Central Iowa Pest Calendar
Pests in Des Moines and central Iowa follow the seasons. Knowing when each pest is most active helps you plan inspections, prevention, and treatments.
Rodents move indoors during cold snaps.
Rodent activity stays high through late winter.
Spring thaws bring early ant and spider movement.
Termite swarmers and wasp queens become active.
Mosquitoes and ticks emerge as temperatures rise.
Peak outdoor season for biting and stinging pests.
Mosquitoes and wasps are at their most active.
Spider populations grow; outdoor pests remain common.
Fall invaders start moving indoors for warmth.
Rodents and overwintering insects seek shelter.
Indoor rodent activity increases as temperatures drop.
Rodents remain the top winter pest concern.
Calendar is a general guide for central Iowa. Pest activity varies with weather, home conditions, and surrounding habitat.