This is a special year in the Midwest for a coinciding two brood periodic Cicada emergence affecting primarily Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. For our Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa market, Cicadas from Brood XIX (2011 last emergence) and Brood XIII (2017 last emergence) have not had a simultaneous hatch out since 1803 … and yes Thomas Jefferson was President.
To remind our clients and the general public these few bullet points:
Hatch out will occur when soil temperature gets to 64 degrees. We have had a warm winter that could start as early as late April; or by the time you are reading this they might already be here with a heightened two week emergence target of mid May.
Cicadas cause no harm or impact on Humans.
Cicadas emerge from the ground; and provide natural aeration and upon their natural demise provide nitrogen and nutrients back to the soil.
Expect to be serenaded and expect to see cast skins on tree branches.
Cicadas emergence is a natural phenomenon and is beneficial to the environment; they cannot and should not be controlled via pesticide applications.
This co-emergence will not happen again in our life-times. Enjoy the wonderment as we did the eclipse a few weeks back.
Cicadas in Iowa, particularly the periodical cicadas, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rhythmic cycles of nature. These insects, known for their prominent bulging eyes and distinctive songs, emerge in vast numbers every 17 years in the state. During their brief adult life above ground, typically lasting about four to six weeks, the air fills with their loud, buzzing mating calls, creating a natural symphony that marks the arrival of summer. Iowa’s landscapes are transformed as these cicadas participate in their age-old reproductive dance, leaving behind their nymph shells attached to tree trunks and branches. The spectacle is not only a treat for entomologists but also serves as a reminder of the intricate temporal patterns that govern the natural world.
The most common ant control challenge Janssen Pest Solutions solves is that of the odorous house ant, affectionately called OHA’s by our team. These tiny creatures are a common challenge across much of the United States, known for their distinctive rotten odor when crushed. Here’s what you need to know:
Characteristics of Odorous House Ants in Iowa
Size: Typically ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 inch, these ants are generally monomorphic, meaning all members are approximately the same size.
Color: Their body color varies uniformly from shades of brown to black.
Antennae: OHA’s possess 12-segmented antennae without a club.
Thorax: Their thorax is uneven, featuring one hidden node on the pedicel.
Anal Pores: Unlike some ant species, OHA’s lack a circle of hairs at the anal pores.
Behaviors of Odorous House Ants in Iowa
Foraging Patterns: OHA’s are opportunistic foragers, searching for food both indoors and outdoors. Although they primarily favor sweets, they also scavenge for grease and dead insects, making them adaptable survivors in various environments. Indoors, they are attracted to sugary substances, grease, and protein-rich foods. Outdoors, they scavenge for dead insects and sweet plant secretions.
Breeding and Nesting: These winged reproductive ants typically emerge in May, marking the start of their breeding season. OHA’s exhibit a preference for nesting indoors, especially in environments conducive to moisture and warmth. These resourceful ants reproduce prolifically, with colonies often numbering in the thousands. Common indoor nesting sites include areas near dishwashers, pantries, countertops, pet food bowls, and cabinets.
Colony Structure: Unlike some ant species, odorous house ant colonies can contain multiple queens, a trait known as polygyny. This feature contributes to their colony’s resilience and ability to rapidly expand their population. Having multiple queens enhances genetic diversity within the colony, which increases its overall adaptability to changing environmental conditions and threats. This complex social structure allows odorous house ants to thrive in diverse habitats and outcompete other ant species in Iowa.
Defense Mechanisms: When threatened, odorous house ants have an interesting defense mechanism. They release a characteristic odor, often described as a rotten coconut smell, which serves to deter predators and potential threats. Additionally, they may emit warning signals by rapidly moving their antennae as a form of communication to alert other colony members of danger. This coordinated response helps the colony to effectively defend itself against threats.
Pest Status of Odorous House Ants in Iowa
While odorous house ants do not pose significant health risks to humans, they can quickly become a nuisance when they invade our living spaces. They can contaminate food and surfaces, and the foul odor they emit when disturbed only adds to the frustration of dealing with them. Moreover, their sheer numbers and ability to establish satellite colonies make them a formidable foe for homeowners attempting to rid their homes of these persistent pests.
