No other Pest Control Service in Austin has more Google Reviews:

Listen to what Tony has to say:

“We just celebrated our first year here in Austin and as you can imagine, we love everything about it: the people, the weather, our exterminating company. That’s right, I said it. When we first moved in we immediately noticed that we were going to need a good pest control service (ants, rolly pollies, June bugs, etc.). Luckily for us, Bulwark knocked on our door our third day here. They advised us that we needed to set up service and quick…with them or with someone else but do it and do it quick. After consulting with family and neighbors, Bulwark came highly recommended. And boy were they right. Every time they come, they are professional, personable, and most importantly, GOOD. With three kids and two dogs, it was important to us to get the bugs in our backyard under control. And since Bulwark started coming, it’s all good. And the last two times we’ve had the pleasure of having Roger as our technician. He’s been on time, professional, and great with the kids and dogs. In addition to doing a good and thorough job of spraying, he’s given us some great tips on how to combat Texas critters. I sincerely hope we can have him assigned to us permanently. And for anyone that is looking for a pest control company, look no further. You’ve found the best. Thanks Bulwark and thanks Roger.”

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This is what other customers are saying about Bulwark Exterminating

Jessica writes:
“Have been a customer for 7 or 8 years at two different residences. Jeff Baker has been our technician on several occasions here and is terrific. Listens to what our specific needs/problems are, is full of excellent information and tips about the various creepy crawly things we live around, takes extra precautions treating the area around our rabbits’ dwelling, and puts my mind at ease, giving the outdoor perimeter and our indoor living space the level of treatment necessary to keep us safe from all the scorpions and centipedes here in the hill country. We have had great service from other Bulwark technicians as well, and Bulwark is always willing to get someone out here quickly for us, anytime between regular treatments…we recently completely cleared our backyard of years and years of layers of leaves and, as a result, suddenly saw scorpions and centipedes in the house…I called yesterday and Jeff came out today and did a great job!”

Chris writes:
“Admittingly, I have been an ABC Pest & Lawn customer for as long as I can remember. My parents have used them since I was a kid growing up, and I continued to use them myself. My family and I just moved into our house a few months ago and were getting ready to transfer our pest control service from our old home to our new one. I was approached by a enthusiastic Bulwark employee named Oliver who sold me on the idea of “thinking outside of the box” and trying something new–which happens to be something that I am not used to doing. I signed up with Bulwark yesterday and first thing this morning, technician NATE BURGI was at my door (actually, he was 15 minutes early which is a plus in my book). Nate was extremely knowledgeable, professional and was very interested in assisting with my pest control needs. Nate was extremely diligent in providing a thorough and quality service for me and my family. So far, I am extremely impressed with Bulwark and I am glad that I made the decision to switch from ABC to Bulwark. Thanks Nate, Oliver, and Bulwark Exterminating. Chris F. Teravista/Round Rock.”

Oak wilt is one of the worst diseases affecting trees in North America and is especially deadly in the Central Texas area. The oak disease kills plants and trees as it spreads throughout the tree. Once the deadly fungus enters a tree, it travels through the water conducting system of the plant. The fungus then disables the system causing the disease stricken tree to slowly die from dehydration. The Red Oak is the most susceptible oak to the fungus, while White Oaks show a level of tolerance. Live Oaks are extremely susceptible as well since they have large, interconnected root systems. The fungus can spread by traveling through the root system of the Live Oaks and kills any nearby trees.

The Start of an Infection

Red Oaks play a pivotal role in the start of an oak wilt outbreak. During the spring months, fungal mats form underneath the bark on some Red Oaks. Eventually, insects enter the fungal areas and the spores stick to the insects. When the insect visits a wound on the oak tree, it then infects the healthy oak. Once an oak is infected, the fungus can spread easily through the root system. Any dense group of oaks will tend to have interconnected roots. Over time, oak wilt travels through the root system to the surrounding healthy trees. This allows the infection to spread up to 150 feet in any direction within a year, eventually creating a patch of dying trees.

