Why Pest Control Matters: Protecting Your Home and Health This Spring

April is National Pest Management Month, a time to highlight the important role pest control plays in protecting public health, homes, and property. Organized by the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), this annual observance reminds homeowners that pest management isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, health, and long-term home maintenance.

At Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions, we see it every day: rodents, birds, and wildlife may seem like minor nuisances, but they can create major problems when they get too close—or inside—your home.

Health Risks from Rodents, Birds, and Wildlife

Some infestations are obvious: ants in the kitchen or mouse droppings in a drawer. But others, like squirrels in your attic or birds in a vent, can go unnoticed until real damage has already been done.

Rodents, for example, don’t just chew through wiring and insulation. They also leave behind droppings that can spread hantavirus, a rare but serious illness. This was tragically highlighted by the recent death of Betsy Arakawa, a reminder that even a seemingly small rodent issue can pose serious health risks.

Birds may be beautiful outside, but when they nest near your home, they bring with them the threat of salmonella, histoplasmosis, and housefires caused by flammable nesting materials in vents and chimneys. Learn more about the fire risks associated with bird nests on our blog.

Spring Is Peak Season for Wildlife Problems

Spring marks the beginning of nesting and breeding season for many animals, including:

• Squirrels, who often find their way into attics to build nests
• Raccoons, who look for food near trash bins and can break into garages or crawlspaces
• Bats, who sneak in through small gaps along the roofline or soffits
• Birds, who settle under solar panels, near lighting fixtures, or inside dryer vents

If you’re noticing unusual noises, chirping, or scratching around your home this time of year, it may be time for a free pest inspection to determine what’s going on.

Pest Problems Multiply Fast

Left untreated, one pest problem can quickly become several. For example, rodents and wildlife often carry fleas, ticks, or mites, which can spread to your pets or even your furniture. This is where integrated pest management comes in. At Bats and Bugs, we are licensed professionals and well-equipped to tackle infestations at the source and prevent them from returning. Learn more about our wildlife removal services.

How to Prevent Common Spring Pests

Here are a few homeowner-friendly spring pest control tips you can start with:

• Secure outdoor food sources like trash bins and compost piles to deter raccoons
• Seal entry points around soffits, siding, and foundation gaps to keep out bats and rodents
• Move bird feeders away from the house to discourage birds from nesting nearby (and squirrels from treating them like buffets!)
• Use deterrents such as decoys, reflective tape, or motion-activated lights.
• Install vent and chimney covers to prevent birds from entering.

For more helpful advice, check out our spring pest control tips.

Don’t Wait – Get a Professional Inspection

If DIY pest control isn’t solving the problem, or you’re concerned about deeper issues like health risks, structural damage, or protected wildlife such as bats or birds, our team is here to help. We provide professional pest control services throughout Des Moines and the surrounding rural areas, including free inspections to catch small problems before they become costly.

If you’ve noticed signs of nesting, strange noises, or droppings, don’t ignore it. Contact Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions today. Whether it’s rodents, raccoons, or raccoons—we’ve got you covered.

 Request a free inspection on our Contact Us page.