Get matched with top pest control specialists in Exira, IA

Q: How do I keep birds from pooping on my porch rails?

• <div><p>When it comes to keeping birds from doing their business on your porch rails, you have several DIY options and home remedies you can try: </p><ul><li><p>Tie a fishing line from one end of the deck post to the other. Birds won&rsquo;t be able to see the line across the railing, so they can&rsquo;t land on it. </p></li><li><p>Hang wind chimes close by, which may scare birds away. </p></li><li><p>Apply a bird gel repellent to the railings, which contains smells that birds generally don&rsquo;t like. Or, similarly, you can apply citronella or lemon oil around the railings, since birds don&rsquo;t like strong smells.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What makes skunks so smelly?

• <div><p>Skunks spray as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. The active ingredient in their sulfurous, oily musk is n-butyl mercaptan, which evaporates into a powerful and smelly gas. Once the spray hits the skunk&rsquo;s target, the stench can linger for days, and water and common cleaning kits aren&rsquo;t enough to wash it away.</p><p>If you happen upon a skunk in your yard, try to back away slowly to reduce the chance of them aiming at you. Encouragingly, they don&rsquo;t use their weapon casually, as it can take up to 10 days for their life-saving weaponry to refill. Paw stamping, hissing, lifting their tail, and arching their back are early signs they feel trapped or under threat and that it&rsquo;s time to make a careful retreat.</p></div>

Q: Are German cockroach traps safe for pets?

• <div><p>Gel bait and gel bait traps use poison to kill cockroaches, and aren&rsquo;t safe to use around pets. Many gel bait traps are called &ldquo;child-resistant,&rdquo; but this only means that the traps are hard to rip open for children. Large pets and children are still able to swallow them. If you use gel bait, use it in areas where pets and children can&rsquo;t access them, such as under a washing machine. Another option is to use glue traps, which don&rsquo;t contain pesticides and are safe to use around pets. </p></div>

Q: Can humans carry fleas?

• <div><p>Yes, humans carry fleas. Although fleas are primarily associated with dogs and cats, they are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide of mammals, including humans. The difference is that most fleas will only choose animals as their hosts. They may bite humans, but they don&rsquo;t tend to stick around on humans for long. The one exception is the<i> Pulex irritans</i>, also called the human flea, which prefers human blood.</p></div>

Q: How do you know if you have bed bugs?

• <div><p>These are the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-identify-bed-bugs-and-bed-bug-bites.htm">signs of bed bugs</a> to look out for: </p><ul><li><p>Blood or rust-colored stains on mattresses, fabrics, or upholstery</p></li><li><p>Dark spots of excrement that look like dots from a fine-tipped permanent marker</p></li><li><p>Tiny eggshells and yellowish shed skins</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Exira, IA

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Exira, 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 Exira, 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 September 11, 2026

Reviewed in September 2026
Mike is very conscientious about his work. He is the kind of guy with patients to resolve problems encountered during the main project. I am the type of person that won't hire back a contractor if they cant perform. Mike came through every job he has done for me and I recently hired him back...
RE-Builders LLC
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Reviewed in May 2025
The two movers, Craig Carpenter and Johnny carefully loaded the trailer with my household goods. They wrapped the furniture pieces to protect them during my long distance move. I recommend them wholeheartedly.
All My Sons Moving & Storage
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Reviewed in March 2023
I called him for my washer and he was there that day. He went above and beyond to fix it. I highly recommend him.
Austin Burd
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Reviewed in March 2023
This fence has been a gamechanger. We will feel secure knowing our puppy is safe exploring in the yard and won't be running after cars or people going by.
Dog Guard
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Reviewed in January 2023
The two guys were very fast, efficient and cleaned up all of the mess. There was damage to one window screen, one panel of the patio door and missing part for the door which they are replacing and taking care of it for us. We were very pleased.
Renewal by Andersen
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Reviewed in November 2022
Providers that came to our house were polite and friendly. Left work spaces clean.
Iowa Radon Defense
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Reviewed in April 2022
Project: Murphy bed with shelves Just what we needed for our extra bedroom. The craftsmanship is excellent. The whole staff was great to work with. The whole staff was great to work with.
Incontro Closets
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Reviewed in October 2021
Good cleaning job but Too High priced.
Cinderella Castle Cleaning
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Reviewed in June 2021
The men who moved us were extremely nice and helpful. They did not damage anything and were gentle with valuable items! We will be using them again in the future!
Harvest Academy Movers
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Find Pest control specialists in Exira

Terminix® Pest Control

4.3(

)

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

Serving Exira, 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."

61 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Exira, 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

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Atlantic Pest Control, LLC

5.0(

)

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Bugs and Insects - For Business+4 more

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Exira, 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

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ASAP Pest Control & Carpet Cleaning

5.0(

)

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

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

ASAP Pest Control & Carpet Cleaning is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Exira, 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

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

Serving Exira, 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 by60%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

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

Serving Exira, 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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Wholy Moly Pest

New to Angi

Pest Control - Birds and BatsPest Control - Birds and Bats - For BusinessPest Control - Rodents+3 more

Serving Exira, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Wholy Moly Pest is the company to call to handle anything and everything in the way of wildlife pest control - even beavers! For Wholy Moly Pest, customer service is number one. A job done right the first time and a happy customer is our constant goal - and we make sure to do it.

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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

When it comes to keeping birds from doing their business on your porch rails, you have several DIY options and home remedies you can try:

Tie a fishing line from one end of the deck post to the other. Birds won’t be able to see the line across the railing, so they can’t land on it.
Hang wind chimes close by, which may scare birds away.
Apply a bird gel repellent to the railings, which contains smells that birds generally don’t like. Or, similarly, you can apply citronella or lemon oil around the railings, since birds don’t like strong smells.

Skunks spray as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. The active ingredient in their sulfurous, oily musk is n-butyl mercaptan, which evaporates into a powerful and smelly gas. Once the spray hits the skunk’s target, the stench can linger for days, and water and common cleaning kits aren’t enough to wash it away.

If you happen upon a skunk in your yard, try to back away slowly to reduce the chance of them aiming at you. Encouragingly, they don’t use their weapon casually, as it can take up to 10 days for their life-saving weaponry to refill. Paw stamping, hissing, lifting their tail, and arching their back are early signs they feel trapped or under threat and that it’s time to make a careful retreat.

Gel bait and gel bait traps use poison to kill cockroaches, and aren’t safe to use around pets. Many gel bait traps are called “child-resistant,” but this only means that the traps are hard to rip open for children. Large pets and children are still able to swallow them. If you use gel bait, use it in areas where pets and children can’t access them, such as under a washing machine. Another option is to use glue traps, which don’t contain pesticides and are safe to use around pets.

Yes, humans carry fleas. Although fleas are primarily associated with dogs and cats, they are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide of mammals, including humans. The difference is that most fleas will only choose animals as their hosts. They may bite humans, but they don’t tend to stick around on humans for long. The one exception is the Pulex irritans, also called the human flea, which prefers human blood.

These are the signs of bed bugs to look out for:

Blood or rust-colored stains on mattresses, fabrics, or upholstery
Dark spots of excrement that look like dots from a fine-tipped permanent marker
Tiny eggshells and yellowish shed skins

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