Bug Bite Identification Guide

Bug bite identification in Des Moines Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

In the spring and summertime here in Iowa, insects are out in full force. While this is simply a fact of life, no one wants to deal with being bitten by bugs this time of year—or ever! Even in the fall and winter, there are several biting bugs to stay aware of. At Springer Professional Home Services, we know how distressing it can be to discover you’ve been bitten by an insect. Our pest control experts are here to help you learn what insects are likely to bite or sting, as well as what you can do to prevent them.

Bugs That Bite in Iowa

Whether they bite or sting, there are a number of pests and bugs that are likely culprits behind the red, itchy bumps on your skin. The most common ones we deal with here in Iowa include:

  1. Bed bugs. Bed bugs are quite elusive and good at hiding, so infestations may go undetected until the population is extensive. They primarily feed on blood when their host is asleep, so you may not catch them dining on you. You may, however, awake with their bite marks, which appear in lines on your skin and can be very itchy.
  2. Fleas & ticks. Parasitic insect infestations usually originate from an infested animal, then find their way to human victims. On occasion, people traveling through an infested area (for example, a wooded area with lone star ticks) will be attacked by these pests, as well. Pets are common carriers of these pests.
  3. Mosquitoes. Nationwide, mosquitoes are very active in the spring and summer. Sometimes, we may not notice their itchy bites immediately and assume whatever bit us is inside the building with us. In the case of these pests, by the time you notice they’ve fed on you, they have left the scene of the crime.
  4. Bees & wasps. These stinging insects are active in the spring and summertime in Iowa. While they’d rather keep to themselves, bees and wasps alike will sting when provoked. Wasps in particular are aggressive when defending their nests, and can sting you multiple times.
  5. “No see ums” (biting midge flies). Anyone who has been to marshy areas has probably been attacked by these insects. About the size of a freckle, biting midges are most active at dusk and dawn. Repellants may give some relief from these annoying blood feeders.
  6. Mites. Mites like dust mites are incredibly small and can best be seen under strong magnification. Most cases of mites biting people in their homes can be traced back to rodents or birds nesting in the home, as these animals are their preferred hosts. Unfortunately, when their regular food source isn’t present anymore, the mites will feed on people.
  7. Spiders. Despite the fear associated with spiders, most species do not bite. However, there are two spiders that will bite in defense: black widows and brown recluse spiders. A bite from either of these more aggressive spiders can be very dangerous.

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Common Symptoms of Bug Bites

In general, the symptoms of bug bites or stings are very similar. Most commonly, symptoms will include red bumps at the site of the bite, itchiness, swelling, rashes, heat surrounding the bite, and other mild symptoms. When dealing with bug bites, it’s important to treat them carefully and also be on the lookout for more serious symptoms. Symptoms that may signal you are having a worse reaction—or even an allergic reaction—to the bites include substantial swelling in the eyes or throat, trouble breathing, and dizziness. Experiencing any of these symptoms requires an immediate trip to the doctor.

How to Prevent Bug Bites

If you are dealing with bug bites and cannot decipher where they are coming from, you could have a pest problem indoors. The best thing to do is to contact your local pest control experts. At Springer Professional Home Services, our experts will thoroughly inspect your property to determine any pest problems. From there, we’ll implement a pest control plan to keep the pests away for good. Contact us today to get started!

How to Prevent Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs Inside

What Asian beetles look like in Central Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

Here in Central Iowa, sometimes it seems that summer doesn’t quite stick around for long enough. Each year, as temperatures drop into a chilly winter, many kinds of pests seek refuge from the cold in our homes. Two of the most notable of these are the Asian lady beetle and the boxelder bug. If you don’t take the right precautions, these bugs can become quite a nuisance. You can trust the experts at Springer Professional Home Services to teach you how to avoid them in your home or to help you get rid of them once they’ve gotten out of hand!

All About Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs

Asian lady beetles are commonly confused with ladybugs but are a different species altogether. Here are some features to look out for to be sure you’re dealing with Asian lady beetles:

  • Their color ranges from yellow to orange, to red, and they have an “M”-shaped mark on the back of their heads
  • They release a smelly, yellow substance when they are threatened or squished
  • You are more likely to find them indoors in the winter than ladybugs or many other pests

Boxelder bugs look quite different but cause the same amount of annoyance in Central Iowa homes. Here’s what to know:

  • Boxelder bugs have primarily black bodies with geometric red lines across their backs
  • They are often found around boxelder trees, as well as maple, ash, and fruit trees
  • Their feces leaves stains inside our homes

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How to Prevent Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs

Both of these insects are opportunistic pests. No crevice in your home goes unexplored come wintertime. Here is a list of ways to prevent boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles from entering your home this year:

  1. Inspect your entire property for even the tiniest points of entry into your house
  2. Make sure that the caulk around your molding is intact—seal any cracks on roofing and siding
  3. Put screens on doors and windows or check for tears on existing screens
  4. Keep your yard tidy and your plants trimmed

Taking all of these steps will reduce your chances of an infestation in your home and the chance of these pests populating your yard in the first place.

Pest Prevention Services in Des Moines IA

Whether you want to get a head start on preventing boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles this year or they’ve already taken over your home, Springer Professional Home Services can help. We have been serving businesses and homeowners in Central Iowa since 1989, developing the best pest management systems and technicians in the region. Don’t let Asian lady beetles or boxelder bugs in this year—contact us today for a free quote!

