Why Control Spiders in Iowa Homes?

Spiders show up in just about every Iowa home, but the kind matters.

Many are harmless, but a few — like the black widow and the wolf spider — can create real problems for families and pets.

They tend to settle in quiet, hidden spots such as basements, sheds, and garages, following the insects they feed on. Catching spider activity early makes it easier to stop them before an infestation takes hold.

1. Reduce Risk from Dangerous Species

A black widow’s bite carries strong venom that can trigger painful symptoms and sometimes require medical attention. Wolf spiders aren’t venomous, but their size and speed make them intimidating, and they will bite if cornered. Professional treatment helps spot and remove these higher-risk species before they spread.

2. Prevent Unwanted Encounters

Nobody wants to reach into a storage box or step into the garage and come face to face with a spider. Even harmless species can cause alarm when they turn up indoors. Cutting down populations now means fewer unpleasant surprises later.

3. Protect Your Family and Pets

Pets often disturb spiders hiding in sheds or yards, and kids may run into webs or egg sacs while playing. Professional spider control lowers these risks with safe, targeted solutions designed for Des Moines homes.

Our spider control solutions are safe for kids, pets, and your home. Schedule Your Spider Service Today!

Spider Control Services

At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we provide spider control services designed for the species most common in Iowa, including black widows and wolf spiders.

Our goal is not only to eliminate active spiders but also to create an environment where they’re less likely to return.

  • Comprehensive Spider Treatment:

    Our service targets the root of the problem by reducing the insect populations spiders feed on and treating areas where they build webs — such as basements, sheds, and woodpiles. This ensures effective results that go beyond surface-level removal.

  • Long-Term Prevention:

    We don’t just stop at treating today’s spider problem. We help homeowners keep spiders from coming back through clutter reduction, storage recommendations, and guidance on simple home maintenance habits that discourage infestations.

  • Custom Plans for Every Property:

    Every home and business is different. Whether you’re dealing with a single problem area or a more widespread infestation, we build a plan that fits your space and your concerns.

Additional Tips for Spider Prevention:

  • 1

    Wear gloves and long sleeves when moving stored items, especially in cluttered areas like basements or outbuildings.

  • 2

    Property insurance may sometimes cover the removal of pests like bats, cleaning up associated waste, and replacing insulation, but it generally does not cover sealing entry points.

OUR SPIDER CONTROL PROCESS

At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we understand that dealing with spiders requires a strategic approach. Our comprehensive process includes thorough inspections, effective treatments, and expert prevention tips, so you can feel secure in a spider-free environment.

Dealing With More Than Just Spiders?

Spiders aren’t the only pests that show up in Iowa homes. At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management, we handle a wide range of pest problems so you don’t have to juggle multiple providers.

Do You Treat Ants Too?

Yes — ants are among the most common pests in Iowa homes. They often invade kitchens and pantries in search of food. Our customized ant control services target colonies directly, stopping the problem at its source.

➡️Learn more about our ant control services »

What About Mosquitoes and Wasps?

Summer in Iowa brings outdoor pests like mosquitoes and wasps. Mosquitoes thrive near standing water, while wasps build nests around decks, eaves, and sheds. Our treatments target breeding areas and nesting sites, providing relief so you can enjoy your yard again without worry.

➡️ Explore our mosquito control solutions »
➡️ Explore our wasp control services »

Do You Handle Rodents as Well?

As weather cools, it’s common for mice and rats to enter houses in search of heat and reliable food supplies. Beyond being a nuisance, they can contaminate food and spread disease. Our proven rodent control services quickly eliminate active infestations and include recommendations to prevent future entry. Read about our rodent control services »

HOW TO SPOT SPIDER ACTIVITY

Bats nesting in attic space

Spiders can be elusive, but identifying signs of their presence early helps you manage them effectively. Watch out for these common indicators of spider activity:

1. Webs in Undisturbed Areas

Check for spider webs in dark, undisturbed corners like basements, attics, and storage areas. Web-building spiders often spin webs in places where there is little foot traffic or movement.

2. Spiders Crawling Indoors

If you notice spiders crawling around floors, walls, or ceilings, especially in low-light areas, it’s a sign they may be breeding inside. Wolf spiders are particularly active hunters and may be seen at night.

3. Spider Egg Sacs

Look for spider egg sacs in corners, under furniture, or in storage areas. These small, round sacs can hold dozens of spider eggs, signaling a potential infestation if left unchecked.

