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.

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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!

What Pests Do Leaky Pipes Attract?

A leaky pipe attracting pests in Des Moines IA -

Problems with our plumbing fixtures can turn into problems with pests in a heartbeat. When water leaks from your pipes into your cabinets or walls, it can dampen the wood and cause pools of standing water, leading to an inviting environment for all sorts of pests that live in Des Moines IA. Failing to check up on your plumbing fixtures can lead to pest infestations that expand much quicker than you would expect. To avoid pest outbreaks caused by leaks in your home, read on for the Springer Professional Home Services technicians’ best advice.

Pests that Like Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes in Des Moines can attract a whole host of pests, but these three are the most important to watch out for:

  1. Ants: If you experience a leak in one of your plumbing fixtures during the summer, it will be hard to avoid ants discovering it. When the heat of summer starts to dehydrate them, ants look for a cool, damp place to live.
  2. Cockroaches: Although cockroaches are some of the most hard-nosed pests in Iowa, they have to have consistent access to a water source in order to thrive. Paired with the hospitable hiding place that a dark cupboard or crawl space provides, roaches will find refuge wherever there is a leak in your home.
  3. Termites: Termites will add on to the preexisting wood rot that they find, boring through our homes’ wooden structures adjacent to their newfound water sources. If you find water damage from a leak in your home, keep a close watch for termite activity.

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How to Avoid Pest Infestations around Leaky Pipes

When you find a leaky pipe inside your house, you have to address it right away. Here’s how to avoid leakage-based pest problems:

  • Seal the cracks that you’ve identified with a silicone-based caulk. This is the most effective strategy for DIY leak sealing.
  • Try to keep any areas seeing leakage as well-ventilated as you can. This will keep moisture from continuing to build up.
  • Talk to your local pest control company. After an initial inspection, they will be able to help you put pest prevention products in place.

Preventing Pest Issues in Des Moines IA

When your leaky pipes lead to loads of pests, you can trust your local pest control company to get rid of them for you. No matter what kind of pests are present, our technicians at Springer Professional Home Services are able to assess your outbreak, identify the root cause, and determine the best steps to take moving forward. To learn more about our services or for a free estimate on pest control, contact us 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.

Have a pest problem? We can help!

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.

How to Pest-Proof Your Home This Fall

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

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

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

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

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

Fall Pest Control in Des Moines

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

Have a pest problem? We can help!

Why Cockroach Populations Boom in the Summer

Summer cockroaches in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

If you’ve dealt with cockroach problems in the past, you know how frustrating an infestation can be. Unfortunately, these pests are common all year long in Des Moines. That said, infestations are at an all-time high in the summer months for several reasons. Cockroaches are drawn to heat and will breed rapidly in the summertime, which is why an infestation tends to be worse this time of year. Because their infestations can be such a nuisance to deal with, it’s important to learn about summertime roach activity as well as what you can do to prevent it. Keep reading for expert information from the team at Springer Professional Home Services

Seasonal Cockroach Infestations

Cockroaches are infamous for being hardy insects—they can withstand and survive in numerous environments and conditions. However, many roach species are less active in the wintertime as they await summer months. When temperatures begin to warm up here in Iowa, roaches will begin to forage for more food. This is also the time of year when they breed more rapidly, making their populations surge in the summertime. When heat is extreme, they often enter homes for shelter, which is when infestations commonly begin.

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Preventing Cockroaches in the Summertime

Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can keep cockroaches from finding your property hospitable. Our top summer cockroach prevention tips include:

  • Thoroughly clean your property. Clean your kitchens and bathrooms of any spills or crumbs. Avoid clutter and messes.
  • Locate and seal up any cracks or crevices in the foundation of your property. Seal windows and doors or install screens.
  • Always pick up pet bowls after feeding times, and avoid leaving the pet food out overnight or for days at a time.
  • Keep all food securely sealed in airtight containers, and refrigerate any unsealed food.
  • Ensure your garbage is sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and routinely take it out when full.
  • Quickly fix any leaky pipes or clogged rain gutters to avoid moisture problems.

You Have Roaches–Now What?

If you’ve spotted a cockroach or two in your property, it’s a bad sign there could be many more hidden in your home or business. Getting rid of cockroaches is no job for an amateur; these creatures are excellent hiders, and infestations can grow to large numbers in the summer months. For that reason, it’s best to always contact a licensed cockroach exterminator for help when you have an infestation.

Spring Allergies: Which Pests Trigger Them?

Seasonal allergies could be triggered by pests in the Des Moines IA area - Springer Professional Home Services

Here in Des Moines, allergies are a fact of life in the springtime. You or someone you know likely suffers from allergy symptoms ranging from a runny nose to itchy eyes each year. But are seasonal allergies only caused by the changing weather and blooming trees? Believe it or not, certain household pests are known to trigger allergic reactions, especially in children. If you have pests inside your home, pest allergens can exacerbate your already-bad springtime allergies! May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and the team here at Springer Professional Home Services is committed to shining a light on the dangers of pest allergens in your home. Keep reading to learn how to prevent them!

Which Pests Trigger Allergy Symptoms?

As the weather warms up, it makes sense that many blame their allergies on the changing of the seasons. That said, pest allergens could be making your symptoms even worse. Dust mites in the home are a common cause of pest allergens. Cockroaches, however, are likely the biggest culprit of causing pest allergens. This happens when their droppings, saliva, or skins are in the environment. Stinging insects are another common trigger, as many people get allergic reactions to being stung.

