Get Rid of Earwigs with These Tips

Contrary to their namesake, earwigs aren’t inclined to crawl into your ear, but let’s face it—they’re gross! While they may not be a threat to your physical health, earwigs can damage plants in your yard and are generally unwelcome visitors in the home. Get rid of earwigs with these simple tips.

How to Spot Earwigs

Earwigs are thin, reddish-brown insects typically ½”–¾” in length. They are most recognizable by their long pincers, which stick out from their rear. These pincers do not pose a threat to humans as they are not strong enough to puncture the skin. Sometimes, earwigs will excrete an odorous liquid as self-defense. Earwigs do not carry diseases and are not poisonous.

How to Get Rid of Earwigs

Earwigs prefer to live in damp, cool places, either indoors or outdoors. They tend to migrate to areas where they can live undisturbed, which is why you may notice them in your basement storage room or an unattended area of your yard. If the problem seems too big to tackle, you can always contact a pro!

In Your Home

Be aware of potential earwig hotspots. Earwigs seek wet habitats, so pay special attention to rooms with running water like your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and utility room.

  1. Combine one part rubbing alcohol with one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas as well as any live earwigs. The alcohol will penetrate the earwig’s waxy outer shell and kill it.
  1. Utilize a store-bought insecticide spray around your home.

In Your Garden

Earwigs feed on plants and vegetation, so you’ll likely see evidence of their destruction in your garden and landscaping. Here are some ways to remove earwigs from your yard.

  1. Cover the base of your plants with petroleum jelly. Earwigs will be unable to crawl over it. They will leave due to the lack of food sources.
  1. Create earwig traps by combining equal parts oil (vegetable, olive, etc.) and soy sauce in a plastic container. Cover the container with a lid, and poke holes in it large enough for earwigs to crawl into the trap. Bury several of these containers in the affected area so that the top of the container is flush with the ground. The soy sauce will attract the earwigs, and the oil will prevent the earwigs from crawling out. Dump and refill the traps as needed.
  1. Sprinkle Borax around heavily populated areas like woodpiles. Be sure to keep children and pets away.
  1. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the affected areas. The rough particles in the powder will scratch away the soft parts of the earwigs’ body and cause them to dehydrate and die. Make sure to wear a mask over your nose and mouth if you do decide to use this method.

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How to Prevent Earwigs

Keep It Clean

  1. Earwigs will cluster in damp, dark areas with lots of coverage. Keep your yard free of debris, yard clippings, and woodpiles to keep earwigs from moving in.
  2. Eliminate Wet Areas
  3. Don’t allow damp wood, leaves, or yard clippings to sit in your yard for extended periods of time.

Structure Proper Drainage

Make sure your home has proper drainage, both inside and outside. Downspouts should drain away from your home, and leaky pipes should be addressed promptly. Don’t allow water to sit on basement floors.

Secure Entry Points

Be sure to repair holes in screens, woodwork, and siding to prevent earwig entry into your home.

Utilize a Dehumidifier

Remove extra moisture from damp, dark areas of your home with a dehumidifier.

If you’re fighting a losing battle against earwigs, contact Springer Professional Home Services. As one of the leading pest control agencies in the Des Moines area, Springer can address and eliminate all of your indoor and outdoor pest issues. Give us a call today!

Identify, Prevent, and Control Lyctid Beetles This Summer

You’ve probably heard of carpenter ants and termites, but what about the lyctid beetle? Commonly referred to as the powderpost or wood-boring beetle, lyctid beetles are wood-loving bugs that get their name from the way they can turn wood into powder. I wish we were kidding, but yes, that’s right. Given enough time, powderpost beetle larvae can actually break wood down to dust. Read on to learn how to identify, prevent, and control lyctid beetles this summer.

What Is a Lyctid Beetle?

Powderpost beetles are brown and usually less than ¼” in length. They have six legs and a set of protective wings on their cylindrical bodies. These nasty little guys cause the most damage in their larval stage and have a fairly short adult lifespan.

Where Are Lyctid Beetles Commonly Found?

Lyctid beetles make their homes in raw hardwood. They typically appear in the springtime when it’s time to lay their eggs; however, their larval stage lasts throughout the winter.

How Can I Tell If I Have Lyctid Beetles?

