When bats enter homes they can also bring other visitors with them. Ectoparasites are a fancy name for varieties of bed bugs, bat bugs, fleas, mites, and chiggers. When a bat eviction service is performed it is also sometimes necessary to fog the areas when bats are out of the attic. This will kill any left over parasites.

Fall is a time of migration for many bat species in North America, this is also when large numbers of bats may enter buildings and structures. Bats are looking for safe areas to mate and reproduce. The four main species of bats in Iowa are big brown bat, little brown, northern, and eastern bats. The big brown bat will over winter in attics and walls without migrating.

Bats in Iowa Big Brown Bats, Little Brown Bats, Red Bats, Northern Long Eared Bats, Hoary Bats, Evening Bat, Silver Haired Bat, and Eastern Pipistrelle. Some bats can carry rabies. The state of Illinois has marked an increase in rabies in the last few years (see news blogs). However, rabies should not be a concern of homeowns. Histoplasmosis is another health factor associated with bats. If bats establish a colony in attics or walls excess droppings can contain this spore. Cleaning these droppings and making the spores airborne can cause some respiratory problems. Respirators should be worn at all times when cleaning bat droppings.

These pests are found worldwide and very important because of the enormous amount of damage they do. Indianmeal moths are 5-20 mm long and infest cornmeal. Adults actually do not do damage. The larvae feed on dog food, crackers, powdered milk, fruits and many other items. When mature they can be found flying all over the house or structure.

The larvae are wormlike and off white. It is one of the most prevalent invaders of grocery stores all over the world. Preferred foods include: macaroni, dry grains, tobacco, nuts and fruit. If discovered, all infested items should be thrown out and other items sealed in containers

Red Flour Beetles is red in color. They are 2-4 mm long and larvae are off white. They prefer flour and similar products. Grain, rice, dry pet food, pasta and similar products. Red flour beetles will infest pantries and areas where the food supply is abundant. Control is done by getting rid of infested materials and sealing all other grain products.

Larder beetles are found worldwide and attacks cured meats and other products. They are brown or black and about 5-7mm in size. They have a yellow strip across the back. They attack hides and skins which is main sign of infestation. Larder beetles will bore into wood to and then cover up the entrance hole. The beetles will feed on cheese, dry fish, meats, ham, bacon, hair and feathers just to name a few.

            Larder beetles prefer to breed in pantries and other areas with food sources. All infested items should be discarded. Store all other items in sealed containers. Eliminating all sources of infested areas is the only way to combat these beetles.

Drugstore beetles arefound worldwide. They are a pest of drug stores and about 2-3mm in size. Color is off brown. Larvae are white and look like a maggot. The main food sources are flour, bread, breakfast foods and pepper. They will also attack paper items like books. Control consists of getting rid of infested items and sealing other items.