Why Cockroach Populations Boom in the Summer

Summer cockroaches in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

If you’ve dealt with cockroach problems in the past, you know how frustrating an infestation can be. Unfortunately, these pests are common all year long in Des Moines. That said, infestations are at an all-time high in the summer months for several reasons. Cockroaches are drawn to heat and will breed rapidly in the summertime, which is why an infestation tends to be worse this time of year. Because their infestations can be such a nuisance to deal with, it’s important to learn about summertime roach activity as well as what you can do to prevent it. Keep reading for expert information from the team at Springer Professional Home Services

Seasonal Cockroach Infestations

Cockroaches are infamous for being hardy insects—they can withstand and survive in numerous environments and conditions. However, many roach species are less active in the wintertime as they await summer months. When temperatures begin to warm up here in Iowa, roaches will begin to forage for more food. This is also the time of year when they breed more rapidly, making their populations surge in the summertime. When heat is extreme, they often enter homes for shelter, which is when infestations commonly begin.

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Preventing Cockroaches in the Summertime

Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can keep cockroaches from finding your property hospitable. Our top summer cockroach prevention tips include:

  • Thoroughly clean your property. Clean your kitchens and bathrooms of any spills or crumbs. Avoid clutter and messes.
  • Locate and seal up any cracks or crevices in the foundation of your property. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  • Always pick up pet bowls after feeding times, and avoid leaving the pet food out overnight or for days at a time.
  • Keep all food securely sealed in airtight containers, and refrigerate any unsealed food.
  • Ensure your garbage is sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when full.
  • Quickly fix any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters to avoid moisture problems.

You Have Roaches–Now What?

If you’ve spotted a cockroach or two in your property, it’s a bad sign there could be many more hidden in your home or business. Getting rid of cockroaches is no job for an amateur; these creatures are excellent hiders, and infestations can grow to large numbers in the summer months. For that reason, it’s best to always contact a licensed cockroach exterminator for help when you have an infestation.

Wasp Nest Identification Tips

Wasp nest identification guide in Des Moines Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

Wasps are a common pest in the summer here in Central Iowa. Out in nature or in gardens, they’re a normal part of life. In fact, wasps are considered to be a very beneficial insect to our environment! However, they can quickly become a nuisance when they build their nests on or near your property. Certain wasp species become aggressive when it comes to defending their nest. Even worse, some are capable of stinging people repeatedly. For this reason, it’s best to avoid nests built nearby. However, it is nonetheless important to learn what different wasp nests look like. People assume they all build hives in trees—but that’s simply not true! The experts at Springer Professional Home Services are here to share their top tips for identifying different wasp nests we commonly see in the summertime.

Wasp Nests in Iowa

Wasps begin to build nests in the spring, but most are seen in the summertime as colonies grow in size. To best identify a wasp, it’s always smart to look at the characteristics of their nests!

  • Paper wasp
    • Look like upside-down umbrellas
    • These nests are more open, with cells visible
    • They are typically supported by a single stalk and made out of a papery substance
    • Found beneath eaves of structures, in attics and wall voids, and in other enclosed areas
  • Mud dauber
    • Nests are built by female wasps only
    • They are small and tubular in size, often looking like organ pipes.
    • Typically found in cracks or crevices that are sheltered
    • Often found under eaves, garages, attics, or on the sides of buildings

Wasp nest guide in Des Moines Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

  • Yellowjacket
    • Consist of a papery material and have a single opening
    • Interior can contain up to 100 tiers of cells
    • Also nest underground, sometimes with thousands of members
    • Otherwise build nests in hollow trees, under porches, and a number of other areas
  • Bald-faced hornet
    • Almost always at least three feet off the ground
    • Consist of chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva
    • Can grow to the size of a football or basketball
    • Usually in trees, bushes, or wooded areas, but also can be on buildings

Safe & Quick Wasp Nest Removal

Wasp nests are more dangerous than you think. A small nest could contain hundreds of stinging insects that will not hesitate to sting when they feel threatened. If you notice a nest pop up on your property, always contact the stinging insect removal team at Springer. Our experts have the tools and experience needed to safely and quickly remove wasp nests from your property.

