What are the differences between moles, voles, and shrews?

• <div><p>Moles live underground and feed on insects. They dig and move through tunnels, usually in meadows or forests but sometimes in lawns and gardens. They are about 6 inches long with large claws, tiny eyes, and hidden ears. </p><p>Shrews do not dig their own tunnels but will use other animals’ tunnels, and are about 3 to 4 inches long. They look similar to mice and feed on insects.</p><p>Voles are similar in size to moles but have large eyes and small but visible ears. Rather than eating insects, voles are herbivores that prefer seeds, grasses, and plant roots.</p></div>

Does one scorpion mean more?

• <div><p>Spotting a single scorpion in the home doesn’t mean you have a full-blown infestation, but it does mean there’s a way for them to get inside. Other scorpions could easily use the same method, like <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-scorpions-come-through-air-vents.htm">entering through an air vent</a>, as these arachnids are social creatures that tend to live in groups. If you see a baby scorpion, however, that likely indicates a nest somewhere in the home. This is also true if you spot a scorpion with an infant on its back. </p></div>

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Q: Do phorid flies bite?

• <div><p>No, phorid flies do not <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/do-fruit-flies-bite.htm">bite</a> humans or animals. However, they can still be harmful to humans. Since phorid flies feed on decaying organic matter and are found in unsanitary conditions, they can transmit disease organisms onto foods and food preparation surfaces. If you suspect that your home has a phorid fly infestation, protect your health by taking immediate action to eliminate it.</p></div>

Q: Why am I finding mouse droppings but not seeing any mice?

• <div><p>Finding mouse droppings without seeing any mice is a common sign of an infestation because mice are nocturnal and skilled at hiding from humans. Droppings are often the first and most visible evidence of their presence. The location, quantity, and freshness of the droppings can help you determine where the mice are most active and how severe the infestation might be. Since mice are active at night and often travel through hidden pathways like inside walls, you may not see them directly. It's important to look for other signs of an infestation, such as gnaw marks, scratching sounds, or greasy trails along walls. If you find droppings, consider setting traps or contacting a professional exterminator to address the issue.</p></div>

Q: Are pest-repellent plants toxic to people?

• <div><p>Some plants that are toxic to animals or insects are also toxic to people. Daffodils, for example, are considered poisonous to humans (although they are rarely fatal). Most of the other plants listed above, however, are safe (and delicious!) for humans to eat, including basil, rosemary, and lemongrass.</p></div>

Q: Does one scorpion mean more?

• <div><p>Spotting a single scorpion in the home doesn&rsquo;t mean you have a full-blown infestation, but it does mean there&rsquo;s a way for them to get inside. Other scorpions could easily use the same method, like <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-scorpions-come-through-air-vents.htm">entering through an air vent</a>, as these arachnids are social creatures that tend to live in groups. If you see a baby scorpion, however, that likely indicates a nest somewhere in the home. This is also true if you spot a scorpion with an infant on its back. </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(

)

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Termite+6 more

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."

55 neighbors recently requested a quote

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+1 more

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

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Rodents+1 more

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

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Termite

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(

)

Pest Control - Bugs and Insects - For BusinessPest Control - TermitePest Control - Termite - For Business

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

Pest Control - Birds and BatsPest Control - Birds and Bats - For BusinessPest Control - Small Animals+1 more

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

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+3 more

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

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+5 more

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

No, phorid flies do not bite humans or animals. However, they can still be harmful to humans. Since phorid flies feed on decaying organic matter and are found in unsanitary conditions, they can transmit disease organisms onto foods and food preparation surfaces. If you suspect that your home has a phorid fly infestation, protect your health by taking immediate action to eliminate it.

Finding mouse droppings without seeing any mice is a common sign of an infestation because mice are nocturnal and skilled at hiding from humans. Droppings are often the first and most visible evidence of their presence. The location, quantity, and freshness of the droppings can help you determine where the mice are most active and how severe the infestation might be. Since mice are active at night and often travel through hidden pathways like inside walls, you may not see them directly. It's important to look for other signs of an infestation, such as gnaw marks, scratching sounds, or greasy trails along walls. If you find droppings, consider setting traps or contacting a professional exterminator to address the issue.

Moles live underground and feed on insects. They dig and move through tunnels, usually in meadows or forests but sometimes in lawns and gardens. They are about 6 inches long with large claws, tiny eyes, and hidden ears.

Shrews do not dig their own tunnels but will use other animals’ tunnels, and are about 3 to 4 inches long. They look similar to mice and feed on insects.

Voles are similar in size to moles but have large eyes and small but visible ears. Rather than eating insects, voles are herbivores that prefer seeds, grasses, and plant roots.

Some plants that are toxic to animals or insects are also toxic to people. Daffodils, for example, are considered poisonous to humans (although they are rarely fatal). Most of the other plants listed above, however, are safe (and delicious!) for humans to eat, including basil, rosemary, and lemongrass.

Spotting a single scorpion in the home doesn’t mean you have a full-blown infestation, but it does mean there’s a way for them to get inside. Other scorpions could easily use the same method, like entering through an air vent, as these arachnids are social creatures that tend to live in groups. If you see a baby scorpion, however, that likely indicates a nest somewhere in the home. This is also true if you spot a scorpion with an infant on its back.

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