3 Signs It’s Time to Call in Professional Pest Control Reinforcement

artistic black and white photo of a rat on a bed in an iowa house

You’ve tried store-bought fixes and home remedies. Your pest problem may have temporarily subsided, but your infestation is back again. If you’ve tried and tried again, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Here are just a few signs that you should enlist the help of pest control professionals.

1. Heavy Infestations

Whether it’s been a growing issue that you’ve simply ignored or a sudden surprise of the worst kind, an infestation is nothing to mess around with. A heavy infestation is impossible to ignore. It isn’t just an ant here or there during the summer; it isn’t seeing one mouse out in your yard; it isn’t killing one mosquito out at the pool. It’s a noticeable problem that can quickly become a headache and send your stress level into overdrive.

When dealing with a heavy infestation, professional pest control services can be highly effective, saving you time and quickly alleviating stress and discomfort. Pest control professionals are trained to deal with pests in any quantity, so set your troubles aside, and enlist a pro for help when you need it.

2. Reoccurring Issues

The number of pests may not be an issue for you, but if you’re experiencing a reoccurring problem, it may be time to call in a pro. Many pests can be difficult to track down because they build their nests away from the areas where they are active in your home; so, you may be merely scratching the surface with your treatments. Pest control professionals can track, identify, and exterminate pests at their source.

3. Risk of Damage

Pests aren’t just annoying; they can cause damage to your home and your health. When you’re dealing with harmful pests, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done. Here are some examples of serious harm that pests can cause:

  • Mice: Rodents destroy enough food each year to feed over 200 million people.
  • Termites: Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage.
  • Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes cause nearly 800,000 human deaths each year.

Don’t get too comfortable just because the pest you’re dealing with isn’t on this shortlist. Whether it’s spiders, moles, or anything in between if the presence of pests is impeding your quality of life, a professional can help protect you, your family, and your home from harm.

If you’re stressed and about ready to throw in the towel, don’t give up just yet! Springer offers residential pest control services for the Des Moines area and we’re ready to help you immediately. Contact us today so you can get your pest problem under control and your home back to normal.

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How to Deal With the Pesky Moles Tearing Up Your Yard

Mole hills

You’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill,” but talk to any homeowner with a mole infestation, and they’ll likely tell you they’d take the “mountain” instead! While moles may seem harmless at first glance, these tiny creatures can wreak serious havoc on your lawn and garden. If you find yourself faced with the monstrous task of ridding your yard of moles, we feel for you. Here’s what you’ll need to know to deal with the pesky moles tearing up your yard.

What’s the Deal with Moles?

Moles are small, insect-eating mammals that live underground throughout the United States. According to Today’s Homeowner, a 5–6-ounce mole can eat up to 50 pounds of insects, worms, and grubs a year. In order to do so, moles burrow throughout your yard in search of their next tasty meal: worms, beetles, and other insects. Their underground tunnel system causes the surface of your yard to rise, so you’ll be able to distinguish where, exactly, their routes run. Tunnel openings are referred to as “molehills.”

Moles don’t typically live in families, so your yard is likely being pillaged by only one or two. Many sources claim that an acre of land can support, at maximum, five or six moles. Mole activity increases in the springtime when the ground begins to thaw and insects become active. Spring is also the time when female moles complete their gestation period, so you could soon have more on your hands!

Why Are Moles So Bad for My Yard?

Despite their small size, moles can easily tear up a well-manicured lawn or garden. Moles can destroy the root systems of plants, shrubs, and flowers that they encounter. Sometimes, their digging can even damage the tough roots of your grass, and molehills and tunnels make for unsightly lumps throughout your yard. Like bats, however, moles are very effective at controlling the insect population in your yard. If you don’t mind the way the moles’ presence changes the appearance of your yard, you can always just let them be.

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Why Aren’t My DIY Methods Working?

DIY methods can be quite difficult to master when it comes to ridding your yard of moles. Even if you use professional-grade traps, poison, or bait, the moles’ tunnel systems make it difficult to pinpoint where the little beasts are active, rendering your removal method ineffective. Trial and error may lead to success, but if you want the problem taken care of promptly, calling in a professional is the safest bet.