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Mosquito Breeding Grounds in Iowa

Standing water in pots in your Central Iowa yard can be an easy mosquito breeding ground - Springer Professional Home Services

Mosquitoes are a fact of life in the summertime. Unfortunately, they may be breeding in your very backyard! Female mosquitoes need just a half-inch of water to lay their eggs in. They can easily find this standing water in areas around your yard, whether that’s in a bucket, your pool, or on top of an old tarp. Thankfully, you can work to eliminate these common breeding grounds for mosquitoes and, in turn, keep mosquitoes away from your yard! By eliminating mosquito breeding grounds on your Iowa property, you can force the mosquitoes elsewhere. Keep reading for top tips from the experts at Springer Professional Home Services.

Where are Mosquitoes Breeding in My Yard?

Mosquitoes take just two weeks to become adults after they hatch. A female mosquito needs a blood meal to reproduce. After mating, anywhere from 100-300 eggs are laid in a source of stagnant water. Due to this rapid rate of reproduction, it’s crucial to stay on top of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

Mosquitoes tend to favor areas with standing water. They are frequently found in or around birdbaths, gutters, pools, mud pots, tree stumps and wood piles, tarps, children’s play sets, trash cans, old tires, pools, and more. Routinely check these items and dump out any collected water. You may also choose to cover certain items to remove the threat altogether.

Prevent mosquito breeding grounds in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

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How to Prevent Mosquitoes In Your Backyard

In addition to getting rid of standing water as mentioned above, there a number of ways you can keep you and your family safe from mosquitoes in Des Moines:

  1. Install screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes outside
  2. Avoid going outdoors at dawn and dusk
  3. Fix water leaks or drainage issues promptly
  4. Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed and neat
  5. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply repellent containing DEET

Long-Term Mosquito Control

If you deal with mosquitoes in your yard every year, there could be more at play. If you’ve done all you can to get rid of them and still are dealing with constant problems, it’s time to call the mosquito exterminators at Springer. Our team is committed to keeping mosquitoes away from your yard–for good.

Preventing Summer Ant Infestations

Preventing summertime ant infestations in Des Moines IA with tips from Springer Professional Home Services

Here in Des Moines, ants are a problem for residents all year long. However, they seem to be especially troublesome in the summertime as they enter homes in search of food and shelter. As the number one nuisance pest in the United States, it’s very important to learn about preventing summer ant infestations. Once they get inside your property, they can spread easily. It’s very hard to get rid of an ant problem, making it all the more crucial to do what you can to keep them outdoors in the first place.

Summer Ants in Central Iowa

Although these ants are active at various points throughout the year, they are especially active in the summer months. With more than 700 species of ants nationwide, it can be easy to misidentify the type of ant you’re dealing with. Thankfully, there are only a few you are likely to encounter in our area, including carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants. In any case, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company when you need help identifying ants.

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6 Steps to Preventing Summer Ant Infestations

A single ant colony in your property during the summer can turn into multiple colonies in little time. To avoid the frustration altogether, there are several things you can do to make your home less hospitable to ants:

  1. Keep a clean home. Sweep your floors regularly to get rid of crumbs. Ants are attracted to sugary food sources and a few crumbs will keep them coming back for more.
  2. Store food properly. Avoid leaving food out uncovered. Keep food in airtight containers or store them safely in cupboards and fridges.
  3. Seal entry points. Ants can crawl through the tiniest of cracks. Inspect your property and use caulk to seal any gaps, holes, or potential entry ways.
  4. Avoid excess moisture. Areas with standing water or leaks will attract ants quickly. Attend to broken pipes and clean up spills quickly.
  5. Trim back trees and vegetation. Plants close to your home can encourage ants to come in. Make sure tree branches, shrubs, and bushes are trimmed away from the perimeter!
  6. Pick up your pet’s food. Crumbs and spills from your cat or dog’s food and water bowls can be a huge attractant for ants. Always clean up and store bowls between mealtimes.

Ant Prevention in Des Moines

No one has time to deal with ant problems. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to prevent them! If you need help preventing summer ant infestations, Springer Professional Home Services is here for you. Our team has the experience needed to control ants and make sure you never have to deal with them again!

