What is the best type of trap for an armadillo?

• <div><p>There isn’t one best type of trap for an armadillo. However, Havahart and Tomahawk live wire cages are popular two-door brands commonly used for armadillos. One study suggests<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280725232_Conspecific_scent_improves_capture_rates_for_nine-banded_armadillos"> wooden traps with armadillo scent</a> on them can increase the chance of success. It’s worth inquiring whether your local wildlife extension has scented traps or wire types available for rent. </p></div>

Does seeing a carpenter ant indoors mean I have an infestation?

• <div><p>No. Carpenter ants range far when seeking out food, usually proteins or sugars. They may be attracted to dead pests near your house, or crumbs in the kitchen or pantry. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have an infestation, or that there is a nest nearby. However, it does mean that the ants have found a way to enter your home, so it’s time to be vigilant.</p></div>

When should you call pest control for cockroaches?

• <div><p>You should call pest control for cockroaches when you see two or more of these pests or clear warning signs of an infestation. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/signs-roach-infestation.htm">Signs of an active roach infestation</a> are roach droppings, dark smears on surfaces, roach eggs, foul odors, and shed skins. If you notice these unusual marks in your home, consider hiring a pest control specialist for an inspection.</p></div>

Best pest control specialists near Ruthven, IA

Q: What is the best type of trap for an armadillo?

• <div><p>There isn&rsquo;t one best type of trap for an armadillo. However, Havahart and Tomahawk live wire cages are popular two-door brands commonly used for armadillos. One study suggests<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280725232_Conspecific_scent_improves_capture_rates_for_nine-banded_armadillos"> wooden traps with armadillo scent</a> on them can increase the chance of success. It&rsquo;s worth inquiring whether your local wildlife extension has scented traps or wire types available for rent. </p></div>

Q: What are the best smells for keeping squirrels away?

• <div><p>Some of the best smells for keeping squirrels away are those that have a spicy or pungent odor. This includes pepper, garlic powder, vinegar, mint, and coffee. Just be careful when handling cayenne or chili pepper. Don&rsquo;t touch your face to prevent getting some in your eyes, and be sure to keep it away from children and pets.</p></div>

Q: Where is the best place to put a squirrel trap?

• <div><p>Squirrels tend to forage, traveling along roof and fence lines. To trap a squirrel, placing a baited trap on the roof near the point of entry is the best option. If you can see them going in and out or recognize the damage they might be causing to the exterior of your home, you can also try placing traps near those locations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Ruthven, IA

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Ruthven, 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 Ruthven, 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 January 13, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Todd was great! Very careful and efficient. Planed 3 doors in the basement, adjusted a latch and now they close with ease! Highly recommend Todd.
Huck's Home Repair
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Reviewed in November 2025
Good installation and good customer service
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in October 2025
Brighton did a wonderful job! He was careful not to tear up my lawn. They cleaned up very well and did everything I asked him to. Arrived on time and completed in a timely fashion for a reasonable price. I would highly recommend considering him if you need trees or bushes removed or if you...
Crown Tree Services LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
Installed fence and trained us how everything worked trained our little frencie all in a couple hrs works great
Dog Guard
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Reviewed in October 2023
Great company! Great craftsmanship! Very fair pricing! Will definitely call again when the time comes.
Snyder Garage Doors, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2023
Excellent work ethic and timely.
Alonso's Concrete and Construction
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Reviewed in June 2023
they designed a gutter on a difficult corner of my house. with all this rain i did not have one drop of water in my basement!. I am beyond amazed and very grateful. Then they returned and fixed a problem my grandson made when he put up the back gutter. Although it wasnt their work or even...
Go Gutters
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Reviewed in March 2023
All I can say is wow. Mike was very nice and professional. He was Ontime and his team worked together very well. I was given an up front price and there were no surprises. I recommend TOP 1 Expert Home improvement LLC for your roofing work
Top 1 Expert Home improvement LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
He is a good worker/ Does not mind getting dirty and he gets the job done.
iPlumb Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2022
I am overall very pleased with this company. They want above and beyond to ensure that I was satisfied with the experience. I would highly recommend them to others that are new to the area and looking for a company to help them clean a new home.
In-Home Solutions
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Top-Rated Pest control specialists in Ruthven - Updated Nov 2026

Smokaboji Pest Control

5.0(

)

Pest Control - RodentsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsMosquito Control+3 more

Serving Ruthven, 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%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,074

)

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

Serving Ruthven, 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."

56 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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

Serving Ruthven, 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 Ruthven, 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(

5,689

)

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

Serving Ruthven, 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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Pest Control FAQs, answered by experts

There isn’t one best type of trap for an armadillo. However, Havahart and Tomahawk live wire cages are popular two-door brands commonly used for armadillos. One study suggests wooden traps with armadillo scent on them can increase the chance of success. It’s worth inquiring whether your local wildlife extension has scented traps or wire types available for rent.

Some of the best smells for keeping squirrels away are those that have a spicy or pungent odor. This includes pepper, garlic powder, vinegar, mint, and coffee. Just be careful when handling cayenne or chili pepper. Don’t touch your face to prevent getting some in your eyes, and be sure to keep it away from children and pets.

Squirrels tend to forage, traveling along roof and fence lines. To trap a squirrel, placing a baited trap on the roof near the point of entry is the best option. If you can see them going in and out or recognize the damage they might be causing to the exterior of your home, you can also try placing traps near those locations.

No. Carpenter ants range far when seeking out food, usually proteins or sugars. They may be attracted to dead pests near your house, or crumbs in the kitchen or pantry. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have an infestation, or that there is a nest nearby. However, it does mean that the ants have found a way to enter your home, so it’s time to be vigilant.

You should call pest control for cockroaches when you see two or more of these pests or clear warning signs of an infestation. Signs of an active roach infestation are roach droppings, dark smears on surfaces, roach eggs, foul odors, and shed skins. If you notice these unusual marks in your home, consider hiring a pest control specialist for an inspection.

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