How Can I Effectively Remove Moles From My Yard?

If you’ve found that your own methods of mole removal aren’t working, contact a professional pest control agency. Professionals are trained to locate and remove moles. It can be quite difficult to completely eliminate a mole problem, but ongoing monitoring and removal will help protect your property.

How Can I Protect My Yard from Further Damage?

One of the best ways to prevent pests is to eliminate their food sources. Try incorporating a grub killer into your spring fertilization regimen. There are also a variety of plants that are known to be mole repellant. Using these plants in your landscaping may lessen the chance of a future mole infestation.

If you’ve struggled to keep up with your yard’s mole problem and you live in Des Moines or elsewhere in Central Iowa, call Springer Professional Home Services for help. Our mole protection program is available year-round and includes a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today to find out more!

10 Things You Need to Know Before Hiring an Exterminator

If you need to hire an exterminator, chances are that you’re already in a fairly stressful situation. The last thing you want to do is hire a “professional” pest control company that turns out to be lacking in both the professional and effective pest control departments. To ensure your highest satisfaction, you should know these ten things before hiring an exterminator.

1. Experience

While more experience doesn’t necessarily equate to better performance, experience certainly needs to be a factor when it comes to narrowing down your pest control search. A pest control technician with more experience is more likely to have dealt with a similar situation to the one you are facing and, therefore, will have a better idea of how to approach your pest problem.

2. Certification

There are various ways that pest control professionals can stay up to date on the industry’s standards. One of the primary indications of a well-trained, educated technician is certification. Before hiring an exterminator, it’s helpful to find out which state and organizational certifications they hold. A certified pest control professional who has completed additional hours of continuing education demonstrates a dedication to quality service.

3. Licensing

Technicians should be licensed either by the state or by a trade organization like QualityPro. Third-party licensing ensures that a technician has gone through the necessary training and has the proper qualifications to address your pest problem successfully.

4. Accreditations

Another way to assess the quality of a pest control company is by verifying its accreditations. Third-party accreditations provide business and ethics information about the pest control company you are considering. Organizations like the Better Business Bureau and the National Pest Management Association provide a standard to which all of the accredited businesses must comply. By choosing an accredited pest control company, you know that they are adhering to the industry’s highest standards.

5. Professionalism

A reliable pest control company should present itself with the highest professionalism. They are, after all, coming into your home. Examples of professionalism include but are not limited to

  • A business telephone line
  • A physical business office or headquarters
  • Consistent branding on uniforms, transportation, and website

Choosing a pest control company with these qualifications will help in finding a reliable, trustworthy option. When in doubt, always trust your gut! If you don’t like talking with someone over the phone, you probably won’t like them working in your home.

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6. Reputation

It’s no surprise that some of the best advice comes from those with a shared experience, so don’t disregard the reviews of your friends, family, and coworkers. If someone you know and trust has worked with a company and had a positive experience, there is a good chance that you will, too! Conversely, if the poor reputation of a company proceeds them, you’ll want to steer clear.

If you have trouble getting personal recommendations, consider checking third-party reviews from Google or Angie’s List. Reviews on a company’s website are likely positively slanted and may not give you an accurate picture of their reputation.

7. Price

Price is obviously a huge factor when hiring a pest control company. No matter how good a company’s service is, if they are out of your price range, you probably won’t hire them! If possible, obtain a quote from two or more companies before you decide on an exterminator. Always have a thorough understanding of what you will be charged for the exterminator’s services before the job is done to prevent any sticker shock.

8. Services

Of course, one of the most important qualifications a pest control company must have is its ability to serve your needs. Many pest control companies will offer a consultation or inspection to fully evaluate the problem at hand. Once this is done, the exterminator will be able to provide you with a full understanding of what it will take to rectify your pest problem. Be wary if you express your problem over the phone and a technician wants to jump right into the solution!

9. Safety

Some pest control measures can create hazards for humans and pets. If something were to go wrong, you, your family, your home, and the technician could be at risk. It’s important for the technician to be fully insured and bonded. It’s also important to understand which treatments are safe for humans and for pets and, if you must leave your home for a time, at what point it will be safe for you to return.

