Pests to know in Des Moines
Termites in Des Moines
- Iowa State University Extension says termites are more common in southern Iowa but have been reported in almost every county, with spotty, widely scattered infestations.[2]
- Termites work slowly in Iowa's climate and are generally inactive in winter. Swarmers emerge from mature colonies, most often in spring.[2]
Invasive species reported here
- The invasive Asian long-horned tick was first detected in Iowa in Van Buren County cattle in 2025. Females can reproduce without mating, so thousands may turn up at once.[1]
- Japanese beetles did not appear in Iowa until 1994 but are now found in over three-fourths of the state, damaging both plants (adults) and turf roots (grubs).[4]
- The City of Des Moines Public Works Forestry Division replants public trees to replace canopy lost to emerald ash borer, funded through the city's Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan.[7]
- Emerald ash borer was discovered in Iowa in 2010, and more than two-thirds of Iowa's counties have since been confirmed with it.[8]
Pests local experts flag
Boxelder bugs are common in Iowa and are most abundant after a very warm May and dry July. They invade homes in fall looking for winter shelter but are harmless.[5]
Climate
Central Des Moines (ZIP 50309) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 5b, where the average coldest winter night is -15 to -10°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Polk County Health Department lists the common ticks in Iowa as the American dog tick, blacklegged tick, brown dog tick, lone star tick and Asian long-horned tick.[1]
- Polk County Health Department advises turning over and scrubbing water-holding items like buckets, tires, birdbaths and flowerpot saucers once a week, since mosquitoes lay eggs in and near water.[1]
Hiring a licensed company
ISU Extension advises Iowans who suspect termites to get inspections from at least three pest management companies licensed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.[3]
Free local help
The Iowa State University Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic identifies insects, spiders, ticks and mites from indoors or outdoors, but does not test ticks for disease.[6]
Through the year
- Winter to Fall
- Polk County Health Department says blacklegged tick bite risk is highest in spring, summer and fall, but adults may seek hosts any time winter temperatures rise above freezing.[1]
- Summer
- In Iowa, adult Japanese beetles emerge from mid-June through July, and emergence peaks by mid-July.[4]
Sources
- Polk County Health Department, “Tick and Mosquito Borne Diseases.” www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/education-resources/tick-and-mosquito-borne-diseases/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Termites.” yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Termite Control In Iowa.” yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/termite-control-iowa (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Japanese Beetle.” yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/japanese-beetle (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Boxelder Bug.” yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/boxelder-bug (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic.” yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/pidc (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Des Moines, “Council Communication 24-431.” councildocs.dsm.city/communications/2024/24-431.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, “Emerald Ash Borer.” www.iowatreepests.com/eab_home.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 50309 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/50309.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)