irrigation systems that generate soil moisture. Many areas have clay or loam soil, which further retains the moisture.… Read More

You’ve seen it get worse over time. It may take a friend or other circumstances before you decide to fix your slow-draining sink.

What Causes a Slow Drain?

The most common reason for a slow drain is a clog. This can occur in the bathroom or kitchen sink due to a wide variety of things.

Causes of Clogged Drains

• Soap scum
• Hair
• Dirt
• Sand
• Wipes that are not flushable
• Excessive toilet paper
• Tampons
• Grease

Restricted food items, such as eggshells and coffee grounds, can be used to make celery, eggshells, and other foods.

Tree roots

Slow drains can also be caused by corroded or broken pipes, as well as P-trap issues.

How To Fix a Slow Bathroom Drain?

1. Remove the pop-up: This is a good place to start if you need to fix a slow-draining sink. Remove any debris from around the sink if it has a pop up. This will allow you to determine if your drain is blocked.
2. Zip-It tools are great: A zip-it tool works in the same way as a snake to remove large amounts of hair and debris from a sink drain. This tool can be used with drains that pop out, or not. It’s thinner than other snake-like tools.
3. Use a drain cleaner: This is the common solution to slow-draining sinks, whether you make your own cleaner or buy one at the store. While there are many options that can be purchased at your local supermarket.

This post was written by Joey Denick. Joey … Read More