Frequently Asked Questions About Mosquito Joe
Here are a few of commonly asked questions from our customers. If you’re new to using an outdoor pest control service, we’re sure you have a lot of questions to ask. If you’d like to know anything not listed below, give us a call at 803-454-9165.
How long does it take to do the barrier treatment and how long will it last?
A typical treatment will average about 10-20 minutes from the time we pull up until we drive away. Larger yards may take longer to treat. Each treatment lasts approximately 21 days, at which time our team will be scheduled to treat your yard again.
Do you spray for mosquitoes in the grass?
Spraying grass during a treatment will depend on the type of service you prefer. If you are looking for mosquito control only, then we do not spray the grass for mosquitoes as they do not like direct sunlight or wind; they only fly about 1.5 miles per hour. Our goal in completing a pre-service inspection of the property is to seek out the “hot spots” where mosquitoes will be loafing. The most common areas to find mosquitoes during the day include: the underside of the leaves of dense/shrubby plants, under decks, and in damp shady areas of the property. We do recommend that you keep your grass short during the mosquito season.
However, if you are looking for flea, chigger, and no-see-um control in addition to mosquito control, then we DO treat the grass. We will preventatively treat tall grass for ticks and fleas. We have a separate service if you should have an infestation of fleas in the lawn. In some cases, such as special events like weddings and large outdoor parties, we will spray the grass where your guests will be.
Are the treatments effective against any other pests?
Our standard treatment primarily targets mosquitoes, but we also target fleas and ticks in the yard. Flies, gnats, chiggers, and no-see-ums may also be affected, depending on the location, but the residual attribute of the product is not effective at long-term suppression of these insects.
What products are being used in my yard and are they safe? What about for my plants/pond/pets/kids?
We use two primary products in our mosquito treatment. Our main barrier spray products use synthetic forms of pyrethrins called pyrethroids. Pyrethrins are the natural byproduct of the Chrysanthemum flower. Synthetic pyrethroids have a similar chemical structure as the pyrethrins and are used in numerous commercial products such as household insecticides, pet shampoos and sprays, and even lice shampoos. The products themselves are water-based, mixed in water and will not harm plants.
We also offer an environmentally friendly solution, which involves a blend of essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint oil, and cedarwood oil. These products are effective at mosquito control and do not harm people, pets or pollinators.
All of our products are EPA-registered.
Is there a natural treatment option?
Absolutely. Specific options may vary by location but in general, we offer two eco-friendly options for customers who would like a greener solution. Our first option consists of garlic and only repels mosquitoes; it does not eliminate them. This application is made every two weeks. The second option consists of a blend of essential oils and will control mosquito populations on your property. These solutions can leave either a strong garlic or mixture of essential oils scent in your yard for one to two hours after application.
Does anyone need to be home when the yard is treated? How will I know if the treatment was done if I’m not home?
No. As long as your gate is unlocked and your pets are inside, our service professional can provide service. Our trained professionals will obtain any information pertinent to your location (i.e. locked gate) when you sign up.
Your service professional will leave a door hanger upon completion of your treatment so you will know your yard has been serviced. Information on this door hanger will include the date and time of service as well as any comments and helpful hints from the service professional to help you keep your yard as uninviting as possible for mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
What if it rains after my yard has been treated?
As long as your yard has had adequate time to dry after the application of your treatment (30-45 minutes depending on temperature and humidity), rain should not impact the effectiveness of your service. However, our MoJo Guarantee ensures that if you are not completely satisfied with the effectiveness of our treatment, contact us within 14 days of your service* and we will schedule a time to reassess your property and if needed, provide a booster application at no additional cost.
How much does it cost?
Each property is unique, and we customize each barrier application to successfully treat your mosquito problem. We price our applications based on the size and density of foliage of your property and the amount of product that we will need to use. You can contact us any time for a free quote, and we usually don’t even need to visit your property. Our trained agents will be able to take your property address, look it up using our computer program, and assess your property to give you an accurate quote.
What does Mosquito Joe do to protect the pollinators, particularly the honey bee?
