Pest control in Spencer, IA

Pest season in Spencer

NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the SPENCER 1 N, IA station show an average temperature of 46.1°F, about 31 inches of precipitation a year spread over roughly 59 days with measurable rain or snow, 161 nights at or below freezing and 16 days reaching 90°F or more. Only 5 months average 50°F or more, so the outdoor insect season is short, and the long cold season (about 161 freezing nights a year) is when mice and overwintering insects most often move into buildings. Average temperatures are at or above 50°F from about May through September.

Moisture and pests

Around 31 inches of precipitation a year is moderate. Moisture problems such as leaky gutters, damp basements and wood touching soil are usually what draws termites, carpenter ants and cockroaches to a particular home.

Homes and pest entry points

The median year built for housing in Spencer is 1972, and about 64% of its 5,693 housing units were built before 1980. Homes from this era often have settled foundations, aging weatherstripping and wood trim that can let pests in, and many have crawl spaces or basements worth checking for moisture. About 30% of housing units are in buildings with two or more units, where cockroaches and bed bugs can move between neighboring homes through shared walls and plumbing.

Services most relevant in Spencer

• Rodent Controlabout 161 freezing nights a year push mice indoors
• Bed Bug Treatment30% of homes in multi-unit buildings
• Cockroach Controlshared walls and plumbing in multi-unit buildings
• Ant Controlabout 5 months a year average 50°F or more
• General Pest Controlone call when you are not sure what the pest is

Owners, landlords and tenants

About 68% of occupied homes in Spencer are owner-occupied and 32% are rented. Homeowners, landlords and property managers can call to be connected; tenants should usually report pest problems to their landlord or property manager first, since leases and local rules often make treatment their responsibility.

Nearby places

Spencer is in Clay County. Places within about 30 miles include Estherville (24 mi), Spirit Lake (19 mi), Emmetsburg (24 mi) and Milford (13 mi).

Sources: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimate (July 1, 2025) for population; American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year (tables B25003, B25024, B25034, B25035); 2024 Gazetteer; NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual and monthly).