Central Texas Oaks

Popular for their ability to shade streets and provide beautiful landscaping, oaks are a popular choice of tree in Central Texas neighborhoods. Unfortunately, many of these oaks are now dying from the incurable disease. Overall, oak wilt has been reported in seventy four different counties in Texas. Most cases are reported within Central Texas, although there are occasional cases reported in the Panhandle and eastern Texas.

Preventing Oak Wilt

Since there are no cures for oak wilt, the best that residents can do is to prevent it from occurring. The easiest way to do this is to limit any wounds to the tree. When a tree is injured through pruning or clearing brush, it creates a wound. This causes sap to come out of the bare wood. Since beetles like to eat sap, they are attracted to the wood and spread the oak disease. By preventing injuries to the tree, residents can avoid oak wilt. If an oak does sicken from oak disease, the spread to other oaks can be stymied by a process known as trenching. Essentially, a trenching machine must create a hole at least four feet deep to separate the roots of different trees. This helps to limit the spread of oak disease between plants and can prevent an entire oak forest from falling victim to oak wilt. To improve the trench barrier, trees within 100 feet of the disease may also be uprooted to stop the disease from spreading any further through the forest.

Oak Wilt vs Drought

Oak Wilt can sometimes mimic the symptoms of drought due to dehydration. A professional arborist can help determine what is causing problems for your tree and recommend a course of action.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher from Austin, Texas who has had trouble with oak wilt in the past. The best way to treat the disease is to call a local arborist. Wendt found Andy at Central Texas Tree Care to be a great resource for treating his own Red Oak trees.

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Guest Post Published by Bulwark

The average American hates bugs, which is why humanity has developed so many great ways to kill them. We have bug spray, fly paper, and even those weird yellow hives that bees fly in and can’t get out of, and all of those things tend to be pretty effective. What you don’t think about, though, is all the infinitely more horrifying bugs and other creepy-crawlies out there that you don’t have an easy way to kill. Hopefully, you’ll never come in contact with them, but if you do, just know that your bug spray probably won’t work on…

The Tachina Fly

Parasites are always a favorite on the list of terrifying animals. This parasite takes a unique approach to its job, because instead of injecting its eggs into the body of the host creature, it just glues them to his or her back so well that they can’t be removed (at least, not without killing the host).
The good news is that, unlike our next candidate, tachinids are unlikely to choose you as their host creature. The bad news is that some of them look like ordinary houseflies – so you’ll never know when they’re nearby.

The Botfly

Similar idea, but even better because these ones actually will go after humans as hosts. When the eggs have matured inside you, the result burrows out from your skin, and the only way to get rid of it is to slather mineral oil all over the spot and wait for the burrowing to occur prematurely when the larvae has no air.

The Centipede

It’s not really an insect (it certainly doesn’t have six legs), but it definitely falls under the category of creepy crawly. Centipedes are one of those things that aren’t likely to hurt you, but might scar you forever if you ever actually come in contact with all the little undulating legs.

The Leech

They may have been used for medicinal purposes once upon a time, but these days they don’t really have a positive connotation. Generally speaking, we prefer our blood inside of our bodies, and when you wade into a muddy river and find out that the leeches feel differently about it you’re probably not going to be a very happy camper.

The Cockroach

“But,” you may say, “I am familiar with cockroaches. I had an apartment in New York City once…” Look, as gross as that story is, your apartment cockroaches would still have nothing on the ones in Madagascar. After all, if your apartment cockroaches were hissing at you, you probably had bigger problems on your hands than infestations.

And More…

And if you’re worried about the insects, get ready for the other horrors of the wilderness – venomous snakes, cats that are more likely to chew on you for breakfast than curl up on your lap and purr, and even fish with flesh-eating teeth. Oh, don’t worry, there’s no need to cancel your rainforest vacation. After all, if you handled the apartment cockroaches just fine, there’s really no need to worry about parasitic flying creatures.

By Lilia Otori

Lilia has been writing on topics important to homeowners for nearly a decade now. She enjoys incorporating factual information into her articles, and is glad that as far as problems with pest control, Salt Lake City has nothing on the rainforest.