ControllingOdorous House Ants in Iowa
The most effective approach for managing OHA populations in Iowa involves the expertise of a well-trained technician. Through an integrated control strategy, technicians employ a combination of bait and non-repellent insecticide technologies. This method ensures both safety and efficiency in eradicating OHA infestations, safeguarding homes and businesses from their pervasive presence.Do you suspect an OHA infestation on your property? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our skilled technicians and experience the most effective pest management strategy in Iowa!
Pest control is a complicated endeavor. Effective pest management is about more than just spraying chemicals and setting traps: it requires extensive knowledge on different pest types and an understanding of conditions conducive to their activity. When you’re in need of a pest control professional, it’s important to choose a provider well-versed in these topics.
At Janssen Pest Solutions, we recognize the complexity of pest control. We invest heavily in employee training to equip our technical staff with the skills needed to identify, manage, and prevent pest infestations.
By equipping our technicians with foundation knowledge, we empower them to accurately assess pest problems and implement effective control strategies. Whether it’s a routine inspection or a full-blown infestation, our trained professionals are equipped to handle any pest-related challenge with confidence and efficiency.
We’re proud leaders in Iowa pest control. What sets us apart is our focus on employee training and development. Every Janssen Pest technician holds 3 categories of state certifications, and is licensed, bonded, and insured. These qualifications guarantee financial protection and quality assurance, providing you with peace-of-mind and professional guidance. In addition, our technical staff receive 50-60 hours of continued training spanning a range of topics, including:
Understanding Pest Behavior: A central aspect of effective pest control is an understanding of pest behavior. Each pest species exhibits unique habits and preferences, which must be taken into account when devising control strategies.
Our technicians undergo extensive training in pest identification and behavior, allowing them to accurately assess the nature and extent of an infestation. Whether it’s ants, termites, spiders, bed bugs, rodents, or any other common pest, our team is well-versed in their characteristics and tendencies.
Product Knowledge and Application Techniques: In addition to understanding pest behavior, successful pest control relies on the use of appropriate products and application techniques. At Janssen Pest Solutions, we maintain a comprehensive inventory of over 23 different products, each carefully selected for its efficacy and safety.
Our technicians undergo thorough training to ensure products are applied correctly and effectively. From bait stations and insecticides to traps and repellents, we have the tools and expertise to address any pest problem.
Long-Term Control: We believe in taking a proactive approach to pest management. This means we address potential vulnerabilities before they escalate into full-blown infestations. Through ongoing education and communication, we empower our team to identify and mitigate conducive conditions on clients’ properties.
Effective pest control requires expertise in pest behavior, product awareness, application techniques, and more. At Janssen Pest Solutions, we’re committed to providing our team with the knowledge they need to perform their best. You can trust our team to deliver effective solutions tailored to your needs. Don’t let pests take control of your home or business—contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier home.
Each year, central Iowa experiences a dramatic array of weather conditions. We endure frozen winters, sticky summers, torrential rainfall, and periodic droughts. These fluctuations affect pest behavior and their presence in our lives.
Grasping the seasonal patterns of pest behavior helps homeowners employ effective pest control measures. This guide by Janssen Pest Solutions presents a monthly analysis of pest activity in Central Iowa, and offers valuable insights into the preventive actions homeowners should implement to safeguard their homes.
January:
January marks the peak of winter in central Iowa. Cold temperatures and frequent snowfall drive many pests indoors. Common January invaders include mice, rats, and spiders. Food, warmth, and light draw these critters inside.
It’s important to be proactive in pest control during January. Sealing cracks, ensuring proper insulation, and practicing good sanitation helps deter these pests. Practicing these habits at the beginning of the year helps them become part of your monthly maintenance routine moving forward.
If you notice signs of infestation, consider hiring a pest control professional. When you contact an expert early on, you reduce the risk of long-term damage. Tackling pest issues head-on is the best way to prevent large-scale issues.
February:
As frigid temperatures continue through February, homeowners may notice an influx of indoor pests. Spiders, stink bugs, ladybugs, and other shelter-seekers may start emerging from their hiding spots.
To combat this, it’s crucial to practice proactive home maintenance. Regular cleaning and vacuuming play a pivotal role. Pay special attention to small corners and hidden space. Minimizing these hiding spots creates a less hospitable environment for unwanted visitors.
March:
Iowa pest prevention is a year-round endeavor. As temperatures rise, a new set of challenges emerges. One notable change is the heightened presence of ants as they become more active in their search for food. Ant activity becomes more noticeable both indoors and outdoors.