10. Satisfaction Guaranteed

Above all else, your pest control company should be dedicated to your satisfaction. Be sure to consider whether a company offers any warranties or guarantees to ensure you’re happy with the service.

If you need to work with a trustworthy and professional pest control company in the Des Moines area, check out Springer. We’d love to help you in any way we can, from performing an initial inspection to helping you rid your home of nasty pests for good! Contact us today for service.

How to Tell If You Have Termites

exterior of davenport iowa house showing damage, an obvious way to tell if you have termites

They’re responsible for $5 billion in property damage each year, and chances are, they’d love to add your home to their menu. Termites make their homes in 49 of the 50 states and can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to yours. The best way to protect yourself from termites and their monstrous appetites are to implement preventive practices and engage in early detection.

Signs of Termites

While you may be doing your best to prevent termites, an infestation is still possible. Here are a few signs to watch for so you can act quickly if they make their way into your home.

Discarded Wings

If you find wings near windows, doors, or along floorboards, you may have an invasion of termites coming your way. Termites develop wings and use them to fly from their nest to their new home and feeding ground. Termites will twist their wings off intentionally because they no longer need them to travel. Discarded wings are a sign of a termite invasion, and if you find them, it’s best to contact an exterminator.

Termite Pellets

If you find small piles of something that resembles salt or pepper, you may have a termite problem. If termites are living and eating in your home, they will be defecating there, too. These droppings are known as frass and can be found in mounds outside of the termite’s living space in your home. If you notice these piles, you’ll want to call a professional exterminator right away.

Termite Swarms

You may actually see a termite swarm outside or inside your home. These swarms typically occur in the spring, when termites are seeking mates. Reproductive swarms may also result in discarded wings.

The Colony

You may actually stumble across the termite colony in your yard or home. Termite colonies can be found in the soil and also in any wooden structure—live, dead, or even rotting. If you find a termite colony, contact an exterminator. If there are termites on your property, there will soon be termites in your home.

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Evidence of Infestation

Mud Tubes

If you notice pencil-sized mud tubes along your floor or walls, it’s likely that you have active termites in your home. Termites build these tunnels to maintain their desired temperature and humidity levels. You’ll find them wherever they have been actively working.

Damaged or Hollow Wood

If the wood in your home is damaged or sounds hollow, it’s likely that there are active termites in your home. Wood and wood products are the primary dietary choice for termites. They feast on and make their homes in the wood on your property. If left unchecked, the damage can become extensive.

Cracked or Distorted Paint

Cracked or distorted paint on your walls, floorboards, or other wooden objects may be an indication of active termites. Termites will destroy anything in the way of their meal—the wood and cellulose products in your home.

Discolored or Drooping Drywall

If you find discolored or drooping drywall in your home, it’s likely that you are dealing with active termites. As mentioned before, while wood is the primary sustenance for termites, they also feed on other cellulose-based products; your drywall and its paperboard make a great snack.

If you are concerned that your home is at risk for termites or if you need a termite inspection in the Des Moines area, contact Springer. Set up your free inspection today!

Take These Steps if You Find Bed Bugs in Your Home

covers of bed during inspection in des moines iowa - first step if you find bed bugs in your home

You’ve noticed an outbreak of tiny red bumps on your arms and legs. They aren’t painful at first, but then they begin itching, and more and more appear every night. Then it happens, you spot several tiny, flat, wingless, insects crawling around in your bed. The nightmare is real, but thankfully, so is the solution.

1. Identify

Bed bugs most commonly invade the home via used furniture, but they can enter through fabric of any kind, including suitcases or clothing. Begin your disinfestation process by identifying where the bed bugs are hiding. Signs of a bed bug infestation include

  • Blood stains: Bed bugs’ primary food source is blood, not dirt or dust. So, it is very likely that you’ll find small traces of blood in the area where the bed bugs are living.
  • Bed bug excrements: Bed bugs are, after all, living in your home, so it makes sense that you would find signs of their living, including fecal matter, egg shells, or shed skins.
  • Offensive smell: Bed bugs’ scent glands excrete a musty odor, which will be noticeable in the infested area.

