Late Summer Pests in Des Moines

Ants on a wood wall in Des Moines, IA

From epic festivals and events to outdoor adventures, summer is a joyful time in Des Moines. Summer offers an abundance of sunny days for your family and friends to enjoy. However, the late summer can bring along a surge in various pests that can disrupt outdoor activities and invade your homes. These unwelcome summer pests appreciate the warm weather and are more likely to invade your property during this season.

Common Types of Late Summer Pests:

There are many types of pests in the Des Moines area. The more common types of summer pests, along with information about their late summer behaviors, include: 

Ants

During the later months of summer, ant reproduction takes center stage, along with the formation of new colonies. These extensive colonies have the capability to lead to infestations in both your homes and businesses. The small size of these summer pests grants them easy access to structures, thereby posing a threat of structural damage to homes and the potential transmission of bacteria.

Bees, Wasps, and Hornets 

Encounters with bees, wasps, bees, and hornets tend to become more frequent in the later stages of summer. These summer pests can become more aggressive during the summer due to their food sources becoming more scarce.  

Fleas, Ticks, and Mites

Late summer is a time of heightened activity among fleas, ticks, and mites. These small summer pests are capable of transmitting a range of diseases through their bites. The resulting illnesses can cause symptoms that span from slight discomfort to serious afflictions, impacting both humans and pets alike.

Cockroaches

As summer enters its later months, it’s common for cockroach infestations to intensify. The warm weather during this period creates an optimal environment for their breeding and mobility. Cockroaches have the ability to contaminate food and different surfaces within households. They are widely known as spreaders of bacteria. This could lead to health risks such as foodborne illnesses, gastrointestinal problems, and allergic reactions.

Spiders 

Warm temperatures during the late summer provide an ideal environment for spiders. Spiders will actively search for shelter in the summer heat, often seeking refuge inside homes and businesses. The warm climate also draws in the very insects that serve as their prey. The existence of spiders can be an indicator of a potential underlying pest problem that is luring them in.

Termites

Though termite swarming can happen year-round, it’s most common in the spring and summer. The late summer months provide the warm weather and high humidity that termites prefer to create their colonies. If a termite colony is near your home, their tunnels will lead to its foundations, walls, framing, and floors. If not treated immediately, this can eventually lead to the destruction of your home. 

Mosquitos

Mosquitos thrive in the late summer. The summer temperature speeds up their reproduction patterns, allowing them to lay more eggs. The warmer weather also means Iowans are spending more time outside, which increases the risk of mosquito bites. These summer pests spread germs through their bites. Viruses such as West Nile and parasites such as malaria can be dangerous for both people and their pets. 

Take Preemptive Action   

Don’t wait for summer pests to invade your home. Take proactive steps to protect your property from summer pest invasions. Contact the skilled professionals at Springer Professional Home Services for expert assistance and year-round pest management solutions.

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite: What to Look Out for While Traveling

Bed Bugs in Airbnb in Des Moines, IA

Welcome to Des Moines, Iowa! Whether you’re here for an event, visiting friends or family, or stopping for a rest on your way through, the last thing you want to take away with you is bed bugs. From an Airbnb to a hotel, no accommodation is too grand or humble for the presence of these nasty little pests. So let’s go over how to identify and protect yourself from these bloodsucking hitchhikers. 

How to Check for Bed Bugs at an Airbnb 

You’ve just checked into your Airbnb and are ready to settle in. If leaving luggage in the car or outside is not an option, immediately place your luggage in the bathroom. This is the least likely place for bed bugs to be hiding and you run the least risk of contamination while you inspect the place.  

  • Glove up if possible: Bed bugs have not been found to spread disease like other bloodsucking pests, but gloves will help prevent contamination.  
  • Inspect Mattresses and Bedding: Lift the sheets and check for small, reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, or brownish-black fecal spots on the mattress, and box spring. Pay close attention to seams, folds, and crevices, especially near the head area. 
  • Examine Headboards and Furniture: Bed bugs can hide in upholstered headboards, chairs, and couches. Look for signs of infestation, such as tiny bugs, eggs, or dark stains along the seams of all upholstered surfaces. 
  • Use a Flashlight: Bed bugs are nocturnal, so turn the lights off and use a flashlight for better inspection conditions. 

If you run an Airbnb, don’t hesitate to contact professional exterminators. 

