How do I prevent animals from building a nest in my house?

• <div><p>Once the animals and their young are out of the house, remove the nest and locate any entry points. Some may be difficult to find because some animals can fit through very small holes. Once you’ve located as many entry points as possible, use materials such as metal or masonry to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-ways-keep-critters-away-your-home.htm">block off the entry</a>. Ideally, you should choose materials that most animals cannot chew through. Create a one-way door or flap to allow animals to leave but not return. Additional methods include using repellants designed to make an area unappealing to the types of animals that find your home so inviting. </p></div>

How do I prevent rats and mice from getting into the attic?

• <div><p>Preventing rats and mice from getting into the attic can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few steps you can take to keep them looking elsewhere for a new place to call home:</p><ul><li><p>Block or cover any potential access holes</p></li><li><p>Keep piles or stacks of firewood or other materials away from the house</p></li><li><p>Seal food and garbage in containers to prevent rodents from chewing through or getting in</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Are cockroaches dangerous for pets?

• <div><p>Roaches won’t sting your pets and don’t have venom like spiders do , but they present other dangers. Cockroaches are notorious carriers of diseases like salmonella and parasites like tapeworms. Because they’re so dirty, their bites (otherwise harmless) can also get infected. You don’t want your pets chasing and trying to eat cockroaches, or sleeping near a roach infestation. </p></div>

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Q: What smell keeps armadillos away?

• <div><p>Armadillos have very strong smelling capabilities to track down insects efficiently. But this superpower is actually a double-edged sword because their extreme sense of smell also causes them to be more sensitive and deterred by strong odors. To keep them at bay, you can place small amounts of substances like vinegar, ammonia, and mothballs around your property and near armadillo hotspots.</p><p>Although you can technically flood an armadillo out of its hole, it&rsquo;s important to remember that this can be potentially fatal to the animal. Armadillos sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, and if you perform this technique while they&rsquo;re deep in sleep, they may not awake soon enough to save themselves.</p></div>

Q: Are cockroaches dangerous for pets?

• <div><p>Roaches won&rsquo;t sting your pets and don&rsquo;t have venom like spiders do , but they present other dangers. Cockroaches are notorious carriers of diseases like salmonella and parasites like tapeworms. Because they&rsquo;re so dirty, their bites (otherwise harmless) can also get infected. You don&rsquo;t want your pets chasing and trying to eat cockroaches, or sleeping near a roach infestation. </p></div>

Q: Do dryer sheets keep squirrels away?

• <div><p>Whether dryer sheets can keep squirrels away is a bit of a mystery because the evidence is entirely anecdotal. Many households claim to have success with using dryer sheets for keeping squirrels away by placing them throughout their attics, yards, on a clothesline, and any other area where squirrels like to run through. Squirrels do not like strong scents, so if you try using dryer sheets, the ones with the strongest scent may be the most effective.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Akron, IA

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Akron, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Akron, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on May 18, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Quality company with reliable service. Always do a great job for me.
Ymker Insulation
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Reviewed in August 2025
Yes it was an excellent job with very little damage done to the yard
605 Firewood and Tree Services LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
Mr. Crawford ( sorry I can't remember your first name). Was very professional and did not waste time talking. He set up quickly and was finished in no time. We had some mold on our siding and it no longer exists!! It looks brand new again and it's 15 years old. Thank you!!!
Crawford's Services LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Well worth the money and left the grove cleaner then when they got here. Even picked up a pile of brush I hadnâ t gotten to yet.
Tree Tech Inc
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Reviewed in August 2023
Don't use Venmo if paying with a credit card. Some treat it as a cash advance, and charge 30 %. That's not Jeremy's fault. I would definitely hire him again. He did all the work alone, and in some serious heat. He really cares about his customers, and it shows. I can't recommend him higher.
Vision Lines Painting
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Reviewed in August 2023
Clear communication is paramount during a move. Zebna Movers took it to the next level, ensuring that I was informed at every step, eliminating any confusion or uncertainty.
Zebna
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Reviewed in November 2022
Dan came when he said he would & cleaned out the sewer line that had a few tree roots growing in it. Did a very good job & was pleasant to take to.
Dan's Drain & Duct Cleaning, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
They are professional and quick.
B+P Construction
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Reviewed in April 2022
Very professional, thorough job and they were timely.
Turn Around Lawn Service, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2021
Good quality work every time.
Joel's Tree Service
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Find Pest control specialists in Akron

Terminix® Pest Control

3.8(

)

Serving Akron, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very knowledgeable guy who seem to know what he’s doing. Don’t know results of spraying. Have had much rain since. Will have to see if it worked. Terminex will spray again the beginning of next month."

