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Your peace of mind lives where pests don't.

We’re your locally owned and operated pest control team, protecting central Iowa homes and places of business.

LocalPartner

We know your back roads, neighborhoods, and county lines, because we live here too.

Award-Winning

Iowa communities know we do extra for our customers, and they vote for us!

People First

Your time, pets, home and your peace are our highest priority.

Find pest removal in your area!

There's enough on your plate. You really shouldn't have to worry about bugs.

Pest problems don’t care if you're hosting a dinner party, welcoming tenants, or running a business.


Whether it’s your home, your building, or your bottom line we’re protecting, our mission is to keep you informed, show up when we say we will, and leave your space better than we found it.

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What PPM clients are saying

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STEVE

Emery With Preferred Pest did a great job in communicating, timely on being there and professional work!

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LESLIE

Phil is THE BEST! Professional. personable, efficient. I am always happy to see him and he always has a smile.

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Maleia

Very helpful and informative when I had lots of questions.

Wondering about pests? We can help!

  • Why do I have ants in my kitchen?

    Ants are opportunistic and drawn into homes by food sources, moisture, or shelter. Even a drizzle is enough to send them inside. Treating your home’s perimeter and sealing entry points stops them at the door.

  • What’s the difference between carpenter ants and termites?

    Carpenter ants burrow into damp or damaged wood and leave smooth tunnels, while termites actually eat wood, causing structural damage. Identifying which pest is critical, and PPM uncovers the culprit, so fixes happen fast.

  • How can I stop spiders from getting in my house?

    Spiders enter seeking food (other bugs), moisture, or shelter. A clean perimeter, trimmed landscaping, and exterior treatments disrupt their hiding and hunting spots.

  • Are cockroaches dangerous in restaurants?

    Yes—cockroaches spread bacteria, leave droppings, and lower inspection scores. Eliminating them requires targeted baiting around drains, equipment, and dumpsters, and ongoing monitoring to keep your kitchen spotless.

  • What should I do when I see mice droppings?

    That’s a red flag! Mice multiply quickly and can carry disease. Call for an inspection, use secure traps, seal all holes bigger than a dime, and check regularly to ensure the issue’s truly gone.

  • How can I prevent mosquitoes in my yard?

    Mosquitoes breed in still water. Removing standing water, adding mosquito dunks in birdbaths or old containers, and applying yard sprays keeps your evenings bug-free.

  • How often should I have pest control done?

    It depends on your property, but most homes and small businesses benefit from quarterly visits. We tailor plans by pest pressure, location, and your comfort level.



  • Is Pest Management ok for pets and plants?

    Yes. We use EPA-registered, low-toxicity products applied in pet-friendly ways. We also provide clear safety information and wait times, ensuring peace of mind for your family, plants, and furry friends. Give us a call to talk about your specific needs.

We treat over 50+ problematic pests specific for each of Iowa's four seasons.

Our 40+ year reputation is built on local trust.

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Seventeen years & counting

Pests we can take care of for you

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Spider Control

Spiders move inside during cooler months and love undisturbed corners, especially in basements and garages across Central Iowa.

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Ant Control

Spring rains and warming temps in Iowa wake up ant colonies, sending them straight to sinks, counters, and crumbs.

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Termite Inspections & Removal

Subterranean termites are active in Iowa and often go unnoticed until damage is done. Mud tubes and swarming in spring are big red flags.

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Mole & Vole Control

Moles tear up lawns from below with tunnels and mounds, while voles chew through plants and roots just beneath the surface.

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Mice & Rat Control

As the weather cools in fall, rodents in Iowa look for warmth, and your attic or basement is often the first stop.

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Flea & Tick Control

Peak season for fleas in Iowa runs from May through September, especially for homes with pets and shaded, brushy yards.

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Wasp & Hornet Removal

Wasps become more aggressive in late summer and early fall in Iowa, especially around rooflines, eaves, and patio spaces.

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Wildlife Control

We provide live trapping in the Ames area for raccoons, groundhogs, and other larger wildlife that find their way into places they shouldn’t. 

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Bed Bug Control

There’s nothing worse than feeling like your bed isn’t safe. Bed bugs are expert hiders, often coming in from hotels, guests, or used items.

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Centipede & Millipede Control

These fast-moving, leggy pests love damp basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces—especially after heavy rain or in homes with moisture issues.

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Black silhouette of a stink bug, seen from above, with triangular body and six legs.

Beetle Control

Boxelder bugs, stink bugs & asian beetles and more are nuisance bugs that gather on sunny sides of buildings in fall and sneak indoors as temperatures drop.

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Cockroach Control

Cockroaches thrive in Iowa kitchens and bathrooms, especially in apartment buildings or areas with consistent moisture and warmth.