Signs of Bed Bugs at a Hotel 

Not much different from an Airbnb, the aforementioned procedure is applicable here as well. Some extra signs to be aware of are: 

  • Rust-colored spots: Bed Bugs feed exclusively on human blood and leave behind rust-colored stains in their wake.  
  • Bite Patterns: Their bite is painless but causes an itchy welt that some people have an allergic reaction to. If you notice multiple red bug bites in a row wherever skin was exposed during your sleep (like ankles and calves), it’s likely bed bugs. 

How to Prevent Home Invasion 

  • Use Luggage Racks: Hotels provide these for just this purpose: use racks instead of placing luggage on the bed or floor. If at an Airbnb, keep luggage on a hard surface to discourage these pests.  
  • Seal Your Luggage: When not in use, store your luggage in a large plastic bag to protect it from invasion. 
  • Go With Hard Cover: Bed bugs love to hide in fabric suitcases, so if possible opt for luggage with a hard surface material. This will provide fewer access points and reduce your risk of unwanted guests.  
  • Dry Then Wash: Put all fabrics in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes, then wash in high heat to sanitize. Applying high heat is essential to ensuring the eradication of any possible hitchhikers. 

Pest Control You Can Count On 

For nearly 35 years, the highly trained experts at Springer Professional Home Services have been dedicated to exceeding our customers’ expectations. Leave the bed bugs to the experts, and rest easy knowing your home is in good hands. If you suspect you may have a bed bug infestation or are seeking preventative pest control, don’t hesitate to contact us today! 

Why Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Some People More Than Others?

Mosquito on skin

Mosquito bites can be quite bothersome, especially during summer picnics. However, have you ever wondered why some people seem to be more prone to mosquito bites than others? It turns out that mosquitoes do have their preferences when it comes to blood types and skin bacteria. Yuck! Let’s explore the factors that make certain individuals more attractive to these pesky bloodsuckers and what you can do to protect yourself from their itchy bites.

What Makes You Attractive to Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes swarm to specific individuals for various reasons, such as

  • Carbon Dioxide: Mosquitoes have a knack for detecting the carbon dioxide you exhale. The more you produce, the tastier you become. 
  • Body Heat: Mosquitoes have a unique ability to detect their targets by sensing body heat and infrared radiation. If you happen to radiate more body heat, you may become a prime destination for these persistent pests.
  • Blood Type: It seems mosquitoes have a refined palate, as studies hint they may prefer certain blood types. People with type O are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for these insatiable insects.
  • Skin Bacteria: Your skin is a bustling metropolis of bacteria, each producing its unique fragrance. Some odors can either attract or repel mosquitoes. You might dodge their unwelcome advances if your skin boasts the right mix of Staphylococcus bacteria.
  • Sweat and Lactic Acid: Mosquitoes have a knack for sniffing out the scent of sweat and lactic acid. Sweating releases these chemicals, drawing mosquitoes in like moths to a flame. 
  • Genetics: Hidden within your genes lies the secret of mosquito allure. Some lucky individuals possess a genetic trait that repels or beckons these buzzing pests. It is like having a secret language that determines your insect appeal.

Reliable Mosquito Control

There are several ways to reduce your chances of getting mosquito bites, including:

  • Apply insect repellent. Follow instructions and reapply.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants. Treat clothes with permethrin to repel insects.
  • Stay indoors or amp up protection.
  • Eliminate stagnant water sources like buckets, birdbaths, and flower pots. Cover or clean regularly.
  • Keep mosquitoes out with screens on doors and windows, or use nets over beds. 
  • The best way to prevent mosquitoes is with professional mosquito extermination services.

How to Treat Mosquito Bites

Here are some tips for treating the bite and relieving the itch:

  • Wash the bite area with water and soap.
  • Apply an ice pack for several minutes to reduce swelling and itching.
  • Apply baking soda and water or an over-the-counter anti-itch cream to the bite area.
  • Avoid scratching the bite, as it can cause infection or scarring.
  • See a doctor if you have signs of an allergic reaction or a mosquito-borne disease.

Contact Springer Today

Mosquito bites are equally annoying and dangerous. That is why you need Springer’s Professional Mosquito Control Services. Springer is a trusted pest control company serving Des Moines, IA, and surrounding areas since 1989. They have the experience and expertise to eliminate mosquitoes from your property using safe and effective methods.

