Why You Shouldnโ€™t Squish Wolf Spiders in Your House

wolf spider found in bathroom of house in davenport iowa

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 โ€“ squish now and ask questions later. But wait, hold on. If itโ€™s a wolf spider in your house, there are some very good reasons why you shouldnโ€™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. Theyโ€™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 donโ€™t spin webs, so if itโ€™s in a web you know itโ€™s not a wolf spider. They spend most of their time in hiding, but come out when theyโ€™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, youโ€™re choosing the fly.

Wolf spiders eat flies and anything else they can run down โ€“ 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 wonโ€™t control an all-out pest infestation โ€“ youโ€™ll need a regular-size exterminator to help with that โ€“ but itโ€™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 โ€“ย 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 motherโ€™s back and she carries them until theyโ€™re large enough to hunt for themselves.ย 

If you squish a wolf spider thatโ€™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 youโ€™re sure itโ€™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 donโ€™t want them lingering around.

How to Prevent Wolf Spiders in Your House

Wolf spiders donโ€™t intentionally come into your house. Theyโ€™re hunters, and they follow the food. Thatโ€™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 wonโ€™t come inside. Or the ones that do come inside will quickly starve.

Pest prevention is an entirely different conversation, and one weโ€™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 canโ€™t enter in the first place โ€“ but thereโ€™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 clearย 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 crevicesย around the exterior of your home with caulk or weatherstripping.
  • Keep your house clean withย 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.ย 

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!ย 

House Spiders: Friend or Foe?

a house spider in a web under a roof

If you don’t like spiders, you’ll be unhappy to learn that there are more than 4,000 species of them in North America alone. Lucky for us a majority of them are harmless to humans, though there are a few that are venomous enough to do some damage. But it’s the common house spider (or the American house spider) that you’re most likely to find in and around your home. Knowing that you likely have at least a few house spiders sometimes nearby right now, you may be wondering – should you be worried? Are they dangerous? Keep reading to find out.

What Are House Spiders?ย 

House spiders come in a wide array of rather drab colors. This ranges from yellow or tan, to darker shades of brown or gray with darker mottling. They have a round abdomen that’s higher than it is long and commonly seen with streaks on the sides, and usually splotched with white in its highest point. The house spider can be โ…› to โ…œ inches (for females); or โ…› inches (for males), in addition to long legs ringed with a dark color.

Where Do House Spiders Live?

You can find house spiders throughout the United States and in parts of southern Canada. They make their home just about anywhere, including:

  • Gardens and yards
  • Basements and attics
  • Barns and sheds

Just to name a few. Essentially if you have a structure with moisture and food that is mainly left undisturbed, the odds are good of attracting a house spider. If you find them you can easily distinguish their webs from other spiders, as their’s tend to be messier and more asymmetrical. However, they’d probably prefer you didn’t look for them, as if they’re left on their own in your attic, basement or garage, house spiders can live up to seven years. Compare this to their lifespan outside, where female spiders are bound to die in the cold and males rarely last for more than a year.

Are House Spiders Dangerous?

Let’s put some fears to rest: a house spider is not likely to attack you. They’re traditionally shy around humans and are more likely to run, hide or play dead if confronted. And even if it does bite you, its bite and venom are not considered hazardous to humans. You may end up with some minor swelling and redness, but overall this is one more thing that renders the house spider more of a nuisance than a danger. In fact, house spiders actually play a valuable part in your home’s ecosystem by controlling the population of more aggressive household pests. If you want a natural method to get rid of flies, mosquitos and even wasps, you might want to consider making a friend of the American house spider.

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 clearย 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 crevicesย around the exterior of your home with caulk or weatherstripping.
  • Keep your house clean withย 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.ย 

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!ย 

Our Ten Best Spider Facts

Looking for spiders in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

The area around Des Moines IA happens to host all kinds of spider species. Here at Springer Professional Pest Solutions, we have helped countless home and business owners put a stop to their spider problems, and in the process, weโ€™ve met many arachnophobes. We believe that people wouldnโ€™t be so afraid of spiders if they knew more about them, so weโ€™ve laid out our top ten spider facts for you to read!