If you suspect that you have an infested area, it is important to thoroughly examine the potential home of the bed bugs:

  • For beds: Remove bedding and check for the above-mentioned signs of infestation. Remove the dust cover of your box springs, and check for bugs in the wood framing and metal springs.
  • For couches: If possible, remove cushion covers and inspect the area. If possible, remove the bottom liner of the couch and inspect the structure for bed bugs.
  • For all areas: Check the surrounding areas for signs of bed bugs. This includes carpet, drapes, books, shelving, clothing, and even electrical outlets.

2. Contain

Once you have identified where the bed bugs are living, it is crucial to contain that area of your home. Do not move furniture to other rooms (unless you can take it outside), and do not begin sleeping in a different area of your home as the bed bugs may follow you. Use your vacuum with a removable bag or filter to thoroughly clean the affected room. In a bedroom, vacuum your mattress, floorboards, curtains, and carpet. After vacuuming, make sure to remove the bag or filter and dispose of the contents in an outdoor trash can. Wash your bedding on your washing machine’s hot cycle, and dry it on high to kill any living bed bugs. Depending on the level of infestation, you may need to consider disposing of some of the affected material.

3. Clean

While bed bugs do not feed on dirt or dust, extra clutter around your home is the perfect place for bed bugs to hide. Do a thorough walkthrough of your home and declutter any areas that are in need of attention. Schedule a weekly regimen to dust, sweep, and clean your home. Maintaining your home will not only make detection easier, but if you do have another outbreak, you’ll be able to contain and remove more efficiently.

4. Call

If you are concerned that the infestation may be more than you can handle, it’s best to call in a professional. Professional pest control agencies have the resources and knowledge to detect bed bug infestations—even those that are deeply hidden in your bedding or furniture. Pest control companies can use scent-trained dogs to identify infected areas and heat technology to eliminate any remaining bugs. In less than 12 hours, you’ll have your home thoroughly examined and the bugs exterminated.

5. Discard

It is unlikely that you will have to discard any furniture or bedding; however, sometimes, removing affected household items is the easiest way to eliminate the bed bug infestation. Make sure to consult a professional to see if this step is necessary.

If you are suffering from bed bugs in the Des Moines area, contact Springer for a professional inspection. Springer’s highly trained team, including three canine bed bug detectives, will be able to find and remove the unwanted pests in less than a day’s time.

Springer also offers a Bed Bug Preventive Warranty. For a fixed monthly rate, Springer’s trained professionals will inspect your home for bed bugs regularly, eliminating the need for future heat treatment and ensuring the problem is under control. Contact us anytime, and be sure to download our free ebook below so you know exactly what to look for when traveling.

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FAQ About Carpenter Ants

Black and white closeup of carpenter ants

Carpenter ants are unlike your typical house ant in a number of ways. This species is known to be bigger, and definitely more dangerous. But why? True to their name, carpenter ants are infamous for damaging the wood. In fact, carpenter ants are oftentimes confused for termites, especially when they swarm. Due to the dangers, they pose to your home, it’s crucial to learn how to recognize the signs of carpenter ants, as well as how to keep them out of your home entirely. Keep reading to learn more about this dangerous ant species with the experts at Springer.

Are Carpenter Ants Dangerous?

In spite of their size, carpenter ants are not out to attack you or your family. That being said, they do have rather large jaws that they use to chew through wood. Those same jaws can be used to bite any potential threats to the ant, including you, your family, or your pets. Carpenter ant bites aren’t common and are essentially harmless. The pain caused by a carpenter ant bite is similar to that of a bee sting. While it’s important to protect yourself and your family from carpenter ants, your home is at greater risk of harm from their presence.

Can Carpenter Ants Damage My Home?

Yes, carpenter ants are known for their potentially damaging habits. Carpenter ants chew away at the wood in and around your home. This includes but is not limited to trees, sheds, siding, and furniture as well as the structure of your home (support beams, roofing, etc.). Carpenter ants do not work as quickly as termites, but if you believe you may have an infestation, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. The longer the problem goes unaddressed, the more damage your home is likely to suffer.

