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!

Prevent Halloween Pest Infestations With These Tips

Spiders are common fall pests in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

Pest infestations during the holiday season are any property owner’s worst nightmare. With Halloween just a few weeks away, now is the time to safeguard your home from creepy-crawly pests. Many insects and pests are known to hide out in boxes stored right in your garage. Others are looking to get indoors to escape dropping temperatures outdoors here in Des Moines. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to do everything in your power to keep pests out. Keep reading for our top tips to prevent Halloween pest infestations!

Common Pests Around the Holidays

Infestations often begin when certain pests hide out in your stored boxes of decorations. Some of the most common pests include rats and mice, who squeeze their way inside for warmth, food, and shelter. Stink bugs and boxelder bugs are another common fall pest, both of which flock to the side of your home and could crawl in if given the chance. Spider populations boom this time of year, which is why you might be seeing more webs than ever. Some of these pests could be lurking in old boxes of decorations or simply hiding out in your yard, making it important to know how to protect your property from pests.

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How to Prevent Halloween Pest Infestations

You may be putting fate rodents or bats out as decorations, but you definitely want to prevent the real ones from getting indoors! As you would any other time of the year, it’s important to implement preventative measures to keep fall pests away. Our top tips include:

  1. Sealing all cracks and crevices in your home with caulk
  2. Installing new window or door screens
  3. Cleaning up your yard’s foliage
  4. Keeping a tidy kitchen with sealed food containers
  5. Storing all seasonal decorations in airtight plastic bins

Seasonal Pest Infestations

No one has time to deal with pests during the holiday season. To protect your property, implement pest exclusion tactics, and make sure to be careful unpacking any boxes that have been stored away for months. If you need assistance protecting your property or already have an infestation, contact the residential exterminators at Springer Professional Home Services.

How to Pest-Proof Your Home This Fall

Pest-proofing tips for fall in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

Here in Des Moines, we are accustomed to pest problems in the fall months. As the weather begins to get cooler, pests begin to make preparations for the cold months ahead. Rodents, spiders, stink bugs and boxelder bugs are a few pests that will invade homes this time of year. Unfortunately, they are likely looking to make their way indoors. Besides simply being a nuisance, pests in your home can be dangerous. To stop pests from hunkering down with you this season, the team at Springer has provided a list of eight ways to pest-proof your home. Keep reading to learn more!

Fall pest prevention in Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services 8 Tips to Pest-Proof Your Home This Fall and Winter

Pest-proofing your home is the key to keeping pests and insects outside where they belong. This means sealing your home off against insects and rodents. Our top tips and tricks include:

  1. Seal any cracks or crevices using caulk and steel wool on the perimeter of your property. Pay special attention to areas where utility pipes enter.
  2. Clean your home on a regular basis. Wipe down your kitchen counters, store food in sealed containers, and use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid. Crumbs and accessible garbage will draw pests of all types.
  3. Ensure your basements, attics, and crawl spaces are well ventilated and dry. Pests and insects love moisture. Consider using a dehumidifier in moisture-filled areas.
  4. Store all firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and keep your yard clean and tidy. Trim back trees and shrubs that are too close to the home.
  5. Thoroughly inspect items before bringing them indoors. This includes boxes of your seasonal decorations, grocery bags, package deliveries, and more. The last thing you want is to carry pests inside.
  6. Promptly pick up your pets’ food dishes after they’re done eating. Pet food left out on the floor, in the garage, or even outdoors is an easy target for insects and rodents alike.
  7. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Torn window screens and cracks under doors are an ideal entry point for household pests. Opening a window without a screen is a sure way to invite the pests right in.
  8. Make sure your drainage system is functioning properly. Install gutters or repair your existing system to help draw water away from the home. Quickly fix or replace any leaky pipes contributing to moisture issues inside.

Fall Pest Control in Des Moines

With the weather changing here in Iowa, it’s time to get your property ready for the cold months ahead. The last thing you want is to have pests inside with you in the coming months, which is why it’s crucial to pest-proof. Contact our Springer exterminators today to learn more!

