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You might think that you’re in the clear for pest problems when the summer heat starts to wane, but certain types of pests actually thrive around this time. With an ample amount of warmth and plenty of people participating in outdoor activities to hound, the pests of late summer have an easy time finding what they need, whether it be a blood meal, a food supply, or a place to build their nest. In order to ensure that pests don’t ruin your late summer plans, you have to take preventative measures against them. Read on to learn what pests to watch for in Central Iowa in late summer and what you can do about them.
Common Pests in Late Summer
Every season has its own characteristic pest problems. The pests that cause the most problems in the late summer are typically the ones that have the most to gain from warm conditions, like these:
Bees and wasps: Stinging insects stay active into the late summer pollinating plants and taking advantage of the food that humans leave outside during barbecues, get-togethers, and whatnot.
Ticks: ticks breed during the early summer, producing a yield of offspring that will climb to the tops of tall grass in search of hosts a month later. They thrive in the overgrowth in warm weather.
Wildlife: Wild animals that usually hibernate during the cold winter months spend their summers outside and too often in our business. Wild animals like raccoons, possums, and squirrels that wander into your yard could tear through your trash or garden and cause serious property damage.
Mosquitoes: If mosquitoes establish a successful breeding population, their numbers will be so high by the late summer that it will be almost impossible to deal with them. Mosquitoes remain active as long as temperatures don’t drop below 50°F consistently.
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Pest-proof Your Property for Late Summer
Drastic infestations of any of these kinds of pests call for the intervention of a professional exterminator, but there are some general housekeeping strategies you can try to avoid pest problems on your property first. We recommend the following:
Keep your yard tidy: Make sure that all of your trees and shrubs are trimmed back, promptly dispose of piles of grass clippings or other vegetation, and make sure you aren’t leaving out any items that could lead to a small, temporary pest shelter.
Seal your home:Regularly monitor the outside of your property to make sure that your home doesn’t have any cracks or gaps in roofing, foundation, or siding.
Be careful with trash:Using bins that seal and regularly taking out your garbage to the outside bins will go a long way in preventing wildlife infestations.
Get rid of standing water:Mosquitoes breed in pools of standing water, no matter how small. Covering up pools, spas, and birdbaths and regularly checking for rainwater pools will help keep mosquitoes away.
Help with Summer Pests
If you’ve tried everything you can to prevent pest infestations to no avail, it’s time to team up with your local pest control company. Our team at Springer is entirely licensed, certified, and thoroughly trained on all of the types of pests that we regularly see here in Central Iowa. We can determine the cause of your infestation, put it to a stop, and teach you how to identify and correct vulnerabilities on your own going forward. Reach out today for a free quote!
Although there’s much to look forward to come springtime, this season also marks the return of many kinds of pests, particularly insects, around Des Moines IA. Mosquitoes are one of the peskiest pests in the area—we are fortunate enough not to be exposed to the ones that transmit dangerous diseases like malaria and Zika virus here in Iowa, but having mosquito bites all over your body is no fun. Fortunately, there are steps you can take around your home to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Read on to learn them from the mosquito exterminators at Springer Professional Home Services!
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?
It surprises many people to learn that mosquitoes don’t actually bite humans to sustain themselves by feeding on our blood. In fact, It is actually only the female mosquito that draws blood from animals, and she does so solely to provide her body with the proper nutrients to facilitate the reproductive process.
Because mosquitoes can remain active and breed as long as temperatures consistently sit above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, we have to pay attention to our surroundings while outside for much of the year.
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How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
There are a few main ways to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes. Incorporate these strategies into your daily routines during the warmer months to prevent mosquito bites:
Get rid of standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water that pools in our yards, so if you let it compile, mosquito numbers will grow. Make sure to cover or pour it out of your gutters, planter boxes, birdbaths, pools, and anywhere else it can accumulate.
Wear insect repellent: Bug sprays like DEET are EPA-approved and proven to significantly reduce your risk of mosquito bites for up to 12 hours. Make sure to read the instructions diligently before applying on children.
Avoid high-risk times: Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn when the sunlight is low. If you can, plan outdoor activities during midday.
Set up a barrier: A professional mosquito control technician can set up a sprayed barrier treatment around your home to discourage mosquitoes from living and breeding on your property.
Expert Mosquito Exterminators in Des Moines IA
If you are looking for a barrier treatment or a second opinion on the source of your mosquito problems, reach out to your local mosquito exterminators. At Springer Professional Home Services, we train our mosquito extermination team with advanced strategies and environmentally-friendly products to keep your family safe from mosquitoes and harmful chemicals for months at a time. Get in touch with us today for a free estimate on mosquito abatement services!