Tips & Tricks to Prevent Mosquitoes

Learn how to prevent mosquitoes in your Des Moines IA home - Springer Professional Home Services

It’s summer in Des Moines, and you’re probably ready to enjoy outdoor barbecues, picnics, hikes, and more. Unfortunately, with the rising temperatures comes the onslaught of mosquitoes! Everyone knows mosquitoes are a nuisance, but they can be dangerous too. Although the diseases they spread are rare, it’s still best to do everything you can to keep mosquitoes away from your home. The team at Springer Pest Control has gathered their top tips and tricks to prevent mosquitoes. Keep reading to learn more, or contact or mosquito exterminators today for professional mosquito removal services.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

For one reason or another, certain individuals seem to be more prone to mosquito bites than others. In any case, there are three things you can do to protect yourself or your family members from mosquito bites: 

  • If at all possible, avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active!
  • When you do go outdoors in the summer, make sure to wear light-colored clothing. If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep your skin protected.
  • Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET. Before using on children, make sure to consult your pediatrician.

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5 Tips to Prevent Mosquitoes This Summer

There are certain things that may make your property more appealing to mosquitoes. By removing what attracts them, you can effectively keep mosquitoes away! Our top tips to prevent mosquitoes include:

  1. Remove sources of standing water. Get rid of standing water in buckets, flower pots, bird baths, tarps, and more. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed!
  2. Install screens on doors and windows. Installing screens on your doors and windows can keep mosquitoes from getting indoors every time you try to get some fresh air.
  3. Place fish in ponds and agitate the water. Certain types of fish will feed on mosquito larvae. In addition, adding an agitator will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
  4. Maintain your yard regularly. Regularly maintain your garden and lawn to keep the grass short. Also keep plants and bushes trimmed to prevent mosquito resting spots.
  5. Use fans in your outdoor spaces. Mosquitoes hate wind and are not strong fliers. Use fans to help force them away from your outdoor areas.

Long-Term Protection Against Mosquitoes

Bottom line: no one wants to deal with mosquitoes in the summertime. If the above tips and tricks to prevent mosquitoes did not stop your mosquito problem, it’s best to call a professional mosquito control company. The experts at Springer have the tools and resources needed to keep you mosquito-free all summer long.

Spring Allergies: Which Pests Trigger Them?

Seasonal allergies could be triggered by pests in the Des Moines IA area - Springer Professional Home Services

Here in Des Moines, allergies are a fact of life in the springtime. You or someone you know likely suffers from allergy symptoms ranging from a runny nose to itchy eyes each year. But are seasonal allergies only caused by the changing weather and blooming trees? Believe it or not, certain household pests are known to trigger allergic reactions, especially in children. If you have pests inside your home, pest allergens can exacerbate your already-bad springtime allergies! May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and the team here at Springer Professional Home Services is committed to shining a light on the dangers of pest allergens in your home. Keep reading to learn how to prevent them!

Which Pests Trigger Allergy Symptoms?

As the weather warms up, it makes sense that many blame their allergies on the changing of the seasons. That said, pest allergens could be making your symptoms even worse. Dust mites in the home are a common cause of pest allergens. Cockroaches, however, are likely the biggest culprit of causing pest allergens. This happens when their droppings, saliva, or skins are in the environment. Stinging insects are another common trigger, as many people get allergic reactions to being stung.

Please note that it’s important to always call 911 or receive immediate medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the throat, wheezing, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

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6 Ways to Get Rid of Pest Allergens

Thankfully, you can avoid pest allergens by avoiding pests altogether. By knowing how to keep pests out, you can protect your family from pest-related allergies. Some of our top tips include:

  1. Seal cracks and holes in your property, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  2. Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
  3. Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid.
  4. Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
  5. Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
  6. Vacuum and dust your property frequently!

Seasonal Pest Prevention

If you keep pests out of your home, you can prevent pest allergens. That may sound easy, but pest problems are common and it can be difficult to know how to prevent them. For help preventing pests in your property, the team at Springer is here to help.

Pest Control Services: DIY vs Professional

Mouse traps are a common DIY pest control method in Des Moines IA. Learn more from Springer Professional Home Services.

