How to Safely Dislodge Ticks

Deer tick found in Central Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

With summer in the near future, it’s time to start taking preventative measures against ticks. These pests come out in the late spring and summer, looking for animals to provide them with a blood meal. Not only do they stealthily bite us and our pets, they are also capable of causing dangerous diseases such as Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and of course, the infamous Lyme disease. You can make sure that you’re prepared to deal with ticks by learning about what species live near you and what you can do if you’ve been bitten.

Identifying Different Ticks in Central Iowa

There are three prominent tick species living in Central Iowa. Here are some qualities to look out for that will help you differentiate between them:

  • Lone star tick: With especially long mouthparts and a white spot on their back, the lone star tick is easily identifiable. Look out for them in wooded areas where small animals are active.
  • American dog tick: These ticks are built very similarly to the lone star tick, but are composed of a reddish-brown color and have less pronounced mouthparts. American dog ticks are commonly found latched onto dogs, hence the name.
  • Deer tick: The deer tick is smaller and darker in color than the previous two ticks. It is widely feared for its ability to spread the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Although only the deer tick can cause Lyme disease, each one of these tick species is capable of carrying diseases. If you find one on your skin, try to remove it as soon as possible.

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Tick removal guide - Springer Professional Home Services in IowaHow to Remove a Tick Safely

When you discover that you’ve been bitten by a tick, try to remove the tick from your skin as soon as you can. The CDC recommends taking the following course of action to safely remove a tick:

  1. Using a pair of fine tweezers, grab the tick as close to the surface of the skin as you can.
  2. Steadily pull the tick up and out of the skin. If you turn the tweezers while pulling, the tick’s mouthparts might stay lodged in your skin. Use the tweezers to take them out if this happens.
  3. Once you’ve removed the tick, clean the bitten area with soap and warm water or rubbing alcohol.
  4. Dispose of the tick by flushing it, placing it in a sealed trash can, or placing it in alcohol. Do not crush it with your bare hands.

Taking these steps as soon as you notice that you’ve been bitten by a tick will improve your chances of avoiding a disease. If you start to experience rashes or fevers within 2-3 weeks following a tick bite, consult a medical professional.

Tick Extermination Services in Central Iowa

If you’re ready to get a head start on tick season this year, ask your local pest control company about how they can help. The tick experts at Springer Professional Home Services can teach you all about what kinds of ticks might be in your area and what you can do to steer clear of them. For a free tick extermination quote, contact us today!

Will Carpenter Bees Sting People?

What carpenter bees look like in Des Moines - Springer Professional Home Services

No matter how many times you’ve been stung by a bee before, you likely won’t forget the sensation. They sneak up on you out of nowhere with a sharp prick and leave you with a painful sore that lasts for days.

But did you know that some bees are friendlier than others? Despite there only being a sliver of the different species of bees that are incapable of stinging, there are more that will only attack when they feel that their lives are at risk. Carpenter bees fall into this category. If you think you have them on your property, you shouldn’t be worried about being stung.

Do Carpenter Bees Sting At All?

You probably have carpenter bees if you’ve noticed little holes that look like they’ve been drilled into the wood on your windowsills, railings, porch, or other wooden parts of your house. Look around for bees with shiny black abdomen flying around these areas.

Male carpenter bees are actually unable to sting – they don’t have a stinger at all. Female carpenter bees could sting if:

  • They are stepped on
  • They are swatted at
  • A threat is posed to their nest

Males protect their homes most aggressively, but they are forced to rely on their intimidating appearance to ward off potential threats.

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Are Carpenter Bees Harmful?

Fortunately, even when carpenter bees decide to tunnel through the wood in our homes, they don’t compromise the structural integrity of the house. This being said, it isn’t wise to let them hang around for long, as the more damage they do, the more expensive and difficult it becomes to repair.

On the upside, carpenter bees are pollinators, serving as an important role-player in their local ecosystems. Some believe that carpenter bees eat the wood that they tunnel through (like termites), but they actually just chew through it to create shelter, and they sustain themselves on mostly nectar.

Although they serve an important function and don’t cause serious harm to people, animals, or buildings, having too many around might leave your house looking a little more weathered than you would like it to.