Springer will inspect your property for signs of mosquito activity and apply treatments targeting mosquitoes at every stage of their life cycle. They will also provide tips on how to prevent future mosquito infestations and keep your property mosquito-free.

Do not let mosquitoes ruin your summer. Contact Springer Professional Home Services today for a free estimate and schedule your mosquito control service.

Rats in the Grass: Avoiding Rodents in Your Yard

a little mouse peeking out from the grass

Rodents can be a severe nuisance and a health hazard for you and your family. They can damage your property, contaminate your food, and carry diseases. If there are rodents in your yard, it’s important to act immediately before they take the opportunity to enter your home.

Signs of Rodents in Your Yard

Before you seek treatment for rats or mice in the yard, you have to determine if they’ve nested on your property to begin with. So how can you tell if your yard has rodents? Here are some of the main signs to look out for:

  • Rodent droppings.
  • Holes and tunnels in the ground where rats or mice can hide and nest. 
  • Gnaw marks on fences, furniture, plants, or structures.
  • Footprints and tail marks in the soil or snow. You may see them along walls, fences, or pathways.
  • Squeaking, scratching, or scurrying noises at night. You may hear them in your attic, walls, or basement.

Types of Rodents in Your Yard

There are a variety of different rodents that may find their way inside your property and home. Luck for us, only two varieties in Iowa are known for invading from the yard. This would be the house mouse and the Norway rat. Let’s talk more about both species below:

  • House mouse: The house mouse is a small rodent with gray-brown fur and a pointed snout. It can go as big as three inches long and 0.8 ounces heavy. House mice feed on seeds, grains, fruits, and insects, and can enter your house through gaps as small as a dime.
  • Norway rat: The Norway rat is a large rodent that has brown-black fur and a blunt snout. It can get as big as 10 inches long and as heavy as 18 ounces. A Norway rat can enter your house through gaps as large as a quarter, where it’ll look for garbage, meat, grains, and fruits to feed on.

How to Prevent Rodents From Moving Into Your House

It’s never too early to take the right steps towards keeping rodents away from your yard. And by taking proactive action, you can save yourself the bill and hassle of a pest control treatment. To keep rats and mice off your property, you can:

  • Seal any gaps or holes around your house that rodents can use to enter. 
  • Keep your trash cans tightly closed and away from the perimeter of your house. 
  • Dispose of garbage regularly and do not leave food scraps outside.
  • Trim back any bushes or shrubs that touch the side of your house. 
  • Store firewood above the ground and at least 20 feet away from your home. 
  • Remove any clutter or debris from your yard that rodents can use as a shelter or nesting material.

Get Professional Help for Rodent Removal

If you already have rats or mice in your yard, you want to seek professional extermination services while the problem is still manageable. A licensed pest control company can inspect your property, identify the type and source of rodents, and apply the best treatment methods.

Springer Professional Home Services is one of the best pest control companies that offer rodent removal in Central Iowa. They have been serving the area since 1989 and have the experience and expertise to handle any rodent problem. So if you find yourself playing landlord to a crowd of furry, beady-eyed tenants, contact us today and find your peace of mind.

TAP: Pest Control Insulation

A tube that is blowing insulation into an open, unfinished attic.

You may be asking yourself, “What is TAP insulation, and why should I pay for another service to my home?”. That is a fair question! Home maintenance is something many of us dread with how it can mess with our schedules and our wallets. TAP Insulation is a way to combine several forms of home maintenance in one easy solution. In other words, TAP insulation works on three different fronts to ensure your home is warm, quiet, and pest-free* year-round. 

What Is TAP® Insulation?

TAP stands for Thermal/Acoustical/Pest Control insulation:

  • Thermal: TAP Insulation uses cellulose fibers made from ground up newspaper. These paper fibers create small air pockets, much like a winter puff jacket, to increase the thermal efficiency in your attic. Given heat rises, the air pockets help to trap the rising heat, keeping your house warm in the colder months. TAP insulation’s density also captures air from escaping during the summer, which keeps the cold AC air in!
  • Acoustical: As a wide-open hard surface, your ceiling can do a lot to amplify and spread loud noises. The soft plush texture of TAP insulation can help muffle this noise with ease. The same features that help TAP insulation retain heat will be the ones keeping your home from sounding like a concert hall.
  • Pest Control: TAP insulation’s paper fibers are mixed with a fine Borate mixture, which is a natural insecticide. As insects attempt to infiltrate your home they’ll be covered in borate. When the insects clean themselves, the borate makes its way into their digestive tract, killing them. This makes it a remarkable pest control insulation as pests will be doomed before they make it into your home and settle in.    