Everyone has tried their hand at DIY pest control at one point or another. Perhaps you sprayed a vinegar solution on ants, placed rat traps, or bought a spray for roaches. Even if these solutions worked for a short amount of time, they rarely work when you’re dealing with a large-scale pest problem. Unfortunately, at-home remedies for pests are unreliable, timely, and can even be more expensive than you think. For quick, effective, and guaranteed results, it’s always best to use a professional exterminator such as Springer Professional Home Services. Read on for info on the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional pest control here in Des Moines IA!

DIY Pest Control Effectiveness

If you have just a few pests in your home or business, DIY or store-bought products will likely do the trick. However, if the pest problem persists or gets worse, these same methods will likely not do you any good. Doing your own pest control comes with a number of risks. First of all, do-it-yourself methods simply won’t work to control more dangerous pests such as termites, bed bugs, rodents, carpenter ants, and more. These pests are tricky to get rid of without the help of a professional.

In addition, a lot of store-bought products are laden with chemicals that can be dangerous for your family if applied incorrectly. These products also rarely come with a guarantee or warranty on their effectiveness. Bottom line, you can’t rely on DIY pest control in the long term.

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Why Hire a Professional Exterminator?

A professional pest control company might seem like something you don’t need…until you deal with your first major infestation! Some of the benefits of professional pest control are: 

  1. An experienced exterminator has the knowledge and experience to tackle any current infestation you have. In addition, they have an understanding of the behaviors and habits of pests, making it easier for them to control any problems quickly and efficiently.
  2. With a focus on IPM practices, they can also work to prevent future problems. As often as possible, a professional will use environmentally-responsible products that are always applied safely and effectively with little invasion or disruption to your daily life.
  3. If you choose to invest in regular pest control services, your exterminator will work with you to develop a customized pest control plan suited to the unique needs of your home in your region!

When to Call an Exterminator

DIY pest control might sound like a good idea at the time, but it rarely delivers the results you need. To protect your property from pests all year long, a professional exterminator can make sure you never have to resort to DIY pest control methods again. For more information, contact the team at Springer today!

Look Out For These Spring Pests!

Prevent spring pests by spring cleaning your Des Moines IA home. Learn more from Springer Professional Home Services!

If you live or work in the Des Moines area, you know that pest problems can be a year-round reality. Most of us welcome the spring season with open arms, but with warmer weather comes the resurgence of pests! With pest season only just starting, now is the time to protect your property against pests. Thankfully, most of us already have spring cleaning plans in place, making it easy to implement pest prevention at the same time! Read on for expert tips from the exterminators here at Springer Professional Home Services.

Springtime Pest Infestations

Although some of the below pests are active all year long, spring is the beginning of their most active season. The pests to be on the lookout for this time of year include:

  • Ants. Warming temperatures encourage ants to start invading once more.
  • Termites. It’s officially swarming season! Termite infestations tend to start around spring.
  • Rodents. Although they’re active year-round, rats and mice are a problem in the spring.
  • Stinging insects. Wasps and hornets are gearing up to build nests this time of year.
  • Stink bugs. After overwintering, people report a resurgence in stink bugs.

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How Can You Prevent Spring Pests?

With spring here, now is the time to learn how to prevent pests in your property! One of the best ways to do so is to thoroughly clean your property. Our top tips for protecting your property include the following areas to focus on. Clean your windows and doors, and make sure there are no cracks or crevices. Deep-clean your carpets by vacuuming, shampooing, or steam-cleaning them. Thoroughly sanitize your kitchen with a focus on your floors and beneath your appliances. Crumbs and spilled liquids are a goldmine for bugs and other pests!

Outside, clean up debris from your yard, gutters, and overhangs. Make sure to trim back tree limbs and shrubs away from the foundation of your home to keep outdoor pests outdoors.

Preventing Pests in the Spring and All Year Long

Pest season is officially underway, making it important to stay aware of the ways you can prevent pests. Your best bet is always to team up with a professional pest control expert such as Springer. Our exterminators can work with you to customize a pest control plan suited to the unique needs of your home and property.

Termites vs. Flying Ants

Carpenter ants are frequently confused with termites in Des Moines IA - Learn how to tell them apart with expert info from Springer Professional Home Services!