It’s crucial to take preventative measures to prevent infestations. Start by sealing any potential entry points that ants may exploit. Minimizing these access points creates a barrier that deters invasion.
Make sure to keep food stored in airtight containers. This practice denies ants access to food sources. Maintaining a clean living space is equally important, as ants are attracted to crumbs and spills. Regular cleaning routines, especially in kitchens and dining areas, significantly reduces the likelihood of ant infestations.
April:
As temperatures continue rising through April, homeowners should be particularly vigilant about termite activity. Termites are especially concerning this time of year. They become more active and inflict extensive home damage.
Recognizing the signs of termite activity is crucial for early intervention. Discarded wings, mud tubes on walls, and hollow-sounding wood are all signs of termite presence. If you notice any of these indicators, it’s essential to address the issue promptly.
Do not take termite presence lightly. Professional termite control is highly suggested.
May:
With summer just around the corner, you may notice more mosquito activity. Warm weather creates optimal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive. However, you can minimize their impact.
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so eliminating standing water helps reduce their populations. Take care of clogged gutters and check rainwater receptacles, like flower pot saucers and bird baths.
Other outdoor pests, such as ticks and fleas, may become more prevalent. Proper lawn maintenance and pet care become paramount.
June:
The beginning of summer brings the buzz of carpenter bees. These wood-boring insects cause damage to many structures. Homeowners should regularly inspect and treat wooden surfaces to deter carpenter bee activity.
Inspect wooden surfaces for perfectly round, dime-sized holes accompanied by a sawdust-like material. These holes may indicate carpenter bee nesting sites.
Treating wooden surfaces with appropriate products helps deter carpenter bee activity. Applying sealants, stains, and paint to wooden structures makes them less attractive to bees.
You may also notice an influx of wasps or hornets. If you find a nest on your property, it’s best to use professional intervention. Instead of risking a nasty sting, contact a pest control professional for help.
July:
As temperatures soar in July, flies become abundant. They’re a nuisance both indoors and outdoors, but you don’t have to let them ruin your summer fun.
Implement proper waste management to control fly populations. Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids and regularly remove garbage from your home. If you start noticing flies inside, sticky or electrical traps may help lower populations.
Homeowners should also be vigilant against pantry pests like beetles and moths. Make sure food is properly sealed to prevent infestations.
August:
As summer winds down, cooler temperatures are just around the corner. At this time, rodent activity may increase again.
Recheck your home for cracks and holes, and address entry points as needed. Focus on areas around doors, windows, and utility penetrations. Rodents can exploit even the smallest openings, so thorough inspections and timely repairs are crucial.
September:
As September arrives, homeowners should be mindful of seasonal invaders like boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles. These pests become a nuisance as temperatures drop. They’re attracted to warmth, and often gather in large numbers on sunny days. When the sun is shining, you may notice clusters on the outside of your home.
Double-check your home’s exterior for potential entry points. Consider equipping windows with screens as an extra preventative measure.
October: As temperatures drop in October, spiders reemerge. Spiders typically come indoors through windows, doors, cracks, and exterior gaps. They may also find their way inside while hunting for insects.
Perform regular cleaning routines, focusing on corners and windowsills. Spiders tend to build webs in these areas. Removing existing webs discourages spiders from establishing themselves in these locations.
November:
In November, homeowners should focus on winterization. Taking proactive steps helps reduce winter infestations. You’ll enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient living environment throughout the colder months.
Seal potential entry points and store food in pest-proof containers. Additionally, clear debris and trim vegetation around your home’s perimeter. This practice removes potential hiding spots near your home’s foundation.
December:
When it comes to pest management, December presents unique risks. Stored seasonal decor creates ideal hiding conditions for pests. Infrequent inspection allows pests to go unnoticed until it’s time to decorate.
Thoroughly inspect items for signs of pest activity. Keep an eye out for droppings, nests, and damage. By examining stored items before decking the halls, you can prevent pests from migrating to other areas.
In central Iowa, pest control is a year-round consideration, but you don’t need to do the work alone. An expert can help create a customized plan to prevent uninvited houseguests.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable home. Trust Janssen Pest Solutions for effective, reliable, and personalized care.
When it comes to general pest management, the key preventive actions take place within a structure’s foundational apron. The apron refers to the space within three feet upwards and ten feet horizontally from a structure’s base.