What to Do About Carpenter Bees in Des Moines IA

If you’re overwhelmed with these unwelcome guests, reach out to your local bee removal experts. At Springer Professional Home Services, we train technicians to specialize in removing bees with efficiency and consideration for the health of your family, your pets, and your yard. Get a free quote today!

What Should I Do About Odorous House Ants in My Home?

Odorous house ant invades a home in Iowa - Springer

Their name alone is enough to know that you don’t want them around, but what should you do when you find one (or probably more) of these critters living in your home? How can you prevent an infestation, and why on earth do they stink? We have all the answers and a team of experts ready to help you rid your home of these putrid pests.

What Are Odorous House Ants?

Just as its name suggests, an odorous house ant is a common subspecies of ant known for its stench. Outside of their characteristic smell, odorous house ants can be distinguished from other common ant variants by their particularly small bodies, which are usually between 1/8” and 3/16” in length, and their fast-moving pace. They also live in very large colonies and tend to move their nests often. They prefer sweet, naturally occurring foods like honeydew and sap, but their diets are fairly diverse, and they will not pass up food that they can find inside your home.

Preventing an Odorous House Ant Infestation

As it goes for many pests, keeping them off of your property starts with tidiness. Here are 3 ways to prevent odorous house ants from getting into your home and reduce the chance of outbreak:

  1. Be sure to trim all bushes, trees, and shrubbery so that they aren’t touching your house. Overgrown plants provide the perfect path of entry to any cracks or crevices your home has.
  2. Keep all food, including your pet’s food, covered tightly. Don’t leave crumbs on the floor, and be sure to wipe up spills quickly.
  3. Refrain from storing food (sealed or not) in your garage. Any food will attract ants and pests of all kinds. If ants have infiltrated your garage, the interior of your home will be their next stop.

Are Odorous House Ants Dangerous?

Odorous house ants do not sting or bite. While having an odorous house ant infestation is certainly a nuisance, it isn’t necessarily harmful to you or your family. Odorous house ants are attracted to food sources and typically confine their damage to your pantry.

Many have noticed that crushing an odorous house ant yields a scent reminiscent of blue cheese or rotten coconut, but this shouldn’t worry you about the possibility of any harmful emission. Scientists have concluded that some antimicrobial substance must be part of their make-up, and that substance is what causes the foul omission when the ant is squashed. The science behind their smell is more thoroughly explained in this article.

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How To Get Rid of Odorous House Ants

Because they cohabitate in such large numbers, once you have an infestation, it is nearly impossible to rid them on your own. However, there are some tactics you can use to stifle the outbreak you’ve found in your home:

  • Bait has been found to be a productive way to eliminate ants within your home. The bait should be placed where you have seen the ants. Worker ants may take the bait back to the nest and spread the insecticide, killing the queen and the rest of the colony. You might need to try several different kinds of bait before the workers take it.
  • Indoor insecticide sprays can be a temporary fix, but they merely address the symptom, not the actual problem. Spraying worker ants in your home will just leave the existing scent trail for other worker ants to follow right back into your home.
  • Using an outdoor insecticide around the perimeter of your home can help you prevent an ant infestation. To ensure the best results, the insecticide may need to be reapplied occasionally.

If your ant problem is becoming overwhelming, it may be time to call a professional. Our ant extermination specialists here at Springer Professional Home Services will be able to find the nest, properly shield your property, and eliminate the ant problem in your home. Reach out to us today for a free quote!

Termite Infestations & Mold

Termite infestations and mold in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

Termites and mold: two things no homeowner wants to discover in their house. Unfortunately, these two problems often go hand in hand with each other. While termites don’t cause mold problems, they target the same decaying, rotten wood that mold is typically found on. Because mold can make you and your family sick, it’s important to get your home inspected for it whenever you have a termite infestation.

At Springer Professional Home Services, we know that no one wants to discover mold or termites in their home. We’re here to share all you need to know about the dangers of termite infestations and mold.

The Link Between Termites and Mold

Termite infestations and mold often are found in the same environments because they’re both typically a consequence of rotting or decaying wood. Both termites and mold require dead wood to survive, which is why they tend to inhabit the same structures. Termites and mold thrive in moist conditions with an abundance of cellulose, which is why both problems are typically discovered at the same time. However, termites do not cause the mold themselves. When you discover termites in your home, it’s simply common to also discover mold.