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Guest Post Published by Bulwark

Rasberry Ant

The Crazy Rasberry ant (not raspberry), also called the Tawny Crazy ant has increasingly become a harmful pest to many Texas homeowners. Rasberry ants can be both destructive, and dangerous. Here’s what you need to know:

Rasberry Ants Spreading Throughout Texas

Rasberry ants were first found in Houston, TX by exterminator Tom Rasberry; in which the ant was named. Since their discovery about eleven years ago (2002), the Rasberry ant has spread to 24 different counties in the state of Texas, including Austin’s Travis country. Other counties experiencing raspberry ant infestation include: Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Comal, Cameron, Fort Bend, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Hidalgo, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nueces, Polk, Orange, Victoria, Walker, Wharton and Williamson counties.

The largest Rasberry ant infestations have been found in southeast Harris County, including Houston, La Porte, San Jacinto Port, Pasadena, Deer Park, Seabrook, Friendswood, and Pearland.

Rasberry ants continue to spread at a rate of about five miles per year. Often times they are unknowingly transported by vehicles, animals, and other people. Preferring the hot, humid weather, they can now be found in Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Mississippi.

Identifying Rasberry Ants

Rasberry ants are about 1/8 of an inch long, and reddish-brown in color. They are a slender looking ant with long antennae, long abdomens, and long legs. Rasberry ants are also described as being “hairy,” because they are covered with reddish-brown fuzz. They do not look glossy, like other ants, because of these body hairs.

Crazy Rasberry ants are from the Crazy ant group Paratrechina. These ants are well known for their rapid, erratic, non-linear movements. It’s almost humorous watching these ants move across the pavement. They look lost and confused. One thing that is not humorous about these ants is the destruction and danger they can cause.

Rasberry Ants Are Destructive & Dangerous

Rasberry ants are very destructive by nature. They are naturally attracted to electrical currents, causing them to fail by clogging up the switching mechanisms. These ants are frequently known to short out air conditioning units and even stop lights. There have been reports of Rasberry ants causing several thousand dollars in damage to Texas homeowners and businesses.

On top of being rather destructive, Rasberry ants are also dangerous. When a Crazy Rasberry ant is killed, a pheromone is released from its abdomen that signals other ants to respond. The other Rasberry ants respond all right, in huge numbers; attacking the threat. Just know that if you attempt to kill a few thousand Rasberry ants, millions more will show up to their funeral.

Austin Rasberry Ant Control

Travis County, TX has some pockets of Rasberry ant infestations. These infestations make it uncomfortable for residents to enjoy time in their yards. Very aggravating!

Unfortunately, there are no effective over-the-counter products that consumers can buy to successfully treat Rasberry ants. The good news is that an Austin ant control professional can help you with any ant problem, including Rasberry ants. Get help today!

Austin Pest Control

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Published by Bulwark

Bed bugs- the dreaded insect- are making an alarming comeback. A few years ago, bedbugs were simply the bugs of myth from the old nursery rhyme:

“Good night, sleep tight

Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

However, the increase in international travel and a few unfortunate carry-ons, have lead to a resurgence of bed bugs in the United States and other civilized countries. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce your chances of finding the unwelcome critters in your bed, and plenty of ways to get rid of them once they arrive.

4 Ways To Prevent Bedbug Infestations

Since bed bugs are now a common pest in the United States, it is harder to prevent the spread of the insect. Luckily, there are some steps you can take that will reduce your chances of exposure. Try the following methods to reduce your chances of getting infected:

Bed casings: Many mattress stores and bed stores sell bed casings for your mattress. These casings are airtight cases, and do not allow the bugs to reach the mattress. If the bugs cannot find a home, they will not bother you.

Wash bedding: Washing your bedding frequently can deter the presence of bed bugs. Bed bugs prefer dirty bedding that allows them to live in the dark corners of the bed. If you wash your bedding and encourage exposure to the light, the bugs may never visit your room.

Install a climb-up monitor: A climb-up monitor prevents the bugs from climbing up to your mattress at all. This is a handy tool to use after you know you have been exposed to the critters.