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Signs You Have Carpenter Ants

Ants are fairly common throughout the United States, so don’t be alarmed if you spot one or two throughout the spring and summer. You could potentially have a carpenter ant problem if you struggle with them in your home during the fall and winter months. Winged ants should also be considered a red flag as these are a sign of swarmer carpenter ants. Winged carpenter ants often resemble termites, so if you are unsure of what pest you are facing, it’s best to call a professional pest control company.

How Can I Get Rid of Carpenter Ants?

You can address your carpenter ant problem with baits, traps, and pesticides; however, these treatments will not attack the root of the issue. Always contact a local pest control professional for help getting rid of carpenter ants. In addition to treating your property, you can learn how to prevent these ants in the first place:

  • Eliminate any contact between your home and soil or mulch.
  • Trim trees and shrubbery around your home.
  • Seal cracks in your siding, foundation, and roofing.
  • Store firewood in an elevated area away from your home.
  • Properly dispose of yard waste.

Help With Carpenter Ants in Iowa

If you’re struggling with a carpenter ant infestation, contact Springer for residential pest control services. Springer has been a leading pest control agency in the Des Moines area for decades. Our trained technicians will be able to evaluate your situation and provide treatment to rid you of those ants forever!

5 Ways to Protect Your Home from Termites

pile of wood outside, an attractive home for termties - get rid of this to protect your home

The biggest threat to your home may be attacking you right under your nose—or floors. Termites affect more than half a million homes in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, these silent destroyers can go undetected for quite some time, often until the damage has harmed not only your home but also your wallet. If you’re not careful, you may be chipping into the $5 billion spent each year on termite-related expenses.

Concerned that your home may be at risk? There are several precautions you can take to lower your chances of a termite infestation. Check out these five ways to protect your home from termites.

1. Keep your yard and surrounding areas clear of wood.

Wood serves as both a habitat and food for termites. It’s best to remove all decaying wood, including dead trees and stumps, wood piles, and wooden structures (sheds, barns, etc.) sooner rather than later. The longer wood sits, the longer it has to rot and become a termite nesting ground.

If you do keep a scrap or firewood pile, maintain it in an area as far from your home as possible. Schedule regular burnings, and be sure to inspect the pile frequently during the summer, which is when termites begin mating. It’s also helpful to monitor wooden fences and decks to catch signs of termite damage as soon as possible. If termites have made their nest in your yard, they’ll be coming for your home next!

2. Reduce unnecessary moisture production.

Termites thrive in moist, damp areas. Whenever possible, use a dehumidifier to keep water levels down in unfinished areas of your home. Reduce moisture levels by maintaining and repairing leaky faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units. Don’t allow water to puddle in crawl space or basement areas. Make sure to clean out gutters and downspouts to allow rainfall to flow away from your home, keeping the surrounding soil as dry as possible.

3. Maintain your landscaping.

Remove wooden mulch, damp soil, and overgrown greenery from around your home. These conditions, much like a rotting tree stump, provide food and shelter for termites and can become the perfect pit stop on the way into your home. Keeping shrubbery and trees closest to your home trimmed and manicured can also aid in bringing these pests out of the shadows. Be sure to clear plants and bushes away from vents in your home’s exterior as these entryways are where termites have the easiest access into the structure of your house.

4. Seal all of the exterior cracks on the structure of your home.

Use multi-purpose caulk, wood sealant, or paint to coat and protect your shingles, deck, and foundation. Termites can get into the drywall of your home through minuscule cracks, so be sure to address any areas that may become problematic. Repair wooden structures like decks, arbors, and trellises that are in direct contact with your home; damaged wood is the perfect entryway for hungry termites.

5. Schedule annual inspections with a Des Moines-area pest control professional.

Utilizing the help of a professional pest control agency will help you to protect your home and prevent termite infestation. Pest control professionals will be able to inspect problem spots and detect potential infestation areas. Unsure of whether your home is at risk? There are various ways pest control professionals can help keep your home free of termites, from inspection to control and removal of termites.

How to Detect a Termite Infestation

Potential warning signs of a termite infestation include the appearance of pale, sometimes winged, soft-bodied insects ranging from ¼ to ½” in size; the development of pencil-wide mud tubes on your foundation, walls, or joists; or damaged, hollowed-out wood.