TAP Insulation Benefits

Insulation is important to any home, but TAP goes above and beyond in terms of protection and comfort. This special insulation offers a number of additional advantages:

  • Safe and Non-Toxic: This insulation is generally made from natural materials that are non-toxic, making it safer for homes with children, pets, or people with sensitivities.
  • Improved Energy Efficiency: TAP insulation protects against thermal loss, which can significantly reduce your heating and cooling.
  • Eco-Friendly Pest Prevention: Treated insulation is environmentally friendly and does not contribute to pollution of the water, air, or soil, like normal pest prevention methods may.
  • Long-Lasting Protection: Unlike chemical pesticides, which need to be applied frequently, TAP insulation can provide long-lasting protection from your home from new and existing pests.

Why Go with Pest Control Insulation?

Many forms of insulation are available on the market today, many of which have been treated with pesticides. You may be asking why you should go with TAP insulation. However, it’s important to note that pesticide-treated insulations aren’t designed to keep pests out. Rather, the pesticides simply protect the insulation itself. This leads to invading pests simply going around or ignoring the insulation and heading straight into your home. 

In contrast, TAP insulation is designed to keep pests out long-term. Bugs only need to come into contact with the insulation for it to be effective. With the insulation actually providing a barrier from inside of the house there’s no need for repeat visits from a pest control company to treat the perimeter of the house.

When you’re curious about the further benefits of TAP Insulation and want a free quote, contact the pest control experts at Springer Professional Home Services today! Our trained technicians are ready to provide you with this long-lasting solution.

Preventing Pests in Houseplants

An orchid leaf with an infestation of scale insects.

Houseplants are a great way to liven up any living space. They not only improve the aesthetics of the room but also have several health benefits, including purifying the air and reducing stress. However, houseplants can also attract bugs and pests, which can be detrimental to their health and also cause an infestation in your home. The good news is that, like most bugs, there are steps you can take to deal with them before they become an infestation. Consistently inspect your houseplants for evidence of pest activity. Preventing pests in houseplants starts with early detection.

Common Houseplant Pests

  1. Spider Mites: Tiny pests that are difficult to see but cause significant damage to your plants. Spider mites suck sap from leaves and stem, taking valuable nutrients away from your plant. Look for yellowing or stippling of leaves, webbing on plants, and the presence of speck-like insects.
  2. Mealybugs: Soft-bodied insects that look like white cotton balls. Found on the underside of leaves and on stems. These bugs also feed on plant sap and can stunt your plant’s growth.
  3. Scale Insects: Scales are often found on the stems and leaves of plants. They can be identified by their hard, waxy coverings. They suck plant sap and lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and plant death if left untreated.
  4. Fungus Gnats: These tiny bugs are often found in the soil and can be identified with their black bodies and long, thin wings. They do not directly harm plants but can cause root damage if the population becomes too large.

Pest Prevention Tips

  1. Keep Plants Clean:  Clean off dust and debris that accumulates on leaves, this provides a breeding ground for insects if left. Wipe the leaves of houseplants with a damp cloth regularly. Clean leaves also help the plant photosynthesize more effectively and stay healthy.
  2. Inspect New Plants: When you buy new plants, inspect them thoroughly before bringing them inside. Look for any signs of pest infestation, such as holes in the leaves, sticky residue, or webs. If you notice these signs, do not buy the plant. If you cannot examine the plant before buying it, quarantine the new plant for a few days before placing it among your other plants.
  3. Water Correctly: Overwatering can lead to development of fungus gnats. Only water the top inch of soil when it is dry to the touch or invest in self-watering globes which will water the plant from the bottom. Avoid letting the soil remain waterlogged. Ensure there is enough drainage to allow excess water to drain.
  4. Use Natural Insecticides: If you do find pests in your houseplants, there are several natural insecticides that can get rid of them. Neem oil, for instance, is effective and save for use on most plants. You can use a mixture of water and dish soap to spray on the leaves of the plants. This will suffocate the insects and prevent them from laying eggs.
  5. Use Sticky Traps: Sticky traps are a great way to catch flying insects like fungus gnats. These traps have a sticky substance that the insect cannot escape from after landing on them. You can place these traps near your houseplants.

