How do I keep animals away from my plants?

• <div><p>You can take multiple approaches to keep animals out of your edible landscape. You can use natural repellents such as mint and cayenne pepper to deter them from your garden. You can also build a fence (or opt for a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/privet-hedge.htm">privet hedge</a>) or keep the most enticing plants in a sectioned-off area. The most efficient method of keeping your four-legged guests at bay is to determine what animal it is and create a customized plan for them. </p></div>

Get matched with top pest control specialists in Laurens, IA

Q: How do you deter bugs in your home?

• <div><p>One way to keep pests away is with good housekeeping. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-pest-control-ants.htm">Keep ants away</a> with a clean kitchen. They&rsquo;re less likely to wander in looking to score some free food if there isn&rsquo;t a mess to find. Wipe down counters, don&rsquo;t leave dirty dishes around, and keep food in air-tight containers. </p><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-you-need-know-about-your-pest-problem.htm">Home and yard maintenance can also keep pests away.</a> Seal windows, patch any holes or cracks, and put screens on the vents to prevent bugs, rodents, and other uninvited guests from coming in. </p></div>

Q: Are groundhogs dangerous to have near your house?

• <div><p>Groundhogs are definitely cute, but it&rsquo;s usually not a good idea to have them living in your yard. Not only can groundhogs tear up your grass and create unsightly holes and burrows, but they can also carry infectious diseases that are dangerous to humans.</p></div>

Q: Is a hornet sting worse than a wasp?

• <div><p>Generally, the chemicals in hornet venom deliver a more painful sting than wasp stings. But wasps can still pack a punch when they sting, especially if they sting multiple times. One of the most painful insect stings in the world is that of the tarantula hawk. Fortunately, this sting is usually only an issue if you&rsquo;re a tarantula. </p></div>

Q: What kills fruit flies instantly?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/will-bleach-kill-drain-flies.htm">Bleach, which can kill drain flies</a>, can also kill fruit flies, but it&rsquo;s better to lure fruit flies to a liquid rather than applying chemicals, as it&rsquo;s very difficult to reach them all. A more practical approach is to lure fruit flies with traps made from liquids like apple cider vinegar mixed with dish soap. This method is safer and more efficient, since it targets a larger number of fruit flies without relying on harsh chemicals that may not reach all the pests.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Laurens, IA

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Laurens, 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 Laurens, 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 August 12, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
Received a phone call the same day I was inquiring about an estimate cost. The owners are amazing at explaining the installation, training, what to expect and answered all of the questions that I had. My dog was trained the same day of the install and hasn't left the yard since. I would...
Dog Guard
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2026
Work was completed in timely manner and met or exceeded all expectations.
Mad City Windows & Baths
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2023
I was scammed by them so Terrible!
Five Star Home Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2022
Len was very professional, friendly, conscientious and easy to work with! He did a great job and our area rug looks amazing!
Advanced Interior Care, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2021
Their team did a great job communicating with me. They completed the job well and cleanup was great. I would recommend them and will use them again.
Uprooted Tree Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2020
It looks good. He did a pretty good job and he cleaned up very good.
Sandvigroofing&general contractor
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2019
Joe and his crew were a pleasure to work with. He was here when he said he would be. They worked quickly and efficiently. Rain is expected later today, so we will get to test the new gutters.
Gutters Unlimited Elite Services, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2018
Very professional. Their work was thorough and even went the extra mile to ensure our home was electrically safe. Very good at keeping me informed on scheduling the appointment. Money well invested.
Toft Electric, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2013
In February 2013 we hired Premier Construction to undertake an extensive building project which included an addition to our house that doubled the existing square footage, a remodel of the existing space, and the construction of a detached garage. Also included in the project were a rear deck, a...
Premier Construction Services
Request a quote

Find Pest control specialists in Laurens

Smokaboji Pest Control

5.0(

)

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

Serving Laurens, 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

4.3(

)

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

Serving Laurens, 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."

74 neighbors recently requested a quote

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects - For Business+2 more

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"Great Service We recently had this pest control company spray our house to help prevent ants, and we couldn’t be happier with the service! We’ve had a pretty bad ant problem during the spring and summer in the past, but they were quick to respond, knowledgeable, and did a great job treating our home. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and effective pest control!"

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Laurens, 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 Laurens, 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

Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Birds and Bats+4 more

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Since 1932, Presto-X (formerly Anderson Pest Solutions) has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to our customers and taking care of our colleagues. Presto-X covers your home or business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.

Request Quote

Pest Control questions, answered by experts

One way to keep pests away is with good housekeeping. Keep ants away with a clean kitchen. They’re less likely to wander in looking to score some free food if there isn’t a mess to find. Wipe down counters, don’t leave dirty dishes around, and keep food in air-tight containers.

Home and yard maintenance can also keep pests away. Seal windows, patch any holes or cracks, and put screens on the vents to prevent bugs, rodents, and other uninvited guests from coming in.

Groundhogs are definitely cute, but it’s usually not a good idea to have them living in your yard. Not only can groundhogs tear up your grass and create unsightly holes and burrows, but they can also carry infectious diseases that are dangerous to humans.

Generally, the chemicals in hornet venom deliver a more painful sting than wasp stings. But wasps can still pack a punch when they sting, especially if they sting multiple times. One of the most painful insect stings in the world is that of the tarantula hawk. Fortunately, this sting is usually only an issue if you’re a tarantula.

Bleach, which can kill drain flies, can also kill fruit flies, but it’s better to lure fruit flies to a liquid rather than applying chemicals, as it’s very difficult to reach them all. A more practical approach is to lure fruit flies with traps made from liquids like apple cider vinegar mixed with dish soap. This method is safer and more efficient, since it targets a larger number of fruit flies without relying on harsh chemicals that may not reach all the pests.

You can take multiple approaches to keep animals out of your edible landscape. You can use natural repellents such as mint and cayenne pepper to deter them from your garden. You can also build a fence (or opt for a privet hedge) or keep the most enticing plants in a sectioned-off area. The most efficient method of keeping your four-legged guests at bay is to determine what animal it is and create a customized plan for them.

The Laurens, 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
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 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.