Do you have an ongoing pest infestation that you can’t find the source of? In every season, pests take advantage of access points into our homes that are so small they go unnoticed. Some of these gaps are more easily noticeable, like leaky pipes and gaps underneath doors, but have you checked your window screens? Even a few fibers tearing in a window screen can provide a gap big enough for all kinds of pests to sneak through. If you’re looking to keep your home in Central IA in the best shape, free of pests, read on for advice from the Springer Professional Home Services team.
What Pests Come In Through Window Screens?
If you leave them the opportunity, all sorts of pests will use your broken window screens as entryways into your home. Windows tend to be an easy place for many species of insects and arachnids to climb through. Here are some of the pests you can expect in your home if you don’t repair your window screens in Central IA:
If you’ve been noticing any of these pests in your home lately, check around all of the windows in your home. You might find a torn window screen or a broken frame, leaving a gap for bugs to sneak through.
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How to Repair Your Window Screens
Because many of the aforementioned pests thrive in the warmer seasons of the year, winter is the perfect season to start preparing your home to take on the new year pest-free. Here are a few ways you can keep your windows in the best shape to prevent pests:
You can buy screen repair kits for under $3.00 at your local hardware store. They are easy to use, require no tools, and save you time and the expense of getting your entire screen replaced.
If your window screen is torn considerably or you don’t have one in the first place, window screens are a great investment to help keep pests out in every season.
In the winter, use weather stripping. Not only will it keep your home warmer and decrease your heat bill, it will also keep smaller pests like ants and ticks from sneaking through the gaps!
Professional Help Keeping Bugs Out in Central IA
If you have already fixed your windows but your pest infestation persists, it might be coming from a source that you haven’t discovered. For a complete property inspection to determine the sources of pests in your home, reach out to your local pest control company. The experts at Springer Professional Home Services can locate access points that go unseen to the untrained eye. For a free quote, contact our team today!
Insects are out in Des Moines IA throughout the year, waiting for people to bite. No matter whether you’re awake or sleeping, outside or inside, active or minding your own business, you can be a target.
Flying pests are some of the hardest to stay away from when it comes to bites. There are several airborne insects in our area that can leave us with painful, itchy, or even dangerous bites. We have heard a lot of people complain about no-see-ums, gnats, and mosquitoes this summer in particular. If you think you’ve been targeted by one of these pests before but aren’t sure how to tell, keep reading. We’ve laid out some advice from our experts here at Springer Professional Home Services!
Identifying Gnats vs No-see-ums vs Mosquitoes
These three are definitely the peskiest flying pests in Des Moines IA. It’s hard to imagine that you’ve never seen them before, but it can be confusing to tell them apart. Here are a few of their identifying features:
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are the largest of the three, growing up to around 3/8”. They have long, upward-slanted wings, a hunched back, and a needle-like proboscis protruding from their mouth.
Gnats: Often found in swarms of thousands, gnats are a tiny fly variety with gray and black bodies. They form giant clouds of individuals in the spring and summer time.
No-see-ums: These pests are actually a kind of gnat, but they are extremely small—only about 1/16” in length! This means that they can make it through screens we install on our doors and windows.
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Differences Between These Bug Bites
One way that you can tell apart different bugs in Des Moines IA is by learning the symptoms of each of their bites. Mosquito, gnat, and no-see-um bites differ in these ways:
Mosquito bites: Starting as a raised white welt and receding into a pinkish-red bump, these bites are familiar to many. They are often found on arms, legs, and other places where skin is commonly left exposed.
Gnat bites: Gnat bites are smaller, darker, and more rough-looking than mosquito bites. They are more painful initially and longer-lasting.
No-see-um bites: Because no-see-ums are actually gnats, their bites will look about the same. The main difference with their bites is that they are more likely to occur in closer clusters and in less common locations, like your face.
To summarize, you can tell apart these bites by their color, their proximity to each other, and the duration of their effects.
Preventing Bug Bites in Des Moines IA
Using an EPA-approved bug spray with up to 20% DEET can be a great way to repel these insects during the summer here in Des Moines. However, it won’t work for everybody. If you need extra help with pest control this summer, reach out to the experts at Springer Professional Home Services. We have years of experience dealing with all of these pests and can teach you the best ways to avoid them on your property. For a free quote, contact us today!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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!
Pest problems are popping up all throughout the year here in the Des Moines area. Each season comes with its own new visitors, and most of them require different preventative measures to keep away. Having served our community for over 30 years, our pest control experts at Springer Professional Home Services have seen it all. We put together a guide to which pests you can expect in which season, and what you can do to keep them out of your home.
Spring Pests
With the blooming flowers and longer days comes a huge swell in pest populations. Spring is a common time for insects to breed and proliferate as conditions become more suitable for all kinds of life. These three pests in particular make their marks in the spring:
Ants: All kinds of ants start to come out once the temperatures rise again. They’re after food and moisture, so make sure that your food is put away and sealed properly, and your house is dry and properly ventilated.