Please note that it’s important to always call 911 or receive immediate medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the throat, wheezing, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

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6 Ways to Get Rid of Pest Allergens

Thankfully, you can avoid pest allergens by avoiding pests altogether. By knowing how to keep pests out, you can protect your family from pest-related allergies. Some of our top tips include:

  1. Seal cracks and holes in your property, including entry points for utilities and pipes, screen doors, and windows.
  2. Store food in sealed containers and clean kitchens on a daily basis.
  3. Dispose of garbage regularly and use a tight-fitting lid.
  4. Keep your basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry!
  5. Wash blankets, rugs, and bedding in hot water or get them dry-cleaned.
  6. Vacuum and dust your property frequently!

Seasonal Pest Prevention

If you keep pests out of your home, you can prevent pest allergens. That may sound easy, but pest problems are common and it can be difficult to know how to prevent them. For help preventing pests in your property, the team at Springer is here to help.

German Cockroaches: 10 Things You Need to Know

German cockroaches are one of the most dreaded roach problems in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

If you’ve dealt with a cockroach infestation in your Iowa home or business, there’s a high probability it was a German roach infestation. Not only do these German roaches breed at a rapid rate, they carry potentially dangerous pathogens and contaminate any surface they walk across. This species is the most common roach problem for homes, multi-family units, restaurants, food processing facilities, and more.

In this blog post, the experts at Springer Professional Home Services share the top 10 things to know about German cockroaches.

What to Know About German Cockroaches

Because German cockroaches so frequently infest homes and businesses throughout the year, it’s important to know their habits and behaviors in order to identify their presence. Some key German cockroach facts to remember include:

  1. German cockroaches can be identified by their pronotum (protective plate behind the head), which has two longitudinal dark stripes.
  2. These roaches are most commonly found in residential and commercial kitchens or bathrooms. German cockroaches typically prefer areas of high temperatures and high
  3. humidity.
  4. They live indoors primarily. They rarely can live outdoors in warm weather.
  5. German cockroaches have an extremely quick rate of reproduction. They can quickly spread throughout a building.
  6. The ootheca (egg case) of the German cockroach holds between 35–40 eggs, which take one month to hatch.
  7. German cockroaches can carry or transmit diseases and pathogens that may be dangerous to humans.
  8. German cockroach infestations have been tied back to causing severe asthmatic reactions in some people.
  9. These cockroaches can climb on smooth surfaces due to a sticky pad called an arolium on their feet.
  10. German cockroaches prefer to stay hidden in dark areas. They hide inside walls, behind cabinets, inside appliances, and other rarely accessed areas.

Preventing German Roaches in Your Des Moines Property

German cockroach infestations can be difficult to control. It’s important to learn how to prevent them in the first place. Roaches are attracted to filth and clutter. To keep them out, make sure to keep all food in sealed containers and secure your garbage cans securely. Most importantly, check on areas in your property that are dark or rarely disturbed for evidence of cockroach activity. By effectively maintaining a tidy property, you can lessen the risk of contributing to a German roach infestation.

How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches For Good

It’s time to call the exterminators at Springer Professional Home Services when you find a single cockroach in your home. We understand how distressing a roach problem can be, which is why we employ the most effective, fast-acting German cockroach removal methods to get rid of the infestation. You can trust we’ll keep your home free of German cockroaches all year long.

Have a pest problem? We can help!

Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Winter

A rodent is one of the many common winter pests that invade central Iowa homes each year - Springer Professional Home Services

Many people think that pest infestations only happen in the spring and summer, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Just like us, pests and insects seek out shelter and warmth in the colder months, which is why winter infestations are more common than you may think. Rodents, cockroaches, and even bed bugs are just a few of the many pests known to stick around in the winter months. To avoid the frustration of a pest infestation during the holiday season, keep reading for Springer’s top tips for preventing winter pests!

Winter Pest Problems in Iowa

If you live in Iowa, you know that pest infestations are a fact of life year-round. During the winter, many bugs and insects may seemingly disappear to not return again until the springtime. However, some pests will invade homes this time of year in search of food and shelter. The most common winter pest problems are from:

  • Rodents (rats & mice): The house mouse and Norway rat will easily squeeze their way indoors to escape the cold.
  • Bed bugs: Known to withstand extreme temperatures, bed bug infestations are common in the winter months.
  • Spiders: House spiders as well as black widows are often found indoors in dark, secluded corners.
  • German cockroaches: These common roaches hitchhike inside and can spread quickly throughout your home.

Have a pest problem? We can help!

Pest-Proofing Your Home in the Winter

In order to prevent winter pests, it’s important to learn how to protect your home. Exclusion is one of the most reliable forms of pest control, as it denies pests access into your home in the first place! By sealing cracks and crevices around your property, you’re able to stop pests and insects from getting indoors. Further preventative measures include placing screens over vents and chimneys, storing firewood away from the home, fixing any moisture problems, and generally keeping a clean and tidy environment to discourage pests.

Winter Pest Control Services

Winter pest problems are a serious threat to homeowners. The best way to go about preventing winter pests is to safeguard your home against them! If you’ve done all you can to keep insects and other pests out of your home in the winter but are still experiencing issues, it’s time to call the experts at Springer Professional Home Services!