Your house isn’t just the building you live in; it’s where you’ve built your life. Protect it. If you are concerned that your home may be under attack from termites or other pests, contact Springer Professional Home Services. Our team has been providing quality home care to the Des Moines area for decades. Our trained professionals will work with you from start to finish on your project, whether you need a routine inspection or a full-fledged removal. Call us today!

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Prevent Cockroaches from Entering Your Home This Winter

a spotless cedar rapids kitchen - an effective way to prevent roaches from entering your home

Your alarm clock goes off in the morning…rise and shine! You step out of bed, into your slippers, and sluggishly make your way toward the kitchen. It’s time for your ritual 7 o’clock cup of coffee. You open up your cupboard to reach for your favorite mug when you suddenly see a roach scurry past your hand and out of view. Your heart skips a beat and you let out a quick screech. Well, you’re awake. No caffeine needed today.

A Bit About Cockroaches

Cockroaches can live anywhere from six months to about a year and a half. Unfortunately for us, some can also survive below-freezing temperatures…at least long enough to move into our homes and vacation there until it gets warm outside again.

Cockroaches are common household pests for many homeowners and apartment residents during the winter in Iowa. American cockroaches and German cockroaches are both prevalent in the U.S. They can quickly reproduce and grow to large numbers, hiding out in the dark cracks and crevices of our homes. They often sneak around at night, scouring kitchens and bathrooms for food and water sources. Some cockroaches also carry and spread pathogens everywhere they go, so it’s important to thoroughly and regularly clean and sanitizes all areas where you’ve found cockroaches in your home.

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How to Get Roaches Out of Your Home

If easy access to food and water is what attracts roaches to certain areas in your home, eliminating these sources can help you conquer the problem. Make sure you keep your counters clean at all times. Don’t leave food, beverages, or dirty dishes around the house (even in the kitchen) overnight. Store food in tamperproof (preferably sealed, glass) containers.

Vacuum and sweep floors often to rid them of crumbs and any possible cockroach eggs or excrement lying around, and empty vacuum bags outside. Also, take out the trash daily, or make sure you have a lid that seals tightly so insects can’t feed off of its contents. Leaky faucets or fixtures and wet toothbrushes are also attractive for wandering cockroaches.

In general, keep your home as clean as possible so roaches don’t have many places to hide. Try to seal any cracks throughout your home so bugs can’t enter. Many cockroaches thrive in dead trees and woodpiles, so if you have these in your yard, keep them as far away from your house as possible.

How to Prevent Cockroaches from Returning

Cockroaches will keep returning to your home if you don’t target and eliminate the source, which can be difficult to do. Many insect sprays may immediately kill a cockroach running across your countertop, but they won’t kill the ones hiding in cracks and crevices of your home that could emerge at any time. A pest control professional will know what type of treatment will be most effective for your situation and target the colony to destroy the source.

If you have a cockroach problem in your home, call, text, or email Springer for help. This is a very common problem at this time of year, and we know how stressful seeing creepy crawlers in your cupboards and on your countertops can be. Contact us to schedule a pest inspection in the Des Moines area today!

How to Keep Mice Out of Your Home This Winter

mouse entering iowa home - rodent exclusion is how to keep mice out
“Honey, how are we going to keep the mice away? I don’t want to deal with them again all winter like we did last year!”

Mice are some of the most common pests to sneak into our homes during the winter to wait out the cold, taking advantage of our heat and food resources. Unfortunately, they’re able to squeeze through tiny, dime-sized holes we often don’t even know are there. To help you ward off mice and prevent them from entering your home this winter, we’ve compiled a list of tips.

5 Tips to Prevent Mice from Entering Your House

Keep your kitchen clean, and store food safely.

Leaving your dishes around the kitchen or food scraps and crumbs on counters, tables, or in the sink can attract mice to these areas. Keep eating and meal prep areas tidy by cleaning up right after meals and doing the dishes as you go. Make sure food is stored safely in sealed, rodent-proof containers—even pet food.

Don’t let clutter pile up.

If you have a storage room in your home or a lot of clutter throughout your living space, you’ve created an environment where mice can easily hideout. Areas located in parts of your home that you don’t often use, such as the basement, garage, or attic, are especially attractive for mice and rats to build their nests without being disturbed. Keep your home clean and organized so rodents have fewer places to hide.