Bees: They are crucial contributors to their local ecosystems, but bees get a bad reputation due to their painful stings. If you have bees buzzing about in your flower beds, try to leave them alone, and they probably won’t see you as a threat.
Termites: Although termites are active all year round, they swarm in the spring, meaning that they will be looking for new sources of food and shelter. If you’re noticing tiny winged termites around your home, consider calling your local termite exterminator to check for an infestation.
Summer Pests
Everyone likes to spend more time outside in the summer, but no one likes returning from a day outdoors with a bunch of bites or stings. Here are some pricking pests that you’ll need to watch out for come summertime:
Mosquitoes: Wherever you find standing water in the summer, you’ll probably find mosquitoes. They hide out in wooded areas and lay their eggs on still water, so if you’re going to be around either, bring an EPA-approved insect repellent.
Wasps: In the summer, wasps start to construct their nests, so they are particularly territorial. They sting to defend their nest, so if you find one around your house, contact a wasp removal specialist to have it removed safely.
Ticks: About 95% of Lyme disease cases are contracted during the summer months. If you’re going to be walking through tall grass, check your skin after for any ticks. Be sure to examine your dogs after walks, too.
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Fall Pests
As the summer warmth fades away, all kinds of bugs are hardwired to look for a place to hide for the winter. For many Iowa homeowners, this means your attics, vents, walls, and cluttered corners. You’ll probably start to see these critters during the fall season:
Boxelder bugs: Like many others around this time, boxelder bugs are just looking for a warmer place to hang out. They don’t sting or carry disease, but they can be an unwelcome presence in larger numbers.
Stink bugs: Known for their wretched odor, stinkbugs are a widely disliked insect. Keeping a tidy house and yard eliminates areas that they might find shelter, and doubles as a preventative method for many other kinds of insects.
Spiders: Unlike the majority of other pests, spiders’ mating season is in the fall. They are attracted to uninterrupted, dusty corners, where they can find shelter and other insect populations to feed on.
Winter Pests
Even as most wildlife seems to come to a halt, pests are still on the move during the winter. Some of the more resilient creatures in the Des Moines area take on the more harsh conditions with ease. Here are three pests that you might deal with during the coldest months of the year:
Mice: When it’s too cold to thrive outside, mice and other rodents seek shelter in our houses. They might find room in your garage, attic, crawl spaces, or walls for a new home. Listen for crawling and rustling sounds in your walls – it’s usually a sign of mice.
Cockroaches: Notorious for their adaptability, cockroaches will set up shop anywhere that they can find food. Keep your house clean and food packed away, because a cockroach infestation could mean that your family is vulnerable to diseases that they carry.
Bed bugs: Holiday travel is often associated with the spread of bed bugs. They latch onto our clothes or suitcases and happily take refuge in our homes. If you find bed bugs in your room, contact an exterminator right away.
Year-Round Pest Control
At any point in the year that you’re experiencing a pest outbreak, you can rely on your local pest control experts at Spring Professional Home Services. We train our technicians to deal with a wide range of infestations that Iowa homeowners experience every year. If you’re ready to put a stop to pests, reach out today for a free quote!
Entomologists from Springer’s parent company, Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021
READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.
To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.
1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:
With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.
“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban, and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”
Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.
“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”
2. Mosquitoes on the Move:
Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.
“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”
Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.
3. Bed Bugs:
The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.
“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”
Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.
If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.
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4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.
From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.
In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:
Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.
Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”
Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.
5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere
Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.
“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”
6. Pests in the News:
There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”
The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.
“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”
The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.
The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.
“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”
While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.
Everyone knows that pests are common in the spring and summer months, but what about in the fall and winter? Infestations actually can spike in the colder parts of the year as pests look to take shelter inside your property. To better prepare yourself for a possible infestation, it’s important to know which pests are common during certain parts of the year. Here in Iowa, we experience pest problems all year long. With information from the NPMA, the team at Springer Professional Home Services is here to share all you need to know about pest seasonality in Des Moines.
Fall and Winter Pest Problems
Our winter months are forecasted to get heavy snowfall this year. According to the NPMA, “Above-average snowfall in the northern part of this region may drive rodents indoors in search of shelter. The mild summer and winter forecast could increase cluster fly activity indoors.” Other pest problems to expect in the fall and winter months ahead include cockroaches and spiders. Because pests will want to shelter indoors to escape our cold temperatures, it’s important to protect your home from them entering.
Rodents
Flies
Spring Pests in Iowa
Pest activity springs back into action once winter comes to an end. Blooming flowers, warming temperatures, and heavy rainfall encourages pests of all kinds to resume activity and reproduce. Here’s the ones to keep an eye out for:
Termites. Every spring, termites leave their nests to mate and start new colonies. This is called “swarming”.