MAIN ISSUES

  • Bites

  • Contamination of Property

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re a local Des Moines company with licensed applicators who know Iowa spiders inside and out.

From black widows in sheds to wolf spiders in basements, we’ve treated them all — and we build a plan that fits your home, not a cookie-cutter template.

Most visits are scheduled within 1–2 business days.

During peak spider season (late summer and fall), we often get booked fast — which is why many homeowners call early to reserve their spot.

We use a mix of safe, EPA-approved treatments plus web removal and food-source reduction (insects).

Our focus is on disrupting both the spiders and what attracts them so the problem doesn’t just bounce back.

Yes. We only use products approved for residential use, applied carefully by licensed professionals.

Many of our clients in Des Moines have children and pets at home, and safety is always our first step.

Some quick wins include:

  • Seal cracks around doors and windows.
  • Store firewood 20 feet or more from your house.
  • Vacuum corners and storage areas regularly.
  • We’ll give you a checklist after treatment tailored to your home.

We cover the entire metro — West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, and more. If you’re in Central Iowa, chances are we’re already helping your neighbors.

We get the most calls in late summer and fall, when spiders head indoors looking for warmth. Spring inspections can help you get ahead of this seasonal surge.

Not much. Just make sure we can easily access basements, garages, and attics if possible.

If we need anything specific, we’ll let you know when you schedule.

Both. One-time treatments are great for immediate relief, but ongoing seasonal plans give you continuous protection year-round — which is especially popular with families who’ve had repeat issues.

Give us a quick call or book your service online in just a few clicks.

Most homeowners start with a quick call so we can recommend the right service.

Schedule Your Spider Service Today

Why Choose Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Control

Take Care Of Your Pest Problem Today

We service the entire Des Moines, IA metro area. Contact us today for the safe and efficient removal of your pest problem.

Service Pages Form
Kayla Lynch Engebrecht

Highly recommend this group!!! Within 24 hours of my “something stinks” panic call, one of the techs, Ronnie, was at our place taking care of the animals that found their final resting place in our vents… and patched it up so we wouldn’t have this happen again. On time, efficient, and very knowledgeable!!

Kayla Lynch Engebrecht, Des Moines, Iowa
Scott Crook

What a great experience Ronnie Hayes came to our place he came to our place assessed that we had a few raccoons in our attic. He even put a trap on the roof and for them out the same day then the relocated them. For a very responsible place.

Scott Crook, Des Moines, Iowa
Knowledgeable, careful, and insightful-
I had the opportunity to meet with Nicole Spaulding from Bobcat Wildlife and Pest Management to learn more of what she does and to ask questions about their industry, fearing it affected my own (outdoor aquatic stock growth).
She took the time to share with me the ins-and-outs of her industry, genuinely caring for my concerns, resolving them completely in the end.
Grant Sodders, Des Moines, Iowa
Alison Kanne
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management came to my house to deal with a serious bat problem. I have had no issues with bats since they came, and the guy who did the work on my house was thorough and took obvious pride in his work. They are knowledgeable and thorough and don’t take the easy way out. It was clear that they really cared about solving my bat issue and I highly recommend them to anyone with a bat problem.
Alison Kanne, Des Moines, Iowa
Molly Roffman Wosmansky

They do an amazing job with our pest control and keeping all the mosquitos at bay. I really appreciate how caring & respective Gene is towards these animals and rodents…

Molly Roffman Wosmansky, Des Moines, Iowa
Jayson Jones

Highly recommend using this company for any pest control needs and or wildlife issues.

Jayson Jones, Des Moines, Iowa
Sophia O'Brien
Nate with Bobcat Pest was great to work with! I called in about a birds nest removal. He gave the roof a full inspection, cleaned out the nest/dead birds, and returned a week later to patch the hole. Very professional service.
Sophia O'Brien, Des Moines, Iowa
Cortney Dierks

Thank you so much! We debated calling for a long time. When I finally did Blake came the very next day and trapped the squirrel who was the culprit of the damage. He fixed the damage too! We are so happy we finally called, wish we would have done it sooner! Thanks Blake!

Cortney Dierks, Des Moines, Iowa
Margaret Branwen Dewey
Jared was super helpful, set up traps, and we are looking forward to a raccoon free attic.
Margaret Branwen Dewey, Des Moines, Iowa