We take pollinator protection seriously. Our certified service professionals are all trained on our Mosquito Joe Pollinator Protection Management Program, which incorporates three key focus areas: deep familiarity with each customer’s property, professional application procedures, and proper selection of the products we use.
To learn more about Mosquito Joe’s Pollinator Protection Management Program, click here.
Do you service commercial accounts?
Absolutely. Our barrier treatments are a great solution for many commercial businesses such as restaurants with patios, parks, campgrounds, public pools and playgrounds, sports fields, daycares, outdoor wedding venues, schools and more.
The city has a mosquito truck come through and spray, what makes your service better?
Our service professionals are trained to provide a custom treatment for each individual situation. They will walk your property each visit and treat it with an Integrated Pest Management methodology specific to your yard.
A mosquito truck sprays a dense fog hoping to eradicate adult mosquitoes. Their service can only reach mosquitoes in close proximity to the truck.
Do you treat indoor pest problems as well?
Mosquito Joe focuses on outdoor pest control services. However, we offer an Outdoor Pest control program, at participating locations, to stop common household pests from entering your home. During this service, our certified and trained service professionals will start with a thorough inspection to identify any areas where these pests could harbor or take shelter. This allows our service professional to look for all cracks and crevices that may contribute to the infestation. We’ll treat your foundation, eaves, windows, doors, and wipe down spider webs. By focusing on outdoor treatment zones and adding a barrier of defense to the perimeter of your property, we reduce the need for indoor exposure.
How long before I can go in the yard after you have sprayed?
After a barrier treatment, you need to ensure that the product has completely dried before going outside. Depending on outdoor temperatures and humidity, we recommend a minimum of 20-30 minutes. Once the product has completely dried, you and your family may safely enjoy your deck, pool and yard.
Will the treatment affect my fish pond or swimming pool?
Pyrethroids are hazardous to fish. As a result, our service professionals are trained to avoid fish ponds when providing you with a barrier treatment. Our products do not affect swimming pools as they do not contain any phosphate or nitrate materials or ingredients that would raise the PH. Our service professionals are trained to control applications and avoid direct contact with the pool water.
How does rain affect the treatment?
Rain is not a large concern because of the residual attributes of our products. The products are designed to last, so once dry, only a fraction of the product can be physically removed other than by the natural breakdown of the product. We will not spray in the rain, but we can spray soon thereafter.
What are the advantages of hiring Mosquito Joe for pest control services vs using DIY options at home?
While DIY pest control options can be commonly found in stores, hiring a professional pest control company, like Mosquito Joe, has many advantages.
1) Integrated Pest Management: As members of the EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, our service professionals are trained and dedicated to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) when handling, applying, and disposing of our products to reduce the amount of health and environmental risks associated with pesticides.
2) Attention to Breed Areas: Not only do our service professionals treat to control the adult population in your yard, but they also inspect your property in search of potential areas that may be the perfect place for pests to breed. They then treat them accordingly and leave notes on your post service door hanger on how to eliminate.
3) Knowledge of Pest Behavior: Our service professionals understand pest behavior in its entirety – what they eat, where they breed, and where they hide. This comprehensive knowledge enables us to address every aspect of your outdoor pest problems.
4) Reliable Results: With DIY pest control methods one can never be too sure of the products used, amount to be used and where to apply. But, when working with a professional pest control company, like Mosquito Joe, you can rest assured that all products used are in compliance with your state laws and applied in a responsible manner.
Do you offer your services nationwide?
We have over 200 Mosquito Joe Franchise locations nationwide, with varying pest control services from mosquito, tick, and flea control to spotted lanternfly and stinging insect treatments, due to specific regionality needs and state laws not all locations provide all services. Find your local Mosquito Joe to find out what services are offered near you!
Will pest control services protect me from vector-borne diseases?
Our pest control services add an extra layer of protection to your yard from pests and help reduce the population in your yard. However, this does not guarantee that you will be 100% protected against vector-borne diseases. It’s important to follow CDC guidelines and best practices to reduce the likelihood of contracting a vector-borne disease.