Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
It depends on the size of your lot. I will be more than happy to give you a free quote when you send me your address. My prices are very competitive and more often cheaper than most other companies due to the fact that I am the sole owner of this small business, and my overhead is not nearly as high as other companies, so I can pass on that savings to my customers. Also, I feel that as a homeowner myself, that my rates are more in line with what I think I would be comfortable paying for this service.
How long does the treatment last?
The chemical that is sprayed lasts for 3 weeks. You are put on a schedule for every 21 days which allows me to come at or near that three week mark depending on my fire department schedule and weather.
Do you guarantee no mosquitoes after treatment?
The simple answer is NO. What I can guarantee is that I will do my best to make sure you’re satisfied. My policy is that if you are on a regular schedule of every three weeks, and you feel your application has worn off, I will come out and re-spray at no cost to you. I have many customers that are my best advocates on the effectiveness of the treatments.
Is this safe for kids and pets?
Yes, the treatments are very safe for all pets and humans. I always recommend allowing the area to dry prior to entering the space that was treated, approx. 10 minutes. The chemical is harmful to aquatic life, so if you have a small pond in your yard where you keep fish, I will not treat that area in order to keep them safe.
Do you just treat for mosquitoes?
Though my company name suggests that I specialize in mosquito control, I also treat for many other insects. The treatment is effective at treating the following: ants, bees, beetles, boxelder bugs, carpet beetles, centipedes, clothes moths, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, firebrats, flies, gnats, midges, millipedes, pillbugs, scorpions, silverfish, sow bugs, spiders, stink bugs, ticks, termites, and wasps. I take the time and treat your entire property for all nuisance pests and don’t just spray where mosquitoes hide. This takes a little extra time but the feedback I have received from my customers clearly indicates they are appreciative and have enjoyed the extra benefits.
Does it kill fire ants?
Yes. Fire ants are one of the pests that customers need gone immediately, especially if they have small children and pets who play in the yard. We aggressively spray the yard and in particular, each mound, to kill existing colonies and try to stop the spread of others. You will see immediate results following the treatment.
Will this kill good bees and butterflies?
The quick answer is yes. However, as a person who strongly believes in the need for our bees and butterflies to pollinate properly, I am extremely careful and take pride in how I spray. Because this is my business and my reputation is at stake, I take extra precautions on how I spray. I WILL NOT spray near flowers or flowering plants. Many of my customers have effective mosquito control while still enjoying thriving plants and flowers on their property.
Does your treatment kill spiders?
This is a difficult question that I am often asked. When sprayed directly, spiders die within minutes. However, spiders are unlike other insects. Because spiders do not groom themselves, the chemical that is sprayed will not be ingested after the treatment itself. This is the case for all pesticides used for spiders. What I can say is that my customers have noticed a significant decrease in spider activity on their property because not only do I kill some, but the ones that are not affected by direct spray, typically choose to relocate because the food that they will consume is no longer available on your property.
What chemical do you use?
I use a chemical called Bifenthrin. Bifenthrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family. Pyrethroids are man made versions of pyrethrins, which come from chrysanthemum flowers. This attacks the nervous system of small insects. It does not harm animals, even small animals like birds who eat insects that ingest the chemical. It is very safe and is used both outdoors and indoors.
What is your referral program?
Like any small business, word of mouth is the best advertisement. Any customer who recommends me to a friend who signs up for my service, will receive $20 off their next application. I have had some great customers not pay for months because of their referrals, and I can’t thank them enough.
Do I need to be home when you come?
No. The first time I arrive to treat your property, I like to introduce myself and go over the area with you. After that, you certainly do not need to be there. I typically let you know ahead of time when I am coming, that way if you want to pick up or unlock a gate, you can do so. If you have animals that stay outside, I will arrange a call-ahead time so you can take them in while I’m applying the treatment. Each application takes approximately 10 minutes, and I suggest waiting another 10 minutes for the treatment to dry.
Can you do one-time treatments?
Yes. If you have a large party, wedding, graduation, etc. that you want a location treated, a quote can be arranged and treatment set up prior to the event.
How do you like to be paid?
Presently I am set up to take cash, check, or any major credit card. Typically when I complete a job, I will generate an invoice which will be sent to your email and you can pay online.