63 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Akron, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We found evidence of termite infestation. They responded quickly and inspected property the following day. Price was reasonable and employee was knowledgeable. He explained scope of work and options thoroughly. We added pest control as additional price was very reasonable. Work was performed the following day and we are satisfied with service."

Recommended by83%of homeowners

Serving Akron, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"From sales, termite application, and pest control Price Termite & Pest Control where professional and friendly. I was able to watch the treatments and they were exactly what was explained to me in my first meeting - no deviation or shortcuts. I highly recommend this company"

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Akron, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

When it comes to protecting homes, Terminix has satisfied more customers than any other insect and pest control company in the industry, with more than 15 million service visits annually.

Recommended by62%of homeowners

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Bakker Critter Control

5.0(

)

Serving Akron, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I had three bushes that were very old and infested with wasps and hornets. Mr. Bakker sprayed them and eliminated the insects, and then he cut the bushes down for me and sprayed the stumps, and then also raked everything up, and hauled the limbs to the city dump. He did a wonderful job and I am so appreciative. I would recommend him for any job."

Response time3 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Akron, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

"I doubt that you can find any harder working people than Paul Dawson & his daughter of Ace Animal Control. We couldn't be any happier with them & their services. Long story short, the squirrels are gone & they can't get back in again. Thanks Ace ! Alan Schrank God Bless"

Response time2 days

Response rate97%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Akron, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"United Air Temp was able to procure a replacement furnace controller board in a couple of days and Zachary was out within 4 days of the initial visit. The furnace now works very well."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Plunketts pest control

New to Angi

Serving Akron, IA and surrounding areas

Hi, my name is Braydon, and I’m a Pest Control Technician with Plunkett’s Pest Control. If you ever have any questions about insects, rodents, or pest issues in general, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help!

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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

Armadillos have very strong smelling capabilities to track down insects efficiently. But this superpower is actually a double-edged sword because their extreme sense of smell also causes them to be more sensitive and deterred by strong odors. To keep them at bay, you can place small amounts of substances like vinegar, ammonia, and mothballs around your property and near armadillo hotspots.

Although you can technically flood an armadillo out of its hole, it’s important to remember that this can be potentially fatal to the animal. Armadillos sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, and if you perform this technique while they’re deep in sleep, they may not awake soon enough to save themselves.

Once the animals and their young are out of the house, remove the nest and locate any entry points. Some may be difficult to find because some animals can fit through very small holes. Once you’ve located as many entry points as possible, use materials such as metal or masonry to block off the entry. Ideally, you should choose materials that most animals cannot chew through. Create a one-way door or flap to allow animals to leave but not return. Additional methods include using repellants designed to make an area unappealing to the types of animals that find your home so inviting.

Preventing rats and mice from getting into the attic can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few steps you can take to keep them looking elsewhere for a new place to call home:

Block or cover any potential access holes
Keep piles or stacks of firewood or other materials away from the house
Seal food and garbage in containers to prevent rodents from chewing through or getting in

Roaches won’t sting your pets and don’t have venom like spiders do , but they present other dangers. Cockroaches are notorious carriers of diseases like salmonella and parasites like tapeworms. Because they’re so dirty, their bites (otherwise harmless) can also get infected. You don’t want your pets chasing and trying to eat cockroaches, or sleeping near a roach infestation.

Whether dryer sheets can keep squirrels away is a bit of a mystery because the evidence is entirely anecdotal. Many households claim to have success with using dryer sheets for keeping squirrels away by placing them throughout their attics, yards, on a clothesline, and any other area where squirrels like to run through. Squirrels do not like strong scents, so if you try using dryer sheets, the ones with the strongest scent may be the most effective.

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