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Why is Mold Dangerous?

Mold is a fungus that forms in damp conditions, often in the aftermath of a leak or flood but occasionally just when the wood is in decay. The reason why mold is so dangerous is that it releases spores into the air that can contaminate your indoor air quality. In turn, mold is infamous for contributing to respiratory conditions, including wheezing, and triggering asthma attacks. Mold in your home can lead to unsafe living conditions for you and your family. If you discover a termite problem, it’s best to also have your home inspected for possible mold or fungus issues.

Protect Your Des Moines Home From Termites & Mold

Termites and mold are two things no homeowner wants to deal with, especially at the same time!  The best way to protect your Iowa property is to team up with your local termite control experts. Springer can keep you safe from termites year-round, protecting your family from mold and other termite-related problems. Contact us today to get started!

How to Use Caulk For Pest Prevention

Caulk can be used to keep pests out of your Des Moines Iowa home - Springer Professional Home Services

Ants, beetles, spiders, and other small insects can get inside your property through the tiniest openings you’d imagine. Some of the most popular access points for these pests are your windows and doors, which can easily develop small cracks and crevices over time. One of the best ways you can prevent pests in your property is to seal all those gaps and holes that would otherwise let pests in. The best way to do that is with caulk, an easily attainable and cost-effective item found at many local stores here in Iowa. With pest season upon us, now is the perfect time to implement pest prevention techniques. Springer Professional Home Services is here with their top tips to use caulk for pest prevention.

Tips to Use Caulk For Pest Prevention

Learning how to use caulk for pest prevention is a simple DIY pest control technique you should have under your belt. Here’s what to do:

  1. Thoroughly inspect your property. Look at your window and door frames both indoors and out, as well as your baseboards, crown molding, and more. If you have major issues with your door or window frames, you may consider using weather stripping or replacing them entirely.
  2. Choose the correct caulk. When you get to your store, you’ll notice several types of caulk. In general, silicone caulk is the most commonly used caulk for this purpose as it is resistant to moisture. It’s also a low-cost option. If necessary, purchase a caulking gun as well.
  3. Thoroughly clean the area. Before you apply any caulk, make sure to clean any areas you will be applying caulk to. This includes removing any old caulking, old paint, dirt, and anything else that could jeopardize the adhesion of the new caulk.
  4. Apply the caulk. When applying caulk, begin in one corner of the crack or gap and tilt the applicator at a 45-degree angle. Steadily apply the caulk in a smooth, slow line while applying steady pressure.
  5. Let the caulk dry. If needed, smooth any bumps or fill any gaps with a small spoon. Remove any excess caulking. For best results, let the caulk dry for at least 24 hours.

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Pest Prevention Tips in Iowa

In addition to using caulk for pest prevention, there are many things you can do to keep pests out. Keep your property clean indoors and out, fix leaky pipes, keep food sealed in airtight containers, and work with your local exterminators to help keep pests away. To learn more about caulking practices or to enlist our help, contact Springer today!

Commercial Disinfection Service FAQs

Disinfecting service in Des Moines Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

We’re still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and commercial disinfection services are more essential than ever. Here in Iowa, we are experiencing a surge in the spread of the coronavirus, making it important to do everything you can to ensure the safety of everyone in your circle. At Springer Professional Services, we are committed to doing our part in limiting the spread of this virus. Whether you have a business that has recently had a confirmed case or you need to safely re-open your building, our commercial disinfectant can ensure the safety of all involved. Our experts are here to answer many of the commonly asked questions about our commercial disinfection service in Des Moines and beyond.

What safety protocols are in place during a disinfection service?

Safety is our number one priority during our commercial disinfection services. All of our technicians are trained to uphold a number of safety protocols.

A few of the safety measures we take during the service include:

  • All technicians will wear suitable PPE, including respirators, N95 masks, goggles, coveralls, rubber boots, and more.
  • Every technician is extensively trained in safety procedures to minimize risks in exposed environments.
  • During every stage of the disinfection service, a team member will ensure safety procedures are applied and comply with legislative requirements.

How long does it take to disinfect my building?