Manage your yard and landscaping.

Take a look around your yard. Do you have bushes or plants growing right up against your home or trees with overhanging branches? If so, you’re giving mice and other pests easier access to your home. Keep trees and bushes trimmed so they don’t act as step stools or ladders.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home and a woodpile in your backyard, keep it as far away from your home as possible. Mice like to hide in woodpiles.

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Seal any possible entry points.

Seal cracks, holes, and other drafty areas to keep unwanted visitors out of your home. Check around doors and windows, the foundation, and siding and roofing components. Make sure that seals are tight and that rodents can’t enter through vents, fascia and soffit boards, or chimney flashing. If you have small holes around the house that you need to fill quickly (to act as a temporary solution while you’re waiting for someone to make a permanent repair), you can fill them with steel wool, which mice can’t chew through.

Check the weather stripping at the base of your garage door as well, and make sure it’s free of holes and tears and is effectively keeping out critters, rain, and snow. Sealing all of these areas will not only help prevent pests from entering but make your home more energy-efficient as well.

Keep doors shut, and add brush strips.

Make sure when you enter or exit your house, you close the door as quickly as possible. Mice are sneaky and can make their move quickly when you’re not looking. Also consider adding a brush strip to the exterior doors of your home to block gaps across the bottom of your doors, where mice often squeeze through. These strips will also help drafty doors keep heat indoors during the winter.

“Honey, there’s a mouse in the house!”

If you find you already have a rodent problem at home, the most effective way to fix it is by calling a professional with proven knowledge and equipment. Springer offers professional residential pest control services for Des Moines and Central Iowa. Contact us by phone (call or text) or email. We look forward to working with you and helping you rid your home of any pesky mice!

Should I Treat My Attic for Pests This Winter?

iowa home with residents wondering if they should treat attic for pests this winter

Many people don’t think they need pest control services during the winter. Don’t the ice, snow, and freezing temperatures either send creepy crawlers south or kill them off? Nope—certainly not all of them. Mice, rats, cockroaches, and Asian beetles are some of the common pests that can sneak into our homes and make themselves comfortable (sometimes without us even noticing) during the cold season in Iowa.

How Pests Can Enter Your Attic

Pests can sneak into your attic through cracks or holes in your roofing system, gutters, your home’s foundation, or where wood is beginning to rot. The best way to keep pests out of your home is by repairing any damaged areas and making sure your home is sealed tightly so nothing, even small insects, can crawl inside.

Why Attic Pests Can Be a Problem

Pests can create nests in your attic and quickly grow to large numbers, turning into a large infestation before you know it. Rodents can chew through electrical wires, posing fire hazards, and destroy insulation, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements. They can also contaminate your home and spread serious diseases, such as salmonella, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and rat-bite fever. Keep in mind that some diseases can be spread in ways other than being directly bit or scratched. In some cases, simply breathing in or touching contaminated dust can be enough to infect you.

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How to Tell If Pests Are Lurking in Your Attic

If you hear any kind of noise coming from your attic, it’s probably not a ghost. You likely have a pest problem, and by the time you notice the noise, unfortunately, the problem could be a large one. Like we mentioned above, rodents can spread some diseases through the air, so it’s best to let a professional enter your attic and treat the problem if you know you have one. Even if you don’t breathe in toxic dust by going into your attic, you could track contaminants into your living space.

If you decide to enter your attic, look for chewing marks, listen for noises, and keep an eye out for nests and droppings. Be sure to check floor cavities, window fixtures, insulation, wood, and other less obvious areas for signs of life.

How to Treat an Attic Pest Problem

If you’ve heard pitter-pattering above your head or you believe you may have an insect infestation up there (or you want to ensure you don’t), have your top-level treated this winter. A professional exterminator will inspect your home and treat it appropriately. This may including pinpointing and sealing any entry or exit points, applying insecticides, dusting hard-to-reach areas, vacuuming, setting traps and bait stations, and installing pest monitors.

Call Springer!

If you’d like your home professionally inspected and treated, regardless of the time of year, contact Springer. You can learn about our process on our Residential Pest Control page. Call, text, or email us anytime!