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.
Little creatures do lots of damage. It’s easy to underestimate pests’ effects on our health. They disrupt the tranquility of our homes, trigger allergies, contaminate food supplies, and cause psychological distress. Oftentimes, they compromise the mental peace and physical health of our family members.
The fear and anxiety pests induce shouldn’t be overlooked. Living with pests is a stressful experience. Thoughts of unexpectedly encountering unwanted creatures creates a constant sense of unease and affects one’s mental well-being. Pests like bed bugs or rodents may degrade sleep with insomnia and restlessness.
As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of your family’s health and wellbeing. While you may diligently clean and maintain your living space, unseen invaders can pose significant health risks. Janssen Pest Solutions understands these concerns, and we’re committed to safeguarding your home from these hidden hazards.
What are the health concerns of household pests?
When pests enter our homes, they bring health hazards with them. Some common issues include respiratory distress, food contamination, and mental discomfort. When these problems arise, you’re never alone.
Our experts are equipped to identify, manage, and prevent infestations. Exterminators have specialized training in treating infestations. Their experience allows them to efficiently assess the situation, determine the most effective treatment methods, and implement long-term pest management solutions. Our comprehensive approach ensures your well-being and comfort.
What are Iowa’s household pests?
Iowa is home to several common household pests, including: Mosquitoes: These pests are prevalent during the warmer months. They may be lured inside by stagnant water sources, like vases and pet water bowls.
Ants: Iowa has a variety of ant species. These creatures are a common nuisance to homeowners and often invade homes in search of food and water.
Spiders: Most Iowan spider bites are harmless, but that doesn’t mean they make good roommates! Many people find their presence unsettling.
Rodents: Mice and rats are known for seeking shelter in homes, especially during colder months. They spread diseases through their droppings and urine.
Cockroaches: These resilient pests trigger allergies in some individuals. They’re attracted to moist, humid environments, including leaky pipes and condensation.
Termites: Termites feed on cellulose, a component found in wood and plant materials They’re a destructive pest that can cause significant damage to wooden structures if left unchecked.
Bed Bugs: Bed bugs quickly infest homes and cause itchy bites, leading to discomfort and sleep disturbances. Always check for bed bug activity when introducing secondhand fabrics and furniture into your home.
Can pests cause respiratory distress in humans?
Certain pests can trigger respiratory distress in humans, especially in people with pre-existing conditions. Pests like cockroaches, rodents, and dust mites are notorious for triggering allergies and respiratory issues. Their presence is especially linked to worsening asthma symptoms. They contaminate the air with shed skin and droppings, leading to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and asthma attacks.
Can pests transmit diseases to humans?
Yes, pests can transmit disease to humans. Common pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and rodents are known carriers of diseases. Mice and rats are common disease-bearing household pests. It’s crucial to address pest infestations quickly to minimize health risks.
Can pests contaminate food?
Pests are constantly attracted to food sources. They’re adept at finding their way into our pantries and kitchens, leading to contamination and health risks. From beetles to rodents, these unwelcome visitors compromise the safety of what we eat.
Rodents are some of the biggest culprits. Rats and mice are major disease carriers and contaminate food with urine, feces, and hair. They gnaw through food packaging and leave it vulnerable to contamination. Their droppings spread harmful bacteria that create serious health issues if ingested.
How do pests affect mental health?
The emotional impact of pest problems is tiresome, and living with pests takes a toll on mental health. Worrying and stressing over pests heightens anxiety and decreases peace of mind. They disrupt a home’s security and leave homeowners feeling a lack of control.
A professional can re-establish your sense of security. Exterminators address tangible issues while alleviating the emotional burden of pest-infested environments.
Preventive measures are the best way to keep your home pest-free. Conduct regular inspections and pay special attention inside cabinets, under sinks, in basements, and in attics.
Additionally, inspect your home for cracks and gaps. If you find any openings, seal them using caulk or other sealants.
How do I keep pests from affecting my family’s health?
Implementing prevention-focused pest control solutions is the best way to keep these critters from affecting your family’s health. Creating an inhospitable environment using comprehensive techniques helps safeguard your family’s health and well-being.
Ready to talk to an expert? Contact us today. At Janssen Pest Solutions, we tackle pest problems with empathy and efficiency. Our pest technicians ensure thorough, long-lasting solutions. We’re dedicated to transparent communication, education, and ongoing support to help you make informed decisions regarding pest control solutions.
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!
Are you waking up to itchy bites and suspicious red marks on your skin? You might have unwelcome guests in your bed.
Bed bugs turn peaceful nights into sleepless struggles. These nocturnal pests are notorious for causing discomfort and irritation with their awful bites. The mere presence of bed bugs brings a myriad of troubles, including health anxiety and infestation concerns.