Before the commercial disinfection service, a trained technician will walk you through what to expect, including how long the service may take. The time it takes for our disinfecting service depends on several factors, including the size of the building. Different types of buildings will take varying amounts of time to disinfect the space needed. No matter the time it takes to disinfect your property, the premises will be safe for use in about half an hour after the treatment. There are also different levels of disinfection available depending on the contamination, which can affect the time our services will take.

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What disinfection product is used?

Springer uses an EPA-approved disinfectant that is registered on List N, which is a registry for products approved for use against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This disinfectant is highly effective and proven to kill not just disease-causing bacteria but also viruses and fungi. We will work with your facility and provide written documentation of the product used to disinfect your property.

How many commercial disinfection services do I need?

Some properties may require more than one disinfection service. Any buildings that have a high number of people visiting on a daily basis will need more frequent treatments. Buildings that have multiple outbreaks of the coronavirus may also need to be re-treated. The technicians at Springer will work with you to ensure your building is disinfected quickly whenever you may require it.

Trusted Commercial Disinfection Service in Iowa

During the pandemic, it can be overwhelming to know how to protect you and your people from the dangers of COVID-19. That’s where our commercial disinfection services can help. To learn more about how we can be of service to you during this time, reach out to our team of experts today.

Winter Pests 101: Common Pests Invading Your Home

Winter pests will try to enter homes in Des Moines Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

Just like you and your family will be heading indoors to stay away from the cold, so will a few unwanted friends. As winter approaches here in Iowa, you’ll want to protect your home from potential invaders. Rodents and wildlife are common winter pests. Needless to say, no one wants to deal with either. The team at Springer Professional Home Services is here to share all you need to know about the critters to keep an eye out for in the winter—and how to prevent them from getting into your home.

Winter Pests in Des Moines

1. Mice

They may seem cute and cuddly, but one surprise scurry across your foot and your mind will be forever changed about this common winter pest. Mice aren’t just an annoying nuisance. They can be quite damaging to your home and health. Mice typically nest in tiny, dark spaces like attics or crawl spaces. They can chew through drywall, wood, and wires and can cause some pretty serious damage if undetected. Worst of all, mice carry a number of harmful diseases that can spread to your family and pets.

2. Cockroaches

Nothing ruins a cozy evening by the fire like seeing a big cockroach scurrying across the hearth. Cockroaches do best in warm, damp areas, so while running your furnace and humidifier is great for you, it’s not so great for your pest situation. This is especially true as temperatures drop outside. Roaches will do their best to come inside to find a more inviting environment.

3. Spiders

Most spiders try to construct their nests in undisturbed areas like attics, closets, and basements. These options become even more appealing as the weather conditions outside become frigid, windy, and damp. While most spiders are not poisonous, some, like the brown recluse, have venomous bites that are dangerous to humans. As winter approaches and spiders move indoors, you may find that your paths are crossing more often than you’d like.

4. Bed Bugs

You know the saying, “Sleep tight; don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t just mom’s cute way of saying goodnight. As the holidays approach and you travel to see friends and family, the risk of a bed bug outbreak increases. Bed bugs can enter your home on bedding, luggage, and even clothing. As you make your travel plans, verify that your hotels have not had a recent bed bug infestation. Bed bugs can be particularly difficult to eradicate in the winter when beds don extra blankets, quilts, and comforters for warmth.

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How to Prevent Winter Pest Problems

While there’s no way to guarantee that you won’t battle some of these pests every now and again, there are ways to significantly reduce your risk. Here’s how you can prevent and deter various winter pests:

Preventing Pests Outside

  • Seal cracks in your siding, foundation, and roof.
  • Properly trim shrubbery and remove excess greenery from landscaping
  • Store firewood away from your home.
  • Remove and dispose of any rotting wood, including old sheds, furniture, and dead trees.
  • Keep trash and recycling bins clean and covered.

Preventing Pests Inside

  • Maintain a weekly cleaning regimen that includes sweeping, dusting, and monitoring for signs of pests.
  • Keep kitchen floors and counters free from crumbs and spills.
  • Remove excess water from basement and attic areas, and limit humidifier use to personal areas of the home.
  • Store out-of-season clothes and shoes in plastic bags or containers.
  • Examine “hot spots” for pests regularly and treat them when necessary.