Professional Pest Control

If you have tried to get rid of a pest infestation to no avail, it may be time to call the professionals. Our team at Springer Professional Home Services is equipped with the products and experience to help. Since 1989, we’ve provided trusted extermination services to homes and businesses throughout Central Iowa. Call us today for a free quote!

Are There Rodents in Your Car?

A mouse crouches in the snow

Winter in Iowa can be harsh, and while we can bundle up to keep warm, the same can’t be said for pests like rats and mice. They look for warm places to nest and feed, and with that in mind, your car can become the perfect spot. Springer Professional Home Services has been handling rodent infestations for over 30 years, and in that time, we’ve learned that rats and mice will take any opportunity to get indoors, which doesn’t always mean in your home. Sometimes it means in your vehicle. Because of that, it’s important to know the warning signs of rats in your car, the risks they pose, and what we can do to help.

Signs Rodents Have Been in Your Car

Be they rats or mice, rodents are known for three main habits: biting, nesting and defecating. Anywhere you find these three phenomena, you’re likely to find rats and mice as well. Some of the damages are things you’ll be easy to see, like droppings (that may look like coffee beans or grains of rice, depending on the rodent), or tears in the upholstery to get material for nests. These nests will usually be in warmer spots around your car, such as behind heat ducts or under the center console.

It’s vital to contact a pest control company for treatment as soon as you notice any of these signs. With the amount of time we spend in our cars with every passing year, it’s important to ensure the vehicles we drive are operating safely.

The Danger Rodents Pose

The visual signs of rodent damage in your car are concerning. What’s especially nefarious, however, are the forms of damage that you aren’t able to see. If a rat is able to chew at the plastic panels on your dashboard, it’s not too far of a stretch for them to chew one of the vital wires that your car needs to operate properly. If that wasn’t enough, rat and mouse droppings carry pathogens that can cause illnesses like salmonellosis and hantavirus. So, if a rodent makes a nest behind your heat vents, you run the risk of circulating particles of pathogens throughout your vehicle.

You don’t want to put your passengers or yourself at risk. That’s why it’s so important to seek professional pest control treatment before the problem spreads.

Springer Professional Home Services for Rat and Mouse Control

If you suspect rodents in your car, don’t hesitate to act. If you wait too long, there’s a very real possibility of the rats or mice getting into your home. But if you make an effort to clear your car of rodents, only to find more moving in soon after, they may already have a nest in your home. Luckily, Springer Professional Home Services can safely remove existing rodent nests, as well as take exclusionary efforts to prevent future infestations. You can trust the team that has been caring for households in Iowa since 1989 and know that whatever work we do is done with your comfort and safety in mind. To learn more, contact us today!

DIY Ways to Keep a Mouse out of Your House

A mouse pokes its head out from under s piece of furniture in a house.

Iowa’s winters are frigid. It’s true for human residents as well as pests, particularly rodents, who try to get into homes to warm up and gain access to food. At Springer Professional Home Services, our skilled rodent exterminators can get rid of any size or type of infestation. But if you were able to keep mice out in the first place, wouldn’t that be better? Here are some methods you can try to help keep your home pest-free* this winter. Please note, however, that DIY pest control is not as effective as professional pest control. But if you’re not ready to call an exterminator or want to wait until you’ve tried everything yourself, here are some techniques to consider.

Non-toxic, DIY Rodent Repellents

Here are four common methods for keeping mice and other rodents away using common household items:

Peppermint oil: Mice don’t like the smell of peppermint. In order to keep them from entering, you can put a few drops of the oil on cotton balls, and then place them near any potential access points or attractants, like unsealed food. Even better, you can plant mint along the perimeter of your property to act as a natural barrier!

Another odor mice dislike is apple cider vinegar. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and spray it once a month along the perimeter of your home and around potential access points.

Steel wool: Thanks to their strong incisors, mice can chew through many materials. But research shows that they’re unable to bite through steel wool. If you use it to fill potential entry points, it will prevent them from entering your home.

Mice hate the scent of fabric softener sheets. Put one of the sheets inside any openings you find that you think could be entry points for a mouse. Bear in mind, they can squeeze through an opening with a diameter of only ¼ inch. 

