How can I tell if I have bed bugs or fleas?

• <div><p>When you’re <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-kill-fleas-carpet.htm">checking for bed bugs in your home</a>, start by searching for the telltale signs rather than the insects themselves, as they tend to stay hidden during the day. Here are the key signs of a bed bug infestation:</p><ul><li><p>Rust-colored or reddish stains on mattresses and bed sheets</p></li><li><p>Dark spots on fabric</p></li><li><p>Shed skins</p></li><li><p>Fecal matter (looks like black spots)</p></li></ul><p>As for fleas, you can typically spot them on your pet. If you notice them scratching themselves excessively, look for bites and bugs on their skin and fur.</p></div>

Get matched with top pest control specialists in Armstrong, IA

Q: Will you see bed bugs after heat treatment?

• <div><p>You should not see live bed bugs after heat or fumigation treatments, but you may see dead bugs. For chemical treatments, it can take several days for bed bugs to die. However, you may see live bed bugs if they are hiding in areas to avoid insecticides or if they are resilient to the type of treatment used. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to treat my property for ticks?

• <div><p>Ticks aren't dangerous, but their bites are often imperceptible thanks to a numbing agent in their saliva. They can carry and transmit pathogens to people and animals, leading to diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease. So if you live in a region with a high tick prevalence, tick treatment is worthwhile to keep your family and pets safe.</p></div>

Q: Can an exterminator get rid of wasps?

• <div><p>Yes, exterminators are a type of pest control professional that is qualified to remove wasps safely and effectively. Exterminators will inspect the wasp problem, administer professional-grade treatments, and apply preventative measures to avoid a future infestation. Consult a local exterminator about your wasp problem as soon as you identify it.</p><p> </p></div>

Q: How can I tell if I have bed bugs or fleas?

• <div><p>When you&rsquo;re <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-kill-fleas-carpet.htm">checking for bed bugs in your home</a>, start by searching for the telltale signs rather than the insects themselves, as they tend to stay hidden during the day. Here are the key signs of a bed bug infestation:</p><ul><li><p>Rust-colored or reddish stains on mattresses and bed sheets</p></li><li><p>Dark spots on fabric</p></li><li><p>Shed skins</p></li><li><p>Fecal matter (looks like black spots)</p></li></ul><p>As for fleas, you can typically spot them on your pet. If you notice them scratching themselves excessively, look for bites and bugs on their skin and fur.</p></div>

Q: What attracts rats?

• <div><p>Like any other animal, rats are attracted to food sources, water, and shelter. Clean up food messes right away, don&rsquo;t leave pet food out, and secure your garbage to make your home less appealing. Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets, and declutter spaces that rats might think to nest in.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your pest control project in Armstrong, IA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Armstrong, IA

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Armstrong, 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 Armstrong, 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 February 20, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
This is my third time hiring Mad City, this time for windows. They are wonderful to work with, providing excellence in product as well as customer service. The communication was consistently great. Jesse, did an excellent install, and I am beyond pleased with the function and look of the...
Mad City Windows & Baths
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2025
I had an ash tree with a bunch of hanging limbs. Brighton came out when it was 10 degree F to cut them down. I’m more than happy with the finished results. Will be calling him next time I have tree needs.
Crown Tree Services LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2024
I highly recommend Len and his company to do any job. Len cleaned our curtains and sheers. We are smokers and we smoke in our house. Len cleaned the smoke residue of 20 years out and made them beautiful again. I know how hard smoke can be on fabric and he performed a miracle. Len is...
Advanced Interior Care, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
They are an excellent company, no problem at all.
Lucky Fortune Cleaning Service llc
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
This company responded very quickly and did amazing work!!!
Alonso's Concrete and Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
Good to work with trust haven solution tech team was good to work with them thank you.
Trust Haven Solution, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
The dryer vent cleaning was done to perfection. Did you know that not cleaning your dryer vent could set your house on fire? Oh man I thank god ours never burned to the ground. These guys cleaned it all up for me, and now my home is safe again.
Florida Clean Air Plus, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2022
Prompt reply and service. Excellent experience, worked around aeration line, good communication.
Colorado Stump Grinding
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2022
D & J Tree Service gave us a reasonable quote and were here when they said they would be. The work they did was great as well as the clean up! I would definitely recommend them to anyone in the area that needs this type of work done!
D&J Tree Service, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2022
Highly recommend their service! Very professional and helpful. Prompt and good service.
Nate's Removal LLC
Request a quote

Find Pest control specialists in Armstrong

Smokaboji Pest Control

5.0(

)

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsMosquito ControlPest Control - Rodents+3 more

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I needed pest control fast and effective. Jon had come out in a very quick and responsible. Took care of my problem same day I called him."

Response time1 day

Response rate96%

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Terminix® Pest Control

3.8(

)

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

Serving Armstrong, 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

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

Serving Armstrong, 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

Request Quote

American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

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

Serving Armstrong, 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

Request Quote

Pest Control questions, answered by experts

You should not see live bed bugs after heat or fumigation treatments, but you may see dead bugs. For chemical treatments, it can take several days for bed bugs to die. However, you may see live bed bugs if they are hiding in areas to avoid insecticides or if they are resilient to the type of treatment used.

Ticks aren't dangerous, but their bites are often imperceptible thanks to a numbing agent in their saliva. They can carry and transmit pathogens to people and animals, leading to diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease. So if you live in a region with a high tick prevalence, tick treatment is worthwhile to keep your family and pets safe.

Yes, exterminators are a type of pest control professional that is qualified to remove wasps safely and effectively. Exterminators will inspect the wasp problem, administer professional-grade treatments, and apply preventative measures to avoid a future infestation. Consult a local exterminator about your wasp problem as soon as you identify it.

When you’re checking for bed bugs in your home, start by searching for the telltale signs rather than the insects themselves, as they tend to stay hidden during the day. Here are the key signs of a bed bug infestation:

Rust-colored or reddish stains on mattresses and bed sheets
Dark spots on fabric
Shed skins
Fecal matter (looks like black spots)

As for fleas, you can typically spot them on your pet. If you notice them scratching themselves excessively, look for bites and bugs on their skin and fur.

Like any other animal, rats are attracted to food sources, water, and shelter. Clean up food messes right away, don’t leave pet food out, and secure your garbage to make your home less appealing. Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets, and declutter spaces that rats might think to nest in.

The Armstrong, IA homeowners’ guide to pest control services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Mar 17, 2026Mar 17, 2026
How Much Does Pest Control Cost? [2026 Data]
Whether you have bugs, bats, or rodents invading your home, you’ll want to contact an exterminator quickly. Find out how much pest control costs.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
What Is Pest Control? A Complete Guide
Pest control services offer a professional option to eliminate serious infestations in your home. Here’s what to expect.
Kat Brancato
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Are Pest Control Services Safe?
Are pest control services safe? Learn the risks of using pest control, common types of treatment, and ways to make it safer.
Kat Brancato
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Is Pest Control Worth It?
Is pest control worth it? Learn how a pest control plan works, how much it can cost, and the benefits of calling in the pros.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
DIY Pest Control: The Best Methods to Try (and When to Call a Pro)
Considering do-it-yourself pest control? Find out the best DIY pest control methods for various pests and when to call in a pro instead.
D.P. Taylor
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
6 Easy Ways to Save Money on Pest Control
If you’ve noticed pests in your home, it’s time to take immediate action. But how can you prevent a huge bill? There are a few ways.