You’ll be able to tell if you have lyctid beetles by examining the raw hardwood around your property. Lyctid beetles bore into lumber to lay their eggs and bore another hole as they emerge. Check your wooden furniture, structures, and trees for these tiny holes. The holes are typically 1/16th–1/8th of an inch in diameter, and you’ll likely find bunches of them together. The telltale sign of powderpost beetles is the powdery residue they leave behind from the destruction of the wood.

Do Lyctid Beetles Cause Harm?

If left unchecked, lyctid beetles can cause serious harm to any wood you might have on your property. Just like with termites or carpenter ants, it’s crucial to address your problem early.

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How Do I Get Rid of Lyctid Beetles?

If you have an isolated outbreak of lyctid beetles, there are a few ways to get rid of the pests:

  • Remove infested wood from your property
  • Treat affected areas with a borate-based insecticide
  • Inspect any potential powderpost beetle “hot spots”

In cases of serious infestation, contact a pest control professional.

How Do I Prevent Lyctid Beetles?

While infestation isn’t entirely preventable, there are some ways to protect yourself from lyctid beetles:

  • Dry all rough-cut lumber in a kiln
  • Use chemically treated wood
  • Don’t allow damp wood (rotting trees, collapsing sheds, etc.) to collect on your property.
  • Sand and varnish all of your wooden furniture
  • Use a preventive borate-based insecticide
  • Inspect all wood prior to purchase
  • Don’t store wood near your home

If you need professional pest control in the Des Moines area, call Springer today! The professionals at Springer can tackle any pest problem and will help you prevent future outbreaks as well. If you are concerned that you may be battling a powderpost beetle or other infestation, contact Springer for a thorough pest inspection. Trust Springer with all of your pest control needs!

What to Do If a Bee Stings You

It’s almost summer, which means it’s almost bee season. Avoiding a sting is priority number one, but if you happen to be stung by a bee, here’s what to do.

If You Are Allergic

If you know that you are allergic to bee stings, seek medical attention immediately. If you are unsure whether you are allergic, there are signs that you may be having a reaction:

  • Hives, itching, or red skin
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the throat or tongue
  • Rapid pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Loss of consciousness

If You’re Not Allergic

If you aren’t allergic to bee stings, then there are a few ways to aid your recovery.

Remove the Stinger

The first thing you want to do after you are stung by a bee is to remove the stinger. A bee’s stinger contains venom that contributes to the pain of a bee sting. The longer you leave a stinger in your skin, the longer it has to release the venom. Use tweezers or your fingers to completely remove the stinger.

Wash Your Skin

After you have successfully removed the bee’s stinger from your skin, wash the area with soap and cool water. This will prevent germs or bacteria from entering your skin through the sting.

Use a Cold Compress

It’s likely that by now you are experiencing some swelling. Use a cold compress to help relieve the inflammation around your sting. The cold compress will also help numb the area to reduce pain. Keep the cold compress on your skin for 15–30 minutes at a time. If your skin is too sensitive to have the cold compress directly touching it, use a damp cloth as a buffer.

Pain Relief

You can use a variety of over-the-counter pain relief creams to help reduce your pain. If you don’t have any available to you, here are a few home remedies to try:

  • Honey
  • Baking soda
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Toothpaste
  • Witch hazel

You can also take oral medications like ibuprofen or Benadryl to help reduce pain.

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What to Do to Prevent Future Stings

Bee stings aren’t fun for anyone. Here are a few ways you can avoid them in the future.

Don’t Wear Sweet-Smelling Fragrances

Bees are attracted to sweet scents, so don’t wear perfume, hairspray, or lotions that may convince them that you’re a flower.

Keep Food and Drinks Covered

Summer picnics are great, and bees think so too! If you are enjoying food and drinks while outdoors, be sure to keep everything covered.

Always Wear Shoes

Shoes won’t always keep you from getting stung, but they will protect your feet as you walk through the grass.

Leave Bee-Infested Areas

Where there’s one, there’s probably more! Don’t hang around an area that seems to be a bee hotspot. There’s no reason to tempt fate.

Use Professional Pest Control Services

Sometimes, a bee problem can be too much for you avoid. In a situation with a bee infestation, you may want to seek professional help.

Protect your family from bees and other flying insects with Springer pest control in Des Moines. Don’t let these pesky bugs keep you from enjoying your yard this summer. Let the professionals at Springer successfully resolve your bee problem.

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

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

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

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

Carpenter ants in Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

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

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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