Check your hotel room: Before you unpack your things at a hotel, pull the bedding off of the bed. Check the mattress crevices for signs of bugs or their feces. If you notice anything suspicious, demand a new room.

How To Spot An Infestation

Spotting an infestation is easy. Simply watch out for the following signs:

• Small, unexplained bites on your arms, legs, or other sensitive areas (often in a straight line)
• Dark spots on the mattress, bedding, or sofa cushions
• Tiny, flat, brown bugs the size of a pin head walking around on your mattress or sofa
• Dark spots around the seams of a mattress

Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs is not that difficult, but if you do not completely eradicate the entire colony of bugs, they will come back.

• Remove all bedding and wash as hot as possible. Dry in direct sunlight.
• Vacuum up all the little bugs you can find.
• Air out the mattress for several days outdoors in direct sunlight.
• Sleep somewhere else.
• Hire a professional pest remover to lay poison for the bugs.
• Lay luggage in direct sunlight for several days.

You can also prevent a bug attack by purchasing a mattress that is resistant to bed bugs. Usually these beds have a special casing to prevent bed exposure or are treated with a material that is repellant to bed bugs.

Bed bugs are not fun, but with the proper steps, you can prevent the infestation or fix it within just a few days. If you follow these steps, your bed will remain bug-free for as long as you own it.

Featured images:

•  License: Image author owned

Writer Biography

This is a guest post by Lindsey Mcmahon. She suggests you have a look at beds from world market for quality beds for a great price. Her interests are education, parenting and health but she is constantly extending her field of view to incorporate interesting news suggested to her by her readers. 

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Guest Post Published by Bulwark

Black House Ant (Photo credit: sanchom)

Many homes suffer from black house ant infestations. This post will outline the ants, their habitat, biology and ways to eliminate and them from your home and garden.

Description

The black house ant (Ochetellus glaber) is a small, biting at that are deep black in color  which often has a blue-green iridescence. They usually grow to about 3 mm in length and live in large colonies. Notably, they have bent antennae, which differentiate them from termites. They are a nuisance, especially around the home, because they like to accumulate in large numbers around unprotected foodstuff. The ants also give off a strong odor when crushed.

Habitat

Black house ants are commonly found in and around cone-shaped sand piles in pavement, lawn edges and gardens. However, they often nest within structures and enter the home through small openings in window frames, doors and cracks. They are mainly attracted to food that contains sugar, but will eat fat and protein-based foods if required. The black house ant is a common pest throughout many parts of Australia and is most active during the summer.

Biology

The queen black house ant typically lays small, oval eggs, hatching larvae which are fed by adults. Once the larvae pupate, adult ants emerge to harden and darken, a process that can take from hours to days to occur. Many factors affect the length of the ant’s life cycle, such as food, temperature and time of year.

Small Black Ants (Photo credit: Degilbo on flickr)

How To Limit Infestation:

• Remove all soiled food containers from around the home and rinse before disposal.
• Thoroughly clean all household surfaces, particularly areas that may have been exposed to sugar containing products.
• Tightly seal all food containers, including pet food cans etc.
• Clean pet areas, including putting water moats around their food bowls.
• Keep all areas around the home (especially where food is present) dry as possible. Eliminate standing water, fix leaky taps and increase ventilation etc.
• Elevate pot plants and eradicate aphids.
• Flexible seal concrete paving joints.
• Ensure joints, cracks, crevices and electrical pipe conduit entry points around the household are filled and sealed.
• Make sure tree and shrubs are not touching the house and remove rotting wood.
• Ensure there are not objects stacked against the exterior of the house.
• Increase the depth of landscaping mulch.

If these tips do not assist in minimizing the black house ants around your home, there are professional options that will help. Call your local pest control expert for more information.

Keith Nightingale is a pest control expert at Termitrust who has over 10 years of professional industry experience working in Australia.

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Guest Post Published by Bulwark

5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Pest Control

Spring cleaning is about more than letting in fresh air and getting a home ready for summer. Spring cleaning can also be an important step in a pest control management project. By completing some basic cleaning tasks, a person can protect his or her home from attracting insects, rodents and other pests; which mean no call outs from a local pest control company.

