Get matched with top pest control specialists in Preston, IA

Q: What time of year are termites most active and do the most damage?

• <div><p>Termites are most active and cause the most damage in the spring and summer, when warm temperatures and increased moisture accelerate their activity. This is also when swarming typically occurs, allowing colonies to expand. However, termites remain active year-round, especially in warmer climates or heated homes. An established colony can continue to damage wood 365 days a year, even during cold weather.</p></div>

Q: Can I access the paper wasp nest safely?

• <div><p>The last thing you want is to fend off a swarm while on top of a fully-extended ladder. Additionally, be extremely careful when using a ladder, as falling from a tall height can result in serious injury. </p><p>Leaving things to a pest control service in your area could be the best course of action if the nest is in an enclosed or difficult-to-reach space. If your spray doesn&rsquo;t hit the right spot, is too far away, or isn&rsquo;t powerful enough, you risk aggravating rather than killing all the wasps.</p></div>

Q: How do I prevent ant infestations?

• <div><p>Exterminators can get rid of your current ant problem, but they won&rsquo;t prevent ants from coming back. So it&rsquo;s important to implement ant preventatives to avoid future infestations.</p><p>The primary reason ants enter your home is to find food. If they can&rsquo;t find any, they won&rsquo;t survive. So, the most effective way to prevent ant infestations is to clean, clean, and clean some more. </p><p>Keep your kitchen sparkling and wash your dishes immediately (or at least give them a quick rinse and wash off leftover food). Take out your garbage and compost as often as possible and tightly seal all your kitchen containers, especially the mason jars you use to hold your sugar&mdash;sugar is gold to ants.</p><p>You can also <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/handyman/">hire a local handyperson</a> to help you prevent future ant infestations. The handyman can seal cracks and fix leaks throughout your home, which will keep any ants from entering.</p></div>

Q: What scent keeps gophers away?

• <div><p>Like many animals, gophers are bothered by strong scents. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and coffee grounds can be used as deterrents against these pests. Similarly, you can try planting lavender, rosemary, sage, geraniums, or pine trees, as these plants all have strong smells that can ward away gophers. While it may be less pleasant to work with, coyote urine scares gophers by tricking the pests into thinking your yard is a predator hot spot.</p></div>

Q: Do mothballs keep bats away?

• <div><p>No, mothballs do not keep bats away. Not only are mothballs completely ineffective when repelling or removing bats, but using them could be illegal, depending on where you live. Remember, bats are federally protected, and it's illegal to use chemicals during the removal process, and mothballs tend to fall into this category.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Preston, IA

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Preston, 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 Preston, 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 14, 2024

Reviewed in May 2024
We called them in to fix a hole in the drywall in our upstairs bedroom. They were respectful, got the job done in a timely fashion while still doing amazing work and they left no mess behind. Highly recommend!
Smith and Carr Handyman Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
The did great work cleaning up the leaves in my yard.
Shon's Basic labor and handyman services corporation
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2022
Very friendly and speedy response time.I would contact them again,
Town & Country Mowing
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2022
They followed through till the end and if we needed something else done, they came right out and fixed it!
Kelly Heating & Oil Co, Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2021
Always satisfied with the work. If there is an issue it is remedied immediately and is flexible with additional duties ie cleaning inside of fridge oven. Good communication
Shirley Clean, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2017
AC went out right before the heat and humidity were to hit. Called, asked questions, was given explanations as to what and why this happened. All explanations were spot on from my research which I really appreciated! I went ahead with their recommendations, they were here to repair and get me up...
Air Control Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2014
Cory Kramer came very quickly after I called him, was very friendly and did an excellent job of spraying the whole house for pests! It has been many years since any pest control has been done. There were many box elder bugs, beetles, bees and wasps coming into the house around the windows. We...
KRAMER PEST CONTROL
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2014
No sign of pests after the visit save for a couple of dead mice so obviously this was a success!
Exodus Pest Management
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2012
The contact person for this company is George Roque. He is an exterminator. He was really good. He came and gave us an evaluation of what we needed to do. We had rats digging in around the foundation and so they showed us what to do. He told my husband some real basic thing and where to buy...
Pestco Pest Control Service
Request a quote

Find Pest control specialists in Preston

Terminix® Pest Control

4.4(

)

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

Serving Preston, 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."

79 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Preston, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I need to have them come and look at my bedbug problem I care of the number is 3868"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Preston, 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 Preston, 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

Terminix

New to Angi

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

Serving Preston, 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.

Request Quote

Dean Animal & Pest Control

2.0(

)

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

Serving Preston, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Ethan Dean did a fantastic job. He removed bats and moles from my property. I contacted Ethan and he came out the next afternoon. I found the company very affordable. I compared pricing with 4 other companies and he beat out the pricing by hundreds of dollars. He was much reasonable. I would recommend this company to anyone."

Recommended by33%of homeowners

Request Quote

Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

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

Serving Preston, 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

Termites are most active and cause the most damage in the spring and summer, when warm temperatures and increased moisture accelerate their activity. This is also when swarming typically occurs, allowing colonies to expand. However, termites remain active year-round, especially in warmer climates or heated homes. An established colony can continue to damage wood 365 days a year, even during cold weather.

The last thing you want is to fend off a swarm while on top of a fully-extended ladder. Additionally, be extremely careful when using a ladder, as falling from a tall height can result in serious injury.

Leaving things to a pest control service in your area could be the best course of action if the nest is in an enclosed or difficult-to-reach space. If your spray doesn’t hit the right spot, is too far away, or isn’t powerful enough, you risk aggravating rather than killing all the wasps.

Exterminators can get rid of your current ant problem, but they won’t prevent ants from coming back. So it’s important to implement ant preventatives to avoid future infestations.

The primary reason ants enter your home is to find food. If they can’t find any, they won’t survive. So, the most effective way to prevent ant infestations is to clean, clean, and clean some more.

Keep your kitchen sparkling and wash your dishes immediately (or at least give them a quick rinse and wash off leftover food). Take out your garbage and compost as often as possible and tightly seal all your kitchen containers, especially the mason jars you use to hold your sugar—sugar is gold to ants.

You can also hire a local handyperson to help you prevent future ant infestations. The handyman can seal cracks and fix leaks throughout your home, which will keep any ants from entering.

Like many animals, gophers are bothered by strong scents. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and coffee grounds can be used as deterrents against these pests. Similarly, you can try planting lavender, rosemary, sage, geraniums, or pine trees, as these plants all have strong smells that can ward away gophers. While it may be less pleasant to work with, coyote urine scares gophers by tricking the pests into thinking your yard is a predator hot spot.

No, mothballs do not keep bats away. Not only are mothballs completely ineffective when repelling or removing bats, but using them could be illegal, depending on where you live. Remember, bats are federally protected, and it's illegal to use chemicals during the removal process, and mothballs tend to fall into this category.

The Preston, 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.
Angi
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
Who to Hire for Rodent Pest Control Services
Unsure who to hire for rodent pest control? Get answers and see who to call for rats and mice, what pest control pros do, and how to choose.
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.
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.
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.
Allie Ogletree
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
Get the Green Light on Green Pest Control
You’re not alone if you’re hoping to avoid harmful pesticides around your home to keep out pests. Here’s what you need to know about green-friendly pest control.