Ways to Keep Rodents Out

Mice want what any mammal wants when it’s cold out: food, shelter, and warmth. If you have them, they’ll try to get in however they can. Let’s review some methods you can use to keep rodents from getting into your property:

  • Check your home’s interior frequently for evidence of mice, especially dark corners like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
  • Locate every potential entry point on the exterior of your home and seal or treat it with the DIY methods above.
  • Keep food in your home covered, sealed, and safely stored.
  • Remove as much clutter as possible from your home, both inside and outside.

Mice won’t want to stay for very long if they don’t have easy access to food or a quiet, dark location to nest. Plus, as an added bonus, taking these actions will make your home tidier and more comfortable to live in.

If DIY Approaches Fail

Even if you follow all these steps, mice or rats might find their way into your home. If they do, Springer Professional Home Services can get them out. Since 1989, we’ve provided trusted extermination services to homes and businesses throughout Central Iowa. We can help rid your home of rodents or any other pests. Contact us today for a free consultation

Roach Raid! Cockroaches in Your Appliances

cockroaches around base of fridge with crumbs

You don’t want to think about cockroaches in the home – especially not around the space where you prepare your food. It’s even worse to imagine finding one of these ugly pests in the appliances themselves. Your microwave is especially vulnerable to attracting rodents and other pests, but cockroaches are willing to make their way into any place they consider a viable source of food. So if you find droppings in key corners of your kitchen, you may ask – how do cockroaches get into my appliances? And what can you do to clear roach infestations in Central Iowa? Springer Professional Home Services is here to answer questions and offer the help you need.

How Do Cockroaches Get In?

Cockroaches like places that are dark, warm, and adjacent to food. The kitchen has plenty of nooks and crannies that provide all of that and more. They might be drawn to hide in cabinets, under carpet and mats, or behind peeling wallpaper. At the same time, the German Cockroach, the variety most common in the kitchen, can squeeze itself through the smallest cracks. So, if there are gaps in your microwave or under your sink, this can act as a potential roach vulnerability.

Out of all the pests, roaches reproduce particularly quickly, and a female roach can produce up to 3000 eggs in a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to catch potential infestations before they balloon and become all the more difficult to control. It can save you a lot of trouble if you know how to identify key evidence of cockroaches in the home. This could include:

  • Cockroach poop, which is dark brown or black and resembles coffee grounds.
  • Cockroach egg casings, or Oothecae, that are dark or reddish-brown and resemble a dried bean.
  • Exoskeletons from new cockroaches molting. These are light brown in color and shaped roughly like the roach they came from.

Getting Rid of Cockroaches in the Kitchen

In almost every case, one visible cockroach is evidence of more hiding someplace nearby. However, if you act quickly, you can possibly prevent an infestation with the right precautions.

The most important thing you can do is clean and clear all food sources. This includes not only leftovers left out on the counter, but spills in the fridge or crumbs in the microwave. Cockroaches are incredibly skilled at finding any source of food, so you should be cleaning your countertops on a regular basis. Doing this keeps your kitchen cleaner, and it also removes any traces of pheromones on the surfaces of the space.

You can also place glue traps around areas that seem particularly active hot spots for roaches. This is a good way to determine the general scope of the infestation, and if the work you’re doing to treat it is actually helping. If you find yourself cleaning constantly and still going through glue trap after glue trap, there’s a chance that the presence of these pests has grown past your control. You need a pest control company that respects your home and your willingness to keep it comfortable and clean. To put it simply, you need Springer.

Trust Springer to Keep Out Cockroaches!

Springer Professional Home Services has been providing comprehensive home and pest control for homes in Central Iowa for decades. If you have cockroaches or any other pests, we can work to clear them out and keep more from getting in. You don’t have to hold your breath or avert your eyes every time you step into your kitchen. If you have roaches, take care of yourself and contact Springer today!

Why You Shouldn’t Squish Wolf Spiders in Your House

a wolf spider in house on the hunt for pests to eatBeing terrified of spiders is a perfectly normal human response. Seeing one in your house can feel like an attack. It might even trigger your fight or flight response; you might feel moved to defend your castle against the eight-legged invader – squish now and ask questions later. But wait, hold on. If it’s a wolf spider in your house, there are some very good reasons why you shouldn’t squish it.