1. Keeping Your Kitchen Clean & Tidy

The kitchen is the area of a home most likely to draw pests for one simple reason: that is where the food is kept. An important part of spring cleaning is to pull out appliances and clean under and behind them to remove any spilled food that may be present. A clean kitchen is an important part of any pest control plan.

As an added bonus, dust and other grime can be cleaned off of the refrigerator’s coils when it is pulled away from the wall. This will help it to run more efficiently and use less energy.

2. Clean Bedroom

For many bugs, the dead skin that makes up a significant portion of household dust is an attractive meal. To prevent attracting these insect into the bedroom, it is important to not only clean bed linens on a regular basis, but also to clean the mattress and box springs. Vacuuming these items during a spring cleaning can help to make pest control efforts successful.

3. Exterior Cleaning

To prevent bugs and rodents from entering a home, it is important to keep them away from the home. Removing accumulations of sticks and other yard debris will prevent pests from using them for homes. Gutters can also clog with debris and make an attractive home for some insects, so they should be cleaned as well. Standing water is another sure bug attractant. Remove any sources of water in the yard or under a home.

4. De-Clutter Your House

Getting rid of unneeded items is a great task for spring cleaning. Getting rid of clutter will provide more room in a home, while removing places where pests like to live. This is especially true in basements and other unfinished areas where moisture can build up on boxes and other materials and provide a fertile home for a variety of critters. Old clothes, paper and forgotten trash can also draw insects and rodents. As an added bonus, donating usable items to a qualified local pest control charity will result in eligibility for a tax deduction equal to the value of the donation.

5. Pay Attention

While completing spring cleaning, keep an eye out for areas of the home that may be drawing insects and rodents or may be allowing them to enter into the home. Removing these sources of easy entry will increase the odds of a pest control project’s success. For example, holes and cracks between walls and floors need to be filled to prevent easy access into the home. A homeowner should also check the screens in the home’s windows before opening the windows to air out the house.

Water leaks are another area of concern to look for while cleaning. Whether it is a roof leak or a leaking sink, water is a natural draw for unwanted pests. If leaks are found in the home, they need to be fixed as part of homeowner’s pest control efforts.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  Image by My Blog Guest

Rick Young is an expert on pest control. He frequently writes for local pest control related websites and blogs. For more information on pests or pest control help go to pestcontrol247.co.uk

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Guest Post Published by Bulwark

Texas has hundreds upon hundreds of retirement communities throughout the state.  Some Active Adult Retirement Communities are actual neighborhoods designed for energetic seniors who are seeking maintenance-free living and are in a privileged position to fully enjoy life’s pleasures such as golf, swimming, or biking, and many other activities.

There are, also, Independent Living Retirement Communities which cater to self-sufficient seniors, and Assisted Living Retirement Communities that provide more of the personal needs of the residents who find themselves becoming less self-sufficient and relying more on assistance from others.

What Are The Different Types Of Retirement Communities?

It’s important to distinguish the difference between the various types of community options so you can better determine which type best suits your needs or the needs of someone you love.  Here, we will give an overview of four types.

— Active Adult Communities:  Spacious homes with community clubhouses and luxurious amenities cater to independent, financially secure adults 55 years and older.

— Independent Living:  Residents of this type of community are healthy and self-sufficient and do not require intervention with their daily schedule or personal care.   These robust individuals live in private residences, usually apartments or self-contained rooms and are in charge of meeting their own needs, and are free to come and go as they please.  Their retirement experience is completely up to them!

— Assisted Living:  If a senior is beginning to feel challenged with tackling everyday tasks such as bathing, eating, grooming or taking medications, trained caregivers in Assisted Living facilities are available 24/7 to provide help with day-to-day regimes.  Even though these seniors require some intervention on a daily basis, they are still quite mobile and healthy and are usually free of serious medical conditions.  These residents receive help in getting to and from outside activities, as well as receiving assistance with becoming settled in for the evening.