How Bed Bugs Spread in Iowa

Bed bugs spread easily in Iowa. Springer Professional Home Services

Did you know that a single bed bug can lay up to 12 eggs a day, and up to 500 throughout its lifetime? Needless to say, bed bugs can spread quickly once established. Even worse, bed bugs often aren’t discovered until you start to notice their bites on your skin. Bed bugs are slow crawlers, which is why they usually travel by hitching a ride on your bags, clothes, luggage, furniture, and more. To stop bed bugs from spreading in your Iowa home or business, it’s important to learn how to keep yourself safe from their activity in the first place. The bed bug experts at Springer Professional Home Services are here to help you learn how.

5 Ways to Stop Bed Bugs From Spreading

To stop bed bugs from spreading in your home, you need to learn how to keep them out in the first place. Here’s how:

  1. Always be wary of purchasing second-hand furniture unless you’ve inspected it thoroughly for bed bugs.
  2. Buy protective covers for all of the mattresses and box springs in your home.
  3. When traveling, use hard shell suitcases and thoroughly inspect your hotel room for bed bugs. Always store luggage up off the ground.
  4. When arriving home from traveling, steam clean your suitcase and wash all clothing before storing everything away.
  5. If you utilize shared laundry facilities or a laundromat, seal your clothes in a plastic bag to and from the facility, and always fold your clothes at home.

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How Do Bed Bugs Get Into My Room?

Bed bugs most commonly are spread when infested items are moved from one area to another. Typically, this happens when infested furniture or items are moved from one room to another. The spread of bed bugs can also be traced back to travelers and college kids bringing home infested suitcases. Many people believe that people can spread bed bugs, but bed bugs do not latch onto their hosts in the same manner that fleas and ticks do.

Bed Bugs Spreading in Your Iowa Home?

If you’ve done all you can to keep bed bugs from spreading in your home but are still noticing the signs of their activity, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Springer Professional Home Services, we can work to not only get rid of bed bugs in your property, but keep them out for good!

5 Things You Should Know About Asian Lady Beetles

What an Asian lady beetle could look like in Central Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

It’s easy to see why Asian lady beetles are often confused for ladybugs – they look a lot alike, are about the same size, and have similar names. However, they are different insects altogether, and each displays different patterns of behavior. The ladybug is a helpful aid to keep around in your garden, but the lady beetle can be an odorous pest when inside the home. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between the two in Central Iowa and what makes Asian lady beetles noteworthy.

Ladybugs and Lady Beetles – What’s the Difference?

When it’s warm out, ladybugs like to hang out in our gardens, eating aphids, mites, and other damaging garden pests. They then retreat to secluded places to overwinter in hiding. On the flipside, Asian beetles compete with ladybugs for resources, but then try to sneak into our homes when the temperatures drop. Effectively, a lady beetle problem leads to an unhealthy garden and a nuisance in the home.

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5 Things to Know About Asian Lady Beetles

Asian lady beetles set themselves apart from ladybugs and other insects in Central Iowa in several ways. Here are 5 things to know about Asian beetles:

  1. Their scientific name is harmonia axyridis, and they belong to the same order as ladybugs. They are also known as Japanese beetles and Japanese ladybugs.
  2. Their color ranges from yellow, to orange, to red, but they always have a black and white marking forming an “M” on their heads.
  3. As you would imagine, their name indicates that they come from Asia. They were brought over intentionally in the 1960s by the Department of Agriculture to help control agricultural pests.
  4. They prefer to seek shelter indoors during the winter as opposed to overwintering outdoors like similar insects.
  5. If threatened or squished, they will release a yellow, foul-smelling substance. You can use a vacuum to get rid of them while avoiding this stench.

How to Get Rid of Asian Beetles

You can prevent an Asian lady beetle problem in the house with the same strategies that prevent other pests – sealing off cracks in foundation, placing screens on doors and windows, and using EPA-approved pesticides. If you’ve tried these techniques and Asian beetles are still making their way into your home somehow, tell your local pest control company about your problem. The beetle control experts at Springer Professional Home Services have been trained in the most effective and ecologically sensitive methods of pest control viable in Central Iowa. Reach out today for a free quote or to learn more about the Asian lady beetle!

How to Safely Dislodge Ticks

Deer tick found in Central Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

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

Identifying Different Ticks in Central Iowa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tick Extermination Services in Central Iowa

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

Will Carpenter Bees Sting People?

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

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

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

Do Carpenter Bees Sting At All?

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

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

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

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

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Are Carpenter Bees Harmful?

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

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

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

What to Do About Carpenter Bees in Des Moines IA

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

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

Odorous house ant invades a home in Iowa - Springer

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

What Are Odorous House Ants?

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

Preventing an Odorous House Ant Infestation

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

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

Are Odorous House Ants Dangerous?

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

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

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How To Get Rid of Odorous House Ants

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

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

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

Termite Infestations & Mold

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

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

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

The Link Between Termites and Mold

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

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Why is Mold Dangerous?

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

Protect Your Des Moines Home From Termites & Mold

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

How to Use Caulk For Pest Prevention

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

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

Tips to Use Caulk For Pest Prevention

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

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

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Pest Prevention Tips in Iowa

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

Winter Pests 101: Common Pests Invading Your Home

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

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

Winter Pests in Des Moines

1. Mice

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

2. Cockroaches

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

3. Spiders

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

4. Bed Bugs

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

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How to Prevent Winter Pest Problems

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

Preventing Pests Outside

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

Preventing Pests Inside

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

Annual Pest Control Services

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