What Do Wolf Spiders Look Like?

Wolf spiders are one of the most common types of spider and you can find them inside or out. They’re mostly brown, with black markings on their legs and body. They have eight long legs and can vary in size quite a bit; adult wolf spiders can be about the size of a quarter, to several inches from leg to leg.

Wolf spiders don’t spin webs, so if it’s in a web you know it’s not a wolf spider. They spend most of their time in hiding, but come out when they’re hungry.

Benefits of Wolf Spiders in the Home

Which would you rather have in your home? A timid wolf spider that just wants to hunt for food and keep to itself, or an obnoxious fly that buzzes around everywhere and gets in your face? When you squish a wolf spider, you’re choosing the fly.

Wolf spiders eat flies and anything else they can run down – pests that have no beneficial purpose in your home. They eat ants, fleas, earwigs, even bed bugs. Outdoors, large wolf spiders will even kill and eat insects and small birds. In your home, the wolf spider is like a tiny little exterminator that patrols your home doing a bit of pest control every day. Now, a wolf spider won’t control an all-out pest infestation – you’ll need a regular-size exterminator to help with that – but it’s good to know the wolf spider is on your side.

Wolf spiders are almost never aggressive with humans. When you see a wolf spider in your home, you can be sure that it is far more scared of you than you are of it. If you do get bit, it may hurt a bit like getting a shot. But wolf spiders are not venomous. Wash the area with warm soapy water and you should be fine in a few days.

Babies on Board  Wolf Spiderlings

Another excellent reason not to squash a wolf spider is that it may be carrying baby wolf spiders (spiderlings). When wolf spider eggs hatch, the spiderlings climb on the mother’s back and she carries them until they’re large enough to hunt for themselves. 

If you squish a wolf spider that’s carrying her young, you may inadvertently send dozens of her babies into different cracks and crevices of your home. Counterintuitively, this may create more of a spider infestation in your home than if you had left it alone. This is because only a few of her young would typically survive to adulthood when the brood is left to develop naturally. When they split off, many more may.

Be Sure It’s a Wolf Spider

Before you decide to leave a wolf spider alone, make sure you’re sure it’s a wolf spider. It can be easy to mistake a wolf spider for a much more dangerous spider like a brown recluse or a black widow. By all means, if you see a brown recluse or black widow in your house, squash it with a shoe or spray it with some insecticide. Their bites are extremely painful and venomous and you don’t want them lingering around.

How to Prevent Wolf Spiders in Your House

Wolf spiders don’t intentionally come into your house. They’re hunters, and they follow the food. That’s why the best way to prevent wolf spiders in your house is to prevent other pests in your house. If you remove the food source, the wolf spiders won’t come inside. Or the ones that do come inside will quickly starve.

Pest prevention is an entirely different conversation, and one we’d be happy to have with you. Some basic principles include keeping your home neat and tidy, not leaving food out, and sealing cracks so they can’t enter in the first place – but there’s so much more to it than that. Each house offers its own unique pest control challenges, and at Springer Professional Home Services we take pride in our ability to solve them.

Give us a call today to chat with one of our experts or get a quote on spider extermination services.

Preventing House Spiders

All of that being said, it’s perfectly reasonable if you don’t want to share your home with a colony of spiders, harmless as they may be. Luckily there are a few easy steps you can take to make your space inhospitable to spiders and other pests.

  • Keep the outside of your home clear of things like firewood, debris, shrubs and vines. These are all places where spiders like to gather, and if they’re touching your home, it gives them easy access to get inside.
  • Seal any cracks and crevices around the exterior of your home with caulk or weatherstripping.
  • Keep your house clean with regular sweeping and vacuuming, which will help to remove spider webs, eggs, and insects that spiders feed on. This creates a space that’s less appealing for pests in general, which includes house spiders. 

Effective and Eco-Friendly Spider Removal in Central Iowa

If you’ve done everything right and still find yourself constantly combating house spiders, it might be time to bring in the professionals. At Springer Professional Home Services, we’ve been providing the highest standards of pest removal services since we were founded in 1989. But unlike our competition, we work with the state of the environment in mind and consciously choose to utilize integrated pest management principles. That’s why when you work with us, you’re not only making the best choice for your home – you’re making the best choice for the ecosystem of your community. That’s the Springer promise for homes in and around Des Moines. Contact us today to learn more