Ants. Certain ant species will forage for food in the warmer months. Rainy weather also drives ants out of their colonies and into homes for shelter.
Bed Bugs. While these are a year-round problem, increased traveling in the springtime always leads to an increase in bed bug activity.
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Summertime Pest Infestations
The summer months in Iowa bring about a lot of pest activity. Summer temperatures cause many types of pest colonies to mature and grow in size. Stay on the lookout for the following pests:
Mosquitoes. These parasitic insects lay more eggs in the summer and tend to be our biggest pest problem this time of year.
Stinging insects. Wasps, bees, and hornets are at full force in the summertime. They can build nests near residential areas.
Flies. Summer is the peak breeding season for flies. They are infamous for being a nuisance at outdoor summer events.
Seasonal Pest Problems in Des Moines
The nature of our climate year-round leads It’s important to know which pests to keep your eye out for in order to prevent a seasonal pest problem. At Springer, our residential and commercial exterminators can work with you to ensure you are protected from pests all year long. Call us today!
Mosquitoes are a fact of life in the summertime. Unfortunately, they may be breeding in your very backyard! Female mosquitoes need just a half-inch of water to lay their eggs in. They can easily find this standing water in areas around your yard, whether that’s in a bucket, your pool, or on top of an old tarp. Thankfully, you can work to eliminate these common breeding grounds for mosquitoes and, in turn, keep mosquitoes away from your yard! By eliminating mosquito breeding grounds on your Iowa property, you can force the mosquitoes elsewhere. Keep reading for top tips from the experts at Springer Professional Home Services.
Where are Mosquitoes Breeding in My Yard?
Mosquitoes take just two weeks to become adults after they hatch. A female mosquito needs a blood meal to reproduce. After mating, anywhere from 100-300 eggs are laid in a source of stagnant water. Due to this rapid rate of reproduction, it’s crucial to stay on top of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.
Mosquitoes tend to favor areas with standing water. They are frequently found in or around birdbaths, gutters, pools, mud pots, tree stumps and wood piles, tarps, children’s play sets, trash cans, old tires, pools, and more. Routinely check these items and dump out any collected water. You may also choose to cover certain items to remove the threat altogether.
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How to Prevent Mosquitoes In Your Backyard
In addition to getting rid of standing water as mentioned above, there a number of ways you can keep you and your family safe from mosquitoes in Des Moines:
Install screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes outside
Avoid going outdoors at dawn and dusk
Fix water leaks or drainage issues promptly
Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed and neat
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply repellent containing DEET
Long-Term Mosquito Control
If you deal with mosquitoes in your yard every year, there could be more at play. If you’ve done all you can to get rid of them and still are dealing with constant problems, it’s time to call the mosquito exterminators at Springer. Our team is committed to keeping mosquitoes away from your yard–for good.
It’s summer in Des Moines, and you’re probably ready to enjoy outdoor barbecues, picnics, hikes, and more. Unfortunately, with the rising temperatures comes the onslaught of mosquitoes! Everyone knows mosquitoes are a nuisance, but they can be dangerous too. Although the diseases they spread are rare, it’s still best to do everything you can to keep mosquitoes away from your home. The team at Springer Pest Control has gathered their top tips and tricks to prevent mosquitoes. Keep reading to learn more, or contact or mosquito exterminators today for professional mosquito removal services.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
For one reason or another, certain individuals seem to be more prone to mosquito bites than others. In any case, there are three things you can do to protect yourself or your family members from mosquito bites:
If at all possible, avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active!
When you do go outdoors in the summer, make sure to wear light-colored clothing. If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep your skin protected.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET. Before using on children, make sure to consult your pediatrician.
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5 Tips to Prevent Mosquitoes This Summer
There are certain things that may make your property more appealing to mosquitoes. By removing what attracts them, you can effectively keep mosquitoes away! Our top tips to prevent mosquitoes include:
Remove sources of standing water. Get rid of standing water in buckets, flower pots, bird baths, tarps, and more. Mosquitoes use standing water to breed!
Install screens on doors and windows. Installing screens on your doors and windows can keep mosquitoes from getting indoors every time you try to get some fresh air.
Place fish in ponds and agitate the water. Certain types of fish will feed on mosquito larvae. In addition, adding an agitator will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.
Maintain your yard regularly. Regularly maintain your garden and lawn to keep the grass short. Also keep plants and bushes trimmed to prevent mosquito resting spots.
Use fans in your outdoor spaces. Mosquitoes hate wind and are not strong fliers. Use fans to help force them away from your outdoor areas.
Long-Term Protection Against Mosquitoes
Bottom line: no one wants to deal with mosquitoes in the summertime. If the above tips and tricks to prevent mosquitoes did not stop your mosquito problem, it’s best to call a professional mosquito control company. The experts at Springer have the tools and resources needed to keep you mosquito-free all summer long.