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Watch Out For These 2 Spiders This Fall

Black widows are a dangerous spider in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

If you’re noticing more spiders in your home recently, there’s a reason why! In the late summer and early fall months, spiders are out in full force. This is why you may see more in your Des Moines area home if they start to get inside in search of food, water, and shelter. Most spiders that you encounter in your property are harmless and likely want nothing to do with you. However, there are two spiders in particular that need to be watched out for: the black widow and the brown recluse spider. The team at Springer Professional Home Services is here to share all you need to know about spiders this fall.

Are All Spiders Dangerous?

Your common house spider may look scary to you, but thankfully will leave you alone! The black widow and brown recluse spiders are dangerous any time of year, but are often seeing in or around your home in the late summer/early fall. Both of these spiders are able to administer a bite that can cause serious side effects, making it important to know how to identify them:

  • Brown recluse spiders. These spiders have a darker brown hourglass shape on their brown bodies. They build loose, dome-shaped webs for shelter. A brown recluse bite is known to be very painful.
  • Black widows. These spiders have a characteristic red hourglass shape on its body. They build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground. They can bite when they feel threatened.

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Black Widow vs Brown Recluse Infographic - Springer Professional Home Services in IowaHow to Avoid Spiders This Fall

No one wants spiders invading their home this fall or any time of the year, for that matter. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to make your property less attractive to spiders. Here are our top spider prevention tips:

  1. Keep your lawn and yard trimmed. Overgrown bushes, shrubs, piles of wood, and more can attract spiders to your property and eventually indoors.
  2. Regularly clean your home. Doing so can prevent insects that spiders like to prey on and eliminate hiding spots for pests.
  3. Seal any cracks and crevices. Inspect the inside and outside of your property for tiny spots that may be inviting spiders in, and seal properly.
  4. Install or repair screens on doors and windows. Holes or crevices in screens will easily invite spiders (and other pests) inside.
  5. Inspect boxes and used furniture prior to bringing them inside. Adult spiders or egg sacs could be nestled in old unopened boxes.

Do You Need Professional Spider Removal?

It’s completely normal to see a few spiders every so often in your home. However, if you are starting to see spiders on a daily basis—or if you spot a black widow or brown recluse—it’s time to enlist the help of a professional. The team at Springer can keep you spider-free this fall and all year long.

Are Rodents Spreading Coronavirus?

Rodents do not spread COVID-19 in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

Many people have questioned the nature of COVID-19, including how it is spread. One of the common questions we’re seeing is, “are rodents spreading coronavirus?”. Thankfully, the answer is no. While rodents have been linked to other coronaviruses and other rat-borne diseases, COVID-19 is not one of them as of now. The team at Springer Professional Home Services is staying up to date with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and continues to focus on providing our local communities with safe living. We know this is still a developing situation, and more information is coming out about both the nature of the virus as well as how it is spread. For now, we will explore the link between rodents and the diseases they carry.

Rats, Mice, and Coronavirus

As of 2020, rats have not been linked to directly transmitting COVID-19, even though they can carry other coronaviruses. The three most recently discovered human coronaviruses (including the virus causing the current pandemic, SARS-CoV-2) have all caused epidemics with large numbers of serious infections and deaths. All three viruses have also been genetically traced to a bat origin, not rats!

Rats that have been recorded to carry other coronaviruses have not transmitted them to humans.

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Rodent Activity During Pandemics

Even though rats and mice are not transmitting SARS-CoV-2, you still should be wary of infestations. A rodent problem can cause a plethora of issues. Unfortunately, they’re very common right now. Two reasons why it’s important to implement rodent prevention and control during the pandemic are:

  1. Because of the nature of the lockdowns and restaurant closures, there have been a number of reported cases of rats and mice becoming more bold and rampant in the absence of food sources. This has led to more infestations and rodent-related problems.
  2. Some rats and mice can spread other diseases, including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and plague. They also can indirectly transmit diseases from ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and fleas. Some of these include Colorado tick fever, Lyme disease, and others.

Year-Round Rodent Prevention

In general, it’s important to always be wary of rodents in your home. Not only can they spread germs and bacteria, they also can cause structural damage on your property. So although rats are not transmitted COVID-19, it’s as important as ever to implement rodent prevention. The team at Springer has the experience needed to keep customers rodent-free all year long. Contact our rodent exterminators today!

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.