FAQ

FAQ

Paul's AAA Pest Control

Have a question about pest control? At Paul's AAA Pest Control, we have the answer. Check out these FAQs to learn more. If you still have questions or want a free home evaluation, call now. We can get you a free quote over the phone!

  • What makes Paul's AAA Pest Control different?

    At Paul's AAA Pest Control, we’re dedicated to helping you live a pest-free life. As a family-owned company, we’ve served customers in central Iowa since 1987. Our team has over 50 years of experience, and we’re a local company you can trust. Our customers always come first, and we’ll do whatever it takes to get rid of your pests. We’ll help keep your home from costly repairs! Call now for a free phone quote and ask for a free evaluation. We guarantee your satisfaction.

  • What are the hardest-to-find pests?

    Pests always take advantage of your nooks and crannies, but some pests sneak under the radar more than others. The pests you’re most likely to overlook are bed bugs and termites. Bed bugs don’t live exclusively on beds, but these tiny creatures love clothes, fabrics, and other surfaces. They feed on blood and can bite humans and animals. Most are just 1.5 millimeters in length, but some could be as big as 9 millimeters.


    Termites are another pest you may not see. These creatures eat wood, and they can actually eat away at your home’s structure from the inside out. If you see small pathways that are stained brown, that’s a telltale sign of termite problems. These insects have three divisions on their bodies and six legs.


    These are small, hard-to-find pests, but Paul's AAA Pest Control is up for the task. Call now for a free evaluation.

  • Are pests dangerous?

    Pests make most people uncomfortable. No one wants something creeping around! However, pests are not a mere inconvenience. They can actually be dangerous! 


    Pests can cause allergic reactions, and they have been shown to disperse mold. Some even carry diseases such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis, tularemia, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and salmonella. Many of these diseases are carried by mice and can be transmitted to humans through contact. Some of these diseases can cause serious complications or be fatal. That’s why your pest problem needs to be addressed. Call Paul's AAA Pest Control for a free phone quote.

  • Why do I see so many pests in my home each winter?

    Pests may seek shelter during the cold Iowa winters, and you may see more of them in your home when the temperatures drop. This includes mice and other rodents. Some pests are avoiding the cold and snow. Others are attracted to the increased moisture in your home from piles of snow and ice dams.


    To minimize your risk this winter, take a few simple steps. First, clean your home and check for leaks. Then, clean the gutters and move wood and leaf piles away from the foundation. Finally, seal your entryways and fill any gaps or holes. If you’re still having pest problems this winter, Paul's AAA Pest Control can help. Call for a free phone quote.

  • What are the most common winter pests?

    Many pests move inside during the cold winters in Iowa, but some are more common than others. The most common winter pests in Iowa include cluster flies, rats, German cockroaches, bed bugs, and bats. Your home should be checked for these pests and more every winter. Paul's AAA Pest Control can give you a free home evaluation. If you’re having an emergency, call now for same-day care.

  • How can I keep my home bug-free this summer?

    Just like humans, pests typically love warm weather. That can make pest control more difficult during the summer. The most common pests you may see in your home this summer could include subterranean termites, carpenter ants, mosquitos, rats, and bats. These pests can be unsettling, and some of them even carry dangerous diseases. Some tips for a pest-free summer include:


    • Keep your kitchen clean
    • Store your food securely
    • Eliminate standing water
    • Seal any holes or gaps in your home
    • Minimize moisture in the basement and attic
    • Manage your garbage
    • Keep firewood away from your foundation

    If these measures are not enough, don’t worry! Just call the pest control team at Paul's AAA Pest Control.

  • Where do bats live in my home?

    Bats can fit into many nooks and crannies in your home. In fact, a bat only needs 1/4 of an inch to get inside. This can make it easy for them to hide, and they can be difficult to find. Bats can live in established colonies inside your attic or wall void. If you notice any unusual noises or odors, be sure to have these areas investigated.

  • How can I keep bats out of my home?

    Bats can be hard to find, and they can be even harder to get rid of. If you suspect a bat problem, you’ll need a full home inspection. Because bats can squeeze into spaces as small as 1/4 inch,  you’ll need an expert. At Paul's AAA Pest Control, we offer free home evaluations. If we find evidence of bats, we can seal up every crack and crevice and install vents to allow the bats to fly out. Once the bats are gone, we’ll remove the vents and seal up the openings so you can clean up your home and live bat-free.

  • What are the different types of termites?

    Not all termites are the same. There are drywood and subterranean termites. Subterranean termites are the most destructive type, and they can cause up to $4.5 billion in damage in the United States each year. There are subterranean termites in Iowa, and you need to be vigilant. Look for mud tubes, buckling paint, tiny holes in your wood, damaged wood, piles of wings, and live bugs. It’s vital to address termite problems as soon as possible. Paul's AAA Pest Control can help when you call now.

  • What are the signs of a termite infestation?

    Termites are so small that you may not see them until it’s too late. Because most infestations happen behind the scenes, you have to look for distinctive signs of a problem. This can include:


    • A swarm of little winged bugs
    • Cracks or bubbles in your wall paint
    • Droppings
    • Hollow wood
    • Mud tubes
    • Damaged wood

    Get help at the first sign of trouble. With a free home evaluation, we’ll see if you have a termite problem. Call Paul's AAA Pest Control today!

  • How can I get rid of termites?

    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. 


    In this case, bait the termites. Bait traps attract termites. When the termite consumes the termiticide, it will take the poison back to the colony and spread the effect. Bait traps are generally safe for humans and can be placed on the outside of the house underground. The traps must be checked and refilled often. 


    If that isn’t enough, fumigation is an option. In this process, you have to leave your home to have it pumped full of toxic gas. This can take up to four days, but the process can be very effective. 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.

  • How can I prevent termite problems?

    You can minimize your risk of a termite infestation.


    • Reduce moisture in your home
    • Fix leaking faucets and appliances
    • Get rid of standing water
    • Keep vents open and clear
    • Seal pipes and utility lines
    • Store food securely
    • Keep lumber and paper away from the foundation
    • Remove tree stumps
    • Screen your vents

    Ultimately, you may want a professional’s help. We have over 50 years of experience at Paul's AAA Pest Control. Call now!

  • What are the facts I should know about bed bugs?

    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 it deems 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 free home inspection.

  • How do bed bugs spread?

    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.


    Bed bugs can also spread from house to house, so your neighbors can give them to you. 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!

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