Our Top 10 Facts About Spiders

  1. Most spider bites arenโ€™t harmful: All spiders have venom that they use to kill their prey, but only a select few spiders in Des Moines are venomous enough to endanger humans.
  2. Spiders live everywhere: Not just all over the world, all over your area, too! Research suggests that youโ€™re probably within 10 feet of the closest spider at any point.
  3. Thousands of spider species exist: There are over 35,000 documented spider species in the world with many more yet to be discovered, experts predict.
  4. Spiders wrap presents: Spiders have been observed wrapping up bugs in silk to present to a mate that theyโ€™re courting. Some spiders cut corners, though, and wrap up leaves or other junk to make a fake present.
  5. Spiders are dancers: Male spiders sometimes take part in a scuttling, arm-waving, frantic dance routine to try to entice a female that they like.
  6. Female spiders attack their mates: Some female spiders will kill their male counterpart after mating to use their body as nourishment for their offspring to come. Females of other spider species will occasionally kill males for courtship displays that donโ€™t meet their standards.
  7. Spider silk can do many things: Beyond their webs that they use to trap insects, spiders of different species use their silk to create paths, nests, tunnels, and even as floats to glide around on.
  8. It is also stronger than steel: If you cut a piece of steel to the same dimensions as a strand of spider silk, it would be 5 times weaker! Spider silk is only so flimsy because of how thin it is spun.
  9. And itโ€™s liquid at first: This is why we think the strength of spider silk is so incredibleโ€”it only becomes solid when it comes into contact with air. It starts in liquid form in their spinning gland.
  10. Spider muscles work differently: Spiders can only curl in their legs, not push them back out using muscular mechanisms. What they do instead is pump a special fluid through their legs to expand them. This fluid also makes for incredible propensity for jumping.

Still Need Spider Control Services?

We hope that weโ€™ve given you some reasons to think spiders are cool and not freaky. However, we understand that even non-dangerous spiders can be a nuisance and unsettling when they occupy your home. If youโ€™re looking for spider exterminators in Des Moines IA, reach out to our team at Springer Professional Home Services. Get a free quote from our spider control team by contacting us today!

Repair Your Window Screens to Help Keep the Bugs Out

Fix torn window screens in Central Iowa - Springer Professional Home 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.

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!

What Should I Do About the Spiders in My Home?

Spiders in Iowa homes - Springer Professional Home Services

There’s no questioning why spiders are one of the most feared pests. With their long legs and speed, the sighting of a single spider running across the floor of your home can send shivers down your spine. The truth is that although spiders look frightening, most are completely harmless and actually assist in keeping the nuisance insect population in check. Regardless, spotting oneโ€”or moreโ€”of these invaders in your home can be unsettling and may even indicate a larger problem. Their presence can become especially troublesome when they seem to be growing in numbers indoors.

To reduce the number of spiders that enter your home, it’s important to make your property less attractive to them in the first place. The spider control experts at Springer Professional Home Services are here to help with expert tips on keeping spiders out of your Iowa home for good.

How to Prevent Spiders in Iowa

Spiders are driven to come indoors for the same reasons as other pests: in pursuit of food, water, and shelter! To keep them out, then, requires denying them access and making your home less attractive to spiders in general. Our best spider prevention tips to achieve this are as follows:

  1. For spiders, the best way to prevent them is to eliminate potential nesting areasโ€”even outside your home. Keep wood and debris piles away from your house, and make sure to burn them frequently to keep them free of nests. Use a broom to keep the exterior corners of your home free of cobwebs.
  2. Once youโ€™ve eliminated potential spider habitats outside your house, make sure to also seal any cracks in your foundation or siding. Caulk is useful to fill in the tiny cracks spiders frequently get inside through.
  3. After taking care of the outside of your house, itโ€™s time to move inside. Vacuum at least once a week, and be sure to hit spider hot spots like the corners of outside walls, the space behind furniture, and throughout your finished basement. Dust ceiling corners weekly, and try to keep clutter to a minimum.
  4. Spiders are attracted to the other pests and insects in your home that they prey on. Preventing those pests means keeping spiders away! Basic pest prevention tips include cleaning up food and spills that typically attract small insects like ants and beetles.

Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home

If youโ€™re dealing with an ongoing spider problem, you may wish to attempt DIY spider control methods. Consider using citrus, lavender, or peppermint essential oils when you clean. Spiders hate these scents, and they are easy to incorporate into your housekeeping regimen.ย You can also make your own natural spider repellent spray by mixing together 1 cup water, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon peppermint essential oil, 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap, and 1 lemon, juiced Spray the mixture along floorboards, window panes, in basement areas, and around the exterior of your home. Homemade repellents have to be applied frequently, so itโ€™s best to add them to your weekly cleaning schedule.

If these all-natural spider repellents arenโ€™t working, it’s likely a sign you have a bigger issue at hand. At that point, it’s best to enlist the expertise of a professional spider exterminator.

Keep Spiders Away With Springer Professional Home Services

If left unattended, spiders can progress in their lifecycle and begin laying egg sacs. A spiderโ€™s egg sac can contain hundreds of baby spiders, which, once hatched, will further perpetuate your infestation. A pest control professional will be able to perform a thorough inspection and analysis of your case. A professional is also recommended for handling more dangerous spider problems, such as black widows and brown recluse spiders.

No matter what spider problem you’re encountering in your Iowa home or business, Springer Professional Home Services can help. To get started, contact our team of spider control experts today!

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 yearโ€”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 youโ€™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 theyโ€™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 theyโ€™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. โ€œNo see umsโ€ (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 isnโ€™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.

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, itโ€™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 reactionโ€”or even an allergic reactionโ€”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, weโ€™ll implement a pest control plan to keep the pests away for good. 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 youโ€™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. Hereโ€™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, youโ€™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. Itโ€™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.

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, youโ€™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 winterโ€”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 arenโ€™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, itโ€™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 youโ€™d like.

4. Bed Bugs

You know the saying, โ€œSleep tight; donโ€™t let the bed bugs bite.โ€ Unfortunately, that wasnโ€™t just momโ€™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.

How to Prevent Winter Pest Problems

While thereโ€™s no way to guarantee that you wonโ€™t battle some of these pests every now and again, there are ways to significantly reduce your risk. Hereโ€™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 โ€œhot spotsโ€ for pests regularly and treat them when necessary.

Annual Pest Control Services

If youโ€™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.

Prevent Halloween Pest Infestations With These Tips

Spiders are common fall pests in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

Pest infestations during the holiday season are any property ownerโ€™s worst nightmare. With Halloween just a few weeks away, now is the time to safeguard your home from creepy-crawly pests. Many insects and pests are known to hide out in boxes stored right in your garage. Others are looking to get indoors to escape dropping temperatures outdoors here in Des Moines. Regardless of the reason, itโ€™s important to do everything in your power to keep pests out. Keep reading for our top tips to prevent Halloween pest infestations!

Common Pests Around the Holidays

Infestations often begin when certain pests hide out in your stored boxes of decorations. Some of the most common pests include rats and mice, who squeeze their way inside for warmth, food, and shelter. Stink bugs and boxelder bugs are another common fall pest, both of which flock to the side of your home and could crawl in if given the chance. Spider populations boom this time of year, which is why you might be seeing more webs than ever. Some of these pests could be lurking in old boxes of decorations or simply hiding out in your yard, making it important to know how to protect your property from pests.

How to Prevent Halloween Pest Infestations

You may be putting fate rodents or bats out as decorations, but you definitely want to prevent the real ones from getting indoors! As you would any other time of the year, itโ€™s important to implement preventative measures to keep fall pests away. Our top tips include:

  1. Sealing all cracks and crevices in your home with caulk
  2. Installing new window or door screens
  3. Cleaning up your yardโ€™s foliage
  4. Keeping a tidy kitchen with sealed food containers
  5. Storing all seasonal decorations in airtight plastic bins

Seasonal Pest Infestations

No one has time to deal with pests during the holiday season. To protect your property, implement pest exclusion tactics, and make sure to be careful unpacking any boxes that have been stored away for months. If you need assistance protecting your property or already have an infestation, contact the residential exterminators at Springer Professional Home Services.

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,ย 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 petsโ€™ food dishes after theyโ€™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, itโ€™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 itโ€™s crucial to pest-proof. Contact our Springer exterminators today to learn more!