This area is important because a majority of pest problems begin when a building’s exterior is conducive to pest activity. Pests are opportunistic creatures, and when they find an environment that meets their needs, they’re quick to set up camp.
Once pests establish themselves, it threatens the structure’s exterior and increases the likelihood they’ll gain access inside. It sounds scary, but there’s nothing to fear: the experts at Janssen Pest Solutions are here to teach you how to safeguard your property’s foundation against unwanted intruders.
Moisture retention and harborage opportunities are two major conditions that attract pests. Moist environments provide pests with the water sources they need to survive, while harborage gives them places to seek shelter and breed. By addressing these circumstances, you can effectively deter pests from taking up residence. Keep reading to find out how!
Moisture Retention
Just like us, pests need water to survive. Excessive moisture provides them with a vital resource—and an open invitation to make themselves at home. Here are some factors that contribute to excess water retention:
Downspouts and splash blocks: While downspouts and splash blocks are essential for directing water away from buildings, they promote water retention if they aren’t properly maintained. When these features become clogged or misaligned, water accumulates around the building’s foundation and attracts pests.
Mulch: Mulch is commonly used in landscaping to intentionally retain soil moisture. But when mulch isn’t properly aerated, it retains excessive moisture, which encourages pest activity.
Landscape Fabric: While landscape fabric helps conserve soil moisture, it needs to be properly ventilated to avoid trapping excess water. Prolonged moisture retention beneath landscape fabric attracts pests that thrive in damp environments.
Gutter Moisture Retention: Clogged gutters lead to water accumulation along building eaves and rooftops. It creates a nutrient-rich environment that’s ideal for pests like mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
Standing Water Collection Areas: Low-lying areas or depressions in the landscape allow rainfall to collect and become stagnant over time. Areas with standing water create breeding grounds for water-loving pests, and increase the risk of infestations.
Hardscapes: Impermeable hardscape surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and paving stones prevent water from being absorbed into the soil. After it rains, water collects in stagnant pools conducive to pest activity.
By addressing these sources of moisture retention, you can help minimize the risk of pest infestations and create a healthier, more pest-resistant environment around your property.
Harborage
Harborage refers to areas where pests like to hide or take shelter. These spaces offer favorable conditions for survival and reproduction. Common harborage opportunities include:
Cracks and Crevices: Even the smallest openings in walls and foundations create ideal shelters for pests. These spaces are appealing because they provide protection from predators, weather, and human disturbance.
Roofline Overhangs: Roofline overhangs create shaded areas that give pests protection against sun, rain, and other environmental conditions. Overhangs are a very common place for paper wasps, yellow jackets, and other stinging insects to build their nests.
Overlap Siding: Overlap siding creates small, hidden spaces that pests love to hide. Gaps between siding panels or underneath siding edges can provide refuge for termites, ants, beetles, and more.
Exterior Light Fixtures: Exterior light fixtures offer harborage for flying insects like moths, flies, and mosquitoes. These fixtures emit light and warmth, which encourages pests to gather and seek shelter in nearby cracks and crevices.
Foliage: Nearby vegetation and foliage provide tons of harborage opportunities. Dense bushes, trees, and shrubs offer shelter for urban wildlife such as rabbits, possum, raccoons. These animals tend to carry fleas on their fur, which leads to additional problems.
Fleas are hitchhikers that aren’t too picky about where they lay their eggs. As wildlife critters roam the great outdoors, they leave flea eggs in their wake, including among the plants inside your own backyard.
Think about how often your beloved family pet explores these same areas. Your dog, cat, or other pet may pick up the fleas and eggs left behind. Fleas can multiply quickly once they’re on your pet and cause discomfort. They can also transmit diseases and parasites that pose health risks to both animals and humans.
Don’t let pests take shelter around your property. Eliminating harborage sites disrupts pests’ ability to survive and reproduce, making it one of the most effective strategies in pest control. Minimizing hiding places makes it harder for pests to find shelter, breed, and multiply.
Additional Control
Don’t wait until pests become a problem—take action now and protect your structure from infestation. A Green Guard Pest Management Program from Janssen Pest Solutions may be the answer to your residential pest prevention needs. Our Green Guard services utilize an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. We employ a combination of techniques that promote long-term pest prevention. Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your home’s foundation for conducive pest conditions. Then, we’ll develop a customized solution to address them.
Our Green Guard services come in a variety of packages and price points, and we’re happy to help you choose the plan that’s right for you. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive pest control solutions!
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