— Memory Care:  These communities are much more secured environments due to the residents’ conditions of Alzheimer’s or dementia.    Memory Care is considered a long-term option since members of this community would not be safe without constant attention.  Two factors are of the utmost importance with Memory Care residents:  Safety and quality of life.  Community members live in a private or semi-private living area.

What Are The Costs Of Retirement Communities?

The costs of retirement living will vary according to the community involved as well as in which city the community resides.  With that being said, let’s take a sample peek at what one could expect from an Assisted Living environment, in a variety of Texas cities, where the resident is utilizing a one-bedroom living unit:

— Austin:  $45,250

— San Antonio:  $41,500

— Killeen:  $38,900

— Dallas:  $36,000

— El Paso:  $29,500

— Corpus Christi:  $26,500

What Are The Payment Options?

There are a variety of means, by which, retirement costs can be addressed.  Some individuals are fortunate to have  generous retirement incomes which are ear-tagged for retirement care and housing costs.

Medicaid is a possibility if little or no personal income or savings exists.  Keep in mind, however, that Medicaid may pay, depending on circumstances; it doesn’t mean it necessarily will pay, either partially or entirely.

If one was proactive, long before any retirement community was needed, and that person purchased Long-Term Care Insurance, then thinking ahead paid off!  Long-Term Care Insurance will cover Assisted Living, Independent Living and Memory Care.

If a person has Medicare and no longer has insurance through employment, yet had purchased a product called Medigap from a private insurance company, then Medigap can help with retirement community expenses.  Medigap can cover those gaps that Medicare doesn’t cover.

Choosing a retirement community is an important consideration.  Having the right information can make that concern a little less confusing!

Karen Burgin recently retired from the teaching world and now spends her free time writing about Texas retirement homes.

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Guest Post Published by Bulwark

Since their arrival in the late 1930’s, Austin, Texas residents have been battling the Red Imported Fire ant. In terms of human health, property damage, and environmental damage; very few insects can hold a candle to the Fire Ant. Quite frankly, the Red Imported Fire ant is the worst pest in Texas… And the resident’s of Austin know it!

Fire Ants In Austin, TX

Because of their aggressiveness, it’s not hard to mistake a Fire Ant. These ants are a reddish-brown, and can reach up to ¼ of an inch in length. Their mounds are huge, and identifiable. One of these mounds can house multiple queens, and some 250,000 workers. Texas officials have reported as many as 200 of these mounds in a single acre. The thought of the sheer number of these malevolent ants is frightening.

Another frightening thought is that Red Imported Fire ant stings have caused some 100+ deaths. While dying from a Fire Ant sting is unlikely, it can happen if a victim suffers from insect allergies; sending the injured party into anaphylactic shock. The most common side effects of a Red Imported Fire ant sting are: pain, swelling, itching, redness, dizziness, disorientation, and vomiting.

Bulwark Pest Control technicians in Austin, TX report that Fire Ants are one of the most frequently called about pests. Their impact is significant.

 The Impact Of Fire Ants In Austin Texas

On top of their painful stings, Red imported Fire ants also cause relentless damage to property. Extending out several feet in diameter, and reaching depths of almost eight feet, Fire Ant mounds damage plants and crops. These mounds are also an eyesore. When a mound is disturbed, fire ant workers pour out of their mound and aggressively attack the offender.

Red Imported Fire ants are also fascinated with electrical equipment and electrical wiring. In fact, the leading cause of traffic light malfunctions in Austin happens to be shortages caused by Fire Ants. These ants are also drawn to air conditioners, water meter boxes, and gas boxes.

In the state of Texas, Red Imported Fire ants cause more than $140 million in damage annually.

In the U.S., the FDA estimates more than $5 billion is spent each year on medical treatment, damage, and control of Fire Ant infested areas.

How To Best Eliminate Fire Ants

One of the most challenging property pests to completely exterminate is the Fire Ant. If a homeowner opts for a single ant treatment; many of the ants will die off, but the problem will not be solved. The same can be said with using aerosol pesticides you can buy at a local hardware store. The reason these attempts are not effective is because the Fire Ants will divide themselves after a treatment. They simply wait out the pesticide, the return when its potency dissipates.

