Pest Control Questions for Des Moines Homeowners
These answers cover the questions Des Moines homeowners ask most often: timing, price approval, licences, sealing, mice and fall invaders. Each answer points to the page where the detail sits.
- Fall invader control
- Mouse exclusion and sealing
- Ant control
Get a fast quote
Fastest: call (855) 974-4733. Or send this and we call you back.
Scheduling and calls
Are phones answered at night?
Yes, 24/7. The call-taker asks for the address and the problem so the visit can be planned.
Is a same-day visit guaranteed?
No. A same-day visit is offered when a technician is free, and no arrival time is promised.
How long does a visit take?
It depends on the building and the problem. The technician confirms the length on the call.
Price and approval
Do you publish prices?
No figure is published here. The price follows the inspection and is confirmed on site.
Do I have to approve the work?
Yes. The findings and the price are explained, and nothing is applied until you approve.
Can I pay for the inspection alone?
Ask when you book. The terms for an inspection visit are explained before the visit.
Licences
Who licenses pesticide applicators in Iowa?
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) certifies and licenses applicators.
What do I ask for?
Ask for the applicator's name, licence details and category, then verify them with IDALS.
Does a licence guarantee the work?
No. It shows the person is certified for the category, not that a particular job is right.
Sealing and mice
How big is a mouse entry?
Iowa State University says the outdoor mice need an opening of about a quarter inch or larger.
Will sealing remove mice already inside?
No. Sealing stops new arrivals; trapping or monitoring removes the animals already inside.
When should I seal?
Late summer, before the autumn movement, is the most useful time.
Fall invaders
What are the fall invaders?
Boxelder bugs and multicolored Asian lady beetles, with brown marmorated stink bugs also able to show up indoors.
When is the barrier window?
Iowa State University gives September to mid-October for barrier sprays on the south and west sides, before entry.
Should I vacuum them?
Vacuum rather than crush them, then seal the bag outside and close the openings they used.
Question not answered here?
Call and ask. A technician will give you a straight answer, even if the answer is that you do not need us.