Spring is right around the corner, meaning it’s nearly swarming season. Flying ants, also known as carpenter ants, are one of the biggest threats this time of year. They are second, though, to the dangers of termites! Both of these wood-destroying insects may be damaging, but termites are more of a threat to property owners throughout Des Moines. They are also often confused for each other, as they look quite similar as swarmers. It’s important to learn how to tell them apart. For more info on termites vs. flying ants, keep reading for expert tips from the termite exterminators at Springer Professional Home Services!

What do Termites vs. Flying Ants Look Like?

It can be easy to confuse these two wood-destroying insects, but there are a couple of key differences to make note of:

  1. Carpenter ant swarmers are black in color or occasionally red. Carpenter ants measure 1/2″–5/8″ with antenna bent at a 45-degree angle. Their wings are translucent with a reddish brown hue, laying over the posterior of the ant. Carpenter ant swarmers are bigger than termite swarmers!
  2. Termite swarmers are black to brown in color and measure 3/8″ long including the wings. Their wings are a translucent to slightly milky or smoky color. Their wings may overlap, and are typically as long as or slightly longer than the body; this is the best way to differentiate them from carpenter ants.

Winged ant vs. termite in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

Wood-Destroying Insect Behavior

Carpenter ants establish nests in wood that is already in decay, and later expand into sound wood, insulation, or wall voids. Galleries excavated by carpenter ants appear to have been sanded down. For the most part, carpenter ant damage does not amount to the potential damage of a termite infestation.

On the other hand, termites make their way into a structure around basement windows, doorways, porches, or any other area of the property in contact with soil. Grown colonies can range from 60,000 to over a million workers and can consume nearly 5 grams of wood per day. Because their colonies can grow to such massive numbers, termites are considered much more dangerous than carpenter ants.

How to Get Rid of Termites & Carpenter Ants

If you’ve discovered the signs of termites or flying ants, it’s time to call a termite exterminator. The team at Springer knows how distressing these insects can be, and work to keep you, your family, and your home protected from them all year long. For more information on how we can keep you free of termites and carpenter ants, give our team a call!

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Rodents: The Disease & Damage They Cause

Rats chew through wires in Des Moines IA homes. THe mice exterminators at Springer Professional Home Services can prevent them!

Rodent infestations are feared for the damage they inflict and dangers they bring. These pests are much worse than simply a nuisance. Rats and mice have been tied back to a number of dangerous diseases, making it important to seek help from a rodent exterminator if you notice the signs of them in your home. These diseases are most commonly spread through their droppings, but can also be transmitted indirectly through fleas and mice. Read on to learn expert info on the dangers of rodents from the mice exterminators at Springer Professional Home Services.

Common Diseases Spread by Rats & Mice

The thing people fear most about rodents are the diseases they carry. These can be transmitted directly through human contact with droppings or bites, or indirectly through infested fleas and ticks. Although these diseases may be rare in Iowa, it’s still important to be aware of them: 

  1. Hantavirus. Most often found in the urine and feces of deer mice, hantavirus can cause symptoms from fever and chills to aches in pains.
  2. Salmonella. Rats and mice are infamous for contaminating food. The most common bacteria they spread is of course salmonella, known as food poisoning.
  3. Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted by ticks, which are often carried by rats and mice. This disease is dangerous and can have long-term effects on health.
  4. Plague. Historically, the bubonic plague was caused by infected fleas that were carried by rats and mice. Even though this was centuries ago, the same disease can still be spread today.

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Property Damage Caused by Rodents

Rats and mice are one of the worst pest infestations because of the mess they can create inside your home or business. Nests can be made out of any material rats and mice get their paws on, meaning they’ll shred through a number of things in your property at will. Perhaps the most dangerous thing about rats is their tendency to chew. With incisors that never stop growing, rats never stop chewing! This can lead to damaged electrical wires, which can in turn cause a fire hazard. Bottom line: rodents create a hazardous environment inside your home, which is why it’s important to team up with a professional rodent exterminator

Effective Rodent Extermination in Des Moines

If you have a rodent infestation inside your home or business, you’re almost certainly going to need the help of a mice exterminator to get rid of them. The rodent control team at Springer Professional Home Services have the years of experience needed to implement the best rat and mice removal tactics. Our goal is to keep you, your family, and your property safe from the dangers of rodents all year long.