FAQs

Paul's AAA Pest Control is a family-owned company that has been serving central Iowa since 1987. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team is committed to providing pest-free living for our customers. As a trusted local company, we prioritize customer satisfaction and offer comprehensive solutions to prevent costly repairs. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary phone quote and a free evaluation.

Bed bugs and termites are among the most challenging pests to detect. Bed bugs, despite their name, can inhabit various fabrics and surfaces beyond beds. These blood-feeding insects range from 1.5 to 9 millimeters in length. Termites, which consume wood, can damage a home's structure from within. Brown-stained pathways are indicative of termite activity. These insects have distinctive three-part bodies and six legs. Despite their elusive nature, Paul's AAA Pest Control has the expertise to address these pest issues effectively. We encourage you to schedule an evaluation to assess your property.

Pests pose more than just discomfort; they can present significant health risks. They are known to trigger allergic reactions and spread mold. Some pests, particularly mice, can transmit serious diseases such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis, tularemia, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and salmonella. These conditions can lead to severe complications and, in some cases, may be fatal. Given these potential dangers, it is crucial to address pest problems promptly. We recommend contacting Paul's AAA Pest Control for a free phone quote to discuss your pest concerns.

During Iowa's cold winters, pests often seek shelter indoors, leading to increased sightings in homes. Rodents, including mice, are common winter intruders. Some pests are escaping the cold and snow. To minimize winter pest issues, we recommend thorough home cleaning, leak checks, gutter maintenance, and moving wood and leaf piles away from your foundation. Additionally, sealing entryways and filling gaps or holes can help. If pest problems persist, Paul's AAA Pest Control is available to assist. Please contact us for a free phone quote.

In Iowa, the most prevalent winter pests include cluster insects such as flies, boxelder bugs, Asian beetles, and stink bugs, rodents, and bats. It is advisable to have your home inspected for these and other pests annually during the winter season. Paul's AAA Pest Control offers complimentary home evaluations to identify potential pest issues.

Summer's warm weather often leads to increased pest activity. Common summer pests in homes may include subterranean termites, carpenter ants, mosquitoes, rodents, and bats. These pests can be disturbing, and some may carry harmful diseases. To maintain a pest-free environment during summer, consider the following measures: maintain a clean kitchen, store food securely, eliminate standing water, seal home entry points, control moisture in basements and attics, manage garbage properly, and keep firewood away from your home's foundation. If these preventive steps prove insufficient, Paul's AAA Pest Control is ready to assist with professional pest management solutions.

Bats are capable of entering homes through openings as small as 1/4 inch, allowing them to access various hidden areas. They frequently establish colonies in attics or wall voids. If you notice unusual sounds or odors, it is advisable to have these areas thoroughly inspected for potential bat infestations.

Addressing a bat infestation requires a comprehensive approach due to their ability to access small spaces. A thorough home inspection is necessary to identify potential entry points. At Paul's AAA Pest Control, we offer home evaluations to assess bat presence. If bats are detected, our process involves sealing all cracks and crevices, then installing one-way vents to allow bats to exit. Once the bats have departed, we remove the vents and seal the openings completely, enabling you to clean and restore your bat-free living space.

Termites are primarily categorized into two types: drywood and subterranean. Subterranean termites are considered the most destructive, causing an estimated $4.5 billion in annual damage across the United States. These termites are present in Iowa, necessitating vigilant monitoring. Signs of infestation include mud tubes, paint damage, small holes in wood, wood damage, discarded wings, and visible insects. Prompt action is crucial when dealing with termite issues. Paul's AAA Pest Control is prepared to address your termite concerns immediately upon contact.

Termite infestations often progress unnoticed due to the insects' small size. Key indicators of a termite problem include: swarms of small winged insects, paint cracks or bubbles, visible droppings, hollow-sounding wood, presence of mud tubes, and noticeable wood damage. We strongly advise seeking professional assistance at the first sign of these symptoms. Paul's AAA Pest Control offers home evaluations to determine if you have a termite infestation. We encourage you to contact us promptly for an assessment.

Termites are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. If you have a termite problem, you have to act now. Start by treating your wood with termiticide. You can also create a chemical barrier in the soil around your home. These are good preventative measures, but they may not work after an infestation has started. When the termite consumes the termiticide, it will take the poison back to the colony and spread the effect. Once the termites are gone, you’ll want to take preventative measures to mitigate a recurrence. It sounds like a lot, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Paul's AAA Pest Control can help get your termite issues under control.

You can minimize your risk of a termite infestation by reducing moisture in your home, fixing leaking faucets and appliances, and getting rid of any standing water. Make sure your vents stay open and clear. Keep lumber and paper materials away from your foundation and remove any tree stumps that could attract pests. Ultimately, professional support can make all the difference. With over 50 years of experience, Paul's AAA Pest Control is ready to help. Call now!

Bed bugs are creepy creatures because they often strike when we’re vulnerable. These bugs feed on human blood, and they’re most active at night. With a size of just 1/5 inch, most are so small that they make a penny look huge. Bed bugs may look like dog ticks, but they will become enlarged and reddish after feeding. They are very hardy insects that can survive in harsh conditions. Bed bugs will stay on you over great distances once they deem you a worthy host. This sounds scary, but you’ll probably never even feel it. Bed bugs often feed at night, but they have been seen during the daytime as well. Daytime feedings are most common in places like hospitals, theaters, and hotels. When they aren’t feeding, bed bugs can hide in the seams of the mattress, cracks on the bedframe, under loose wallpaper, behind picture frames, and inside furniture and upholstery. These bugs go through five nymph stages, and they require blood to keep growing. That said, a bed bug can survive up to 140 days without food. Feeding sessions last just 12 minutes. Some are as short as three minutes! If you’ve heard enough, we understand. Call Paul's AAA Pest Control for a home inspection.

Bed bugs spread easily from one place to the next. According to an article on Fox News, they can hitch a ride on nearly anything. In other words, as soon as you come into contact with an infestation somewhere else, you can easily bring it back to your own home. When you travel, look for stains on the sheets, eggs, and larvae. These creatures are tiny, so they can be hard to see. Check the mattress, baseboards, and cracks around the bed. If you think you may have bed bugs, don’t wait to get treatment. Moreover, you might pick up bed bugs from shopping and secondhand items. Always wash new clothes and inspect items before bringing them into your home. No matter how you get bed bugs, there’s one name for relief. At Paul's AAA Pest Control, we have a proven treatment to get rid of your bed bugs once and for all!