However, there’s no need to suffer in silence. We understand the challenges of bed bug infestations. At Janssen Pest Solutions, our team of experienced exterminators in Des Moines is here to provide you with fast and effective bed bug services so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep once again.
How can I prevent bed bugs?
Understanding how bed bugs operate and implementing preventative measures is crucial for minimizing infestations. We believe that employing preventative measures is the most effective way to keep these pests at bay.
Where do bed bugs come from?
Bed bugs are adept at finding their way into homes through a variety of means. This makes them a challenging pest to deal with. Though avoiding bed bugs entirely may be out of your control, understanding their habits is a crucial step in minimizing infestations.
It’s important to recognize that bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They can attach themselves to luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings. This means that even a brief encounter in an infested environment, such as a hotel room or public transportation, can unintentionally introduce bed bugs into your living space upon your return.
To minimize this risk, we recommend that frequent travelers thoroughly check hotels prior to booking. Research customer reviews and inspect online resources for any reports of bed bug incidents. Upon arrival, conduct a brief inspection of your hotel room. Focus on areas like the mattress seams, headboard, and furniture. These precautionary steps significantly reduce the likelihood of bringing bed bugs back home.
Secondhand items are another potential source of bed bug infestations. Used furniture, like mattresses, sofas, and upholstered chairs, can harbor bed bugs. Second-hand clothing and bedding pose the same risk.
It’s important to thoroughly inspect secondhand items before bringing them home. When purchasing used furniture, carefully examine all seams, crevices, and joints for signs of bed bugs and their eggs. If you purchase secondhand clothing or bedding, be sure to wash and dry these items at a high temperature before using them. Being diligent about checking secondhand items helps avoid the potential hassle of dealing with a bed bug infestation later on.
There are countless ways for bed bug infestations to occur—these are just two common examples. Infestations can happen to anyone, regardless of their cleanliness or the state of their home. Understanding some common risks and taking preventive measures helps minimize the risk.
What are the signs of bed bugs?
The first step in dealing with a bed bug infestation is confirming their presence. Some common signs of bed bugs include:
Bite Marks: Waking up with red, itchy welts on your skin is a common indicator of bed bug bites. These bites often occur in a linear or clustered pattern
Blood Stains: Bed bugs feed on blood. They may leave behind small blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases prior to feeding.
Dark Spots: Bed bugs leave behind fecal spots, which appear as tiny dark spots or smears. Keep an eye out for these marks on bedding, mattresses, walls, or furniture.
Eggshells and Shed Skins: Bed bugs shed their exoskeletons and leave empty eggshells as they progress through their life cycle. These objects are a telltale sign of their presence.
Musty Odor: Bed bugs release certain pheromones that produce a distinct smell. A strong, musty odor can be a sign of a large infestation.
Live Bed Bugs: While bed bugs are nocturnal and usually hide during the day, you may spot them crawling on your mattress, furniture, or walls, especially in the seams and crevices.
How to get rid of bed bugs?
Every bed bug issue is unique, and there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. While there are DIY methods for dealing with bed bugs, they’re often ineffective and can even make the problem worse by causing the bugs to scatter and spread. Professional exterminators have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to effectively eliminate bed bugs from your home, ensuring a thorough and lasting solution.
At Janssen Pest Solutions, our team works with you to understand your problem and develop a customized treatment plan. We offer a variety of treatment options to address bed bug issues of all sizes.
One treatment option is our convective bed bug heat system. Our system effectively eliminates unwanted bedmates without the need for harmful chemicals or pesticides. This tool is a game-changer in the battle against these persistent pests. It utilizes controlled heat to target bed bugs in all their hiding spots.
Our convective bed bug heat treatment works by gradually raising the temperature of the treatment area. The temperature becomes lethal to bed bugs without affecting the surrounding area, meaning your belongings stay safe from harm. What sets our convective heat treatment apart is its ability to penetrate deep into furniture, walls, and other hard-to-reach areas where bed bugs may hide. This helps ensure thorough eradication of the infestation.
Moreover, this method is safe for both humans and pets, as it does not involve any toxic substances or residues. Our convective bed bug heat system is highly effective and incredibly efficient, allowing quick treatment times and minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Remember that bed bugs are a common issue, and their presence does not indicate a lack of cleanliness. We want to emphasize that there’s no shame in seeking help! Our team of friendly Des Moines bed bug exterminators will assist you and provide discreet, professional services. Don’t let bed bugs take away your peace of mind. Contact us today for a free estimate and take the first step toward a bed-bug-free home.
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