Annual Pest Control Services

If you’re struggling with winter pests, contact Springer Professional Home Services. An expert on Des Moines area pests, the professional residential pest control experts at Springer can aid in your efforts to rid your home of unwanted guests. Contact us today to learn how we can keep you pest-free* this winter and all year long.

Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Springer Professional Home Services in Des Moines IA

Entomologists from Springer’s parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban, and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

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4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

Seasonal Guide to Pest Infestations

Rodents are a common seasonal pest in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

Everyone knows that pests are common in the spring and summer months, but what about in the fall and winter? Infestations actually can spike in the colder parts of the year as pests look to take shelter inside your property. To better prepare yourself for a possible infestation, it’s important to know which pests are common during certain parts of the year. Here in Iowa, we experience pest problems all year long. With information from the NPMA, the team at Springer Professional Home Services is here to share all you need to know about pest seasonality in Des Moines.

Fall and Winter Pest Problems

Our winter months are forecasted to get heavy snowfall this year. According to the NPMA, “Above-average snowfall in the northern part of this region may drive rodents indoors in search of shelter. The mild summer and winter forecast could increase cluster fly activity indoors.” Other pest problems to expect in the fall and winter months ahead include cockroaches and spiders. Because pests will want to shelter indoors to escape our cold temperatures, it’s important to protect your home from them entering.

Winter pests in the North Central United States map
 
Rodents
 
Flies

Spring Pests in Iowa

Pest activity springs back into action once winter comes to an end. Blooming flowers, warming temperatures, and heavy rainfall encourages pests of all kinds to resume activity and reproduce. Here’s the ones to keep an eye out for:

  • Termites. Every spring, termites leave their nests to mate and start new colonies. This is called “swarming”.
  • Ants. Certain ant species will forage for food in the warmer months. Rainy weather also drives ants out of their colonies and into homes for shelter.
  • Bed Bugs. While these are a year-round problem, increased traveling in the springtime always leads to an increase in bed bug activity.

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Summertime Pest Infestations

The summer months in Iowa bring about a lot of pest activity. Summer temperatures cause many types of pest colonies to mature and grow in size. Stay on the lookout for the following pests:

  • Mosquitoes. These parasitic insects lay more eggs in the summer and tend to be our biggest pest problem this time of year.
  • Stinging insects. Wasps, bees, and hornets are at full force in the summertime. They can build nests near residential areas.
  • Flies. Summer is the peak breeding season for flies. They are infamous for being a nuisance at outdoor summer events.

Seasonal Pest Problems in Des Moines

The nature of our climate year-round leads  It’s important to know which pests to keep your eye out for in order to prevent a seasonal pest problem. At Springer, our residential and commercial exterminators can work with you to ensure you are protected from pests all year long. Call us today!

Rodents Turn Rampant During the Coronavirus

Rodents are entering Des Moines IA homes during the pandemic - Springer Professional Home Services

Every year, Des Moines residents deal with an influx of rodent problems in the fall. This year, the infestations are worse than ever due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is mostly due in part to the restaurant closures—the lack of food sources for rats and mice has caused them to be more aggressive in competing for food sources. And now with the weather changing, they will be drawn inside your own home not only to escape dropping temperatures outside but to look for food. This Rodent Awareness Week, the team at Springer Professional Home Services is here to help clear the air about rodents during the pandemic and to provide tips on preventing them. Keep reading to learn more.

What to Know About Rodents During the Coronavirus

Rat and mouse sightings may be at an all-time high right now, but thankfully there’s no reason to worry about them spreading COVID-19. The main concern with rats and mice currently is that they are getting more aggressive in nature, can carry other diseases, and could cause damage to your property.

The shelter in place shutdowns caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice became bolder in their hunt for resources. This has since caused an uptick in infestations and rodent-spread issues. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more. An infestation can also result in structural damage to your property, making it all the more important to prevent them.

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Prevent Rodents With These 5 Tips

To avoid an infestation, it’s important to know how to make your property less appealing to rodents in the first place. Here are our top tips:

  1. Securely store your food. Place all food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  2. Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  3. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  4. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  5. Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Are Rodents More Dangerous During the Pandemic?

While rodent infestations are on the rise, they remain as dangerous as ever. The last thing you want is their germs and destruction inside your property. If you need assistance safeguarding your home, the experts at Springer can help. Contact our rodent exterminators today for help!