Instead, homeowners who are experiencing Fire Ants need continual treatments and ant control strategies to control these malevolent pests. A two-step strategy of applying baits, and following up with direct mound pesticide treatments, has proven to be effective if the treatments are consistent.

Ant Control Austin, TX

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Published by Bulwark

Have you just moved to Texas? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’ve transferred to Dallas for work, settled in Corpus Christi for retirement or are stationed on the base at Fort Hood – you’re in good company. Regardless of what brings you here, it’s easy to feel like a lone star in this big state. Here are a few ideas to help you make yourself at home.

Pick a team

Eight major pro teams, dozens of minor league teams and a handful of serious college powerhouses – yes, Texas is a sports fan’s haven. From the Dallas Cowboys to the Austin Ice Bats, there’s a team for everyone’s taste. Find yours and you’ll find friends in no time, as long as you don’t root for the Mavericks in San Antonio or the Texans in Dallas.

Get to know your town

Take a walk. Take a ride. Take a look around and get familiar with your new home. Texas is brimming with character – not only in the people but also in the land itself. You won’t find another town in the country named Notrees, Ding Dong or Hoop and Holler. And you can visit Miami, Klondike, China, Egypt and even Venus without ever leaving the state.

Learn the song!

“The stars at night, are big and bright…” If you haven’t gotten this much down, then you better brush up, quickly. The Texans are a proud people who need little more than a whisper of this line before they chime in with four quick claps in unison, followed by a loud “DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS!” Win extra brownie points if you learn the entire ditty.

Pick up a hobby

New territory means new hobbies and this state is filled with them. Want to start fixing cars in Odessa? Look up West Texas auto parts and get geared up. Love a good hike? Check out Haynes Ridge or the Guadalupe Mountains. History buff? You’re just a short ride away from the Alamo. Trust us, there’s plenty to do to fill your time.

The second most populous state in the union, Texas also has one of the highest percentages of new residents per year. There’s a decent chance you’re one of them. If that’s the case, welcome! We hope you enjoy it here. Go to a rodeo, visit the Alamo, or look up West Texas auto parts and start your new hobby. However you spend your time here, we’re sure you’ll love it. And remember; never drop your gun to hug a grizzly.

Chuck Stevens is an avid blogger. He just moved to Texas and is always looking to share his advice on the process.  You can follow him on Twitter @chuckstevens12.

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Guest Post Published by Bulwark

There are a few more days left until Valentine’s Day, so you either have time to finish your purchases for your loved one, or you still have time to start your purchases. There is quite a bit to do here in Austin, with lots of food choices for every appetite. We thought we’d help you out a little and give you our best recommendations.

Japanese and Sushi. Looking for someplace a little more exotic than an Italian restaurant on Valentine’s Day? Try Uchi down on Lamar Blvd. Uchi takes gourmet sushi to the extreme and was recently named the people’s #1 favorite of 2012 in The Austin Chronicle.

Mexican. Trying to find somewhere a little fancy but just as tasty? If you and your compañera are in the mood for some quality Mexican food, then head to La Condesa. Their unique platters add that extra touch of flavor that will sure to guarantee satisfaction. Our recommendation? Get the Carne Asada. Their wood-grilled steak is seasoned just right and the true mark of any Mexican restaurant lies in the strength of their asada.

Italian. There are the kinds of Italian restaurants you see you in movies. The kind you need a coat and tie for. The waiters walk around real slow for some strange reason. And you absolutely have to speak to your date in a hushed whisper, because even a normal talking voice could be heard four tables down the isle. And there’s Vespaio. They describe themselves at “lively and sociable”, and that’s exactly what you’ll find. It’s a great atmosphere to dine on great food. Their pastas are handmade and rich in flavor. Their wood-fired pizzas are spot on.

If you’re the DIY-kind-of-person, then you might choose to fix something at home. That’s fine too, just don’t let something like this ruin your night.

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Published by Bulwark