What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management is a strategy that focuses on long term prevention of pests. In this case we mean mosquitoes! Every time we are out to do your barrier spray, we will be on the lookout for standing water (potential breeding sites) that we can drain for you. There may be some situations that require the home owner’s attention, i.e. clogged drains, gutters, etc. We will alert you to problem areas as we see them.
What happens to my mosquito protection if it rains before my next service?
The products we use are made to bond to the leaves where we spray, you should not see a difference in your protection. Be on the lookout for standing water in containers and drains though!
Won’t mosquitoes just fly over from my neighbor’s yard?
Indeed they will. But they won’t like what they find when they do. The spray we apply to the undersides of your low lying plants around your perimeter will repel the little biters for up to 3 weeks! Of course it would help greatly to talk to your neighbor about any standing water in their yard. Remember, a wheelbarrow full of water can produce enough mosquitoes to infest a neighborhood.
Why does the barrier spray have to be applied so often?
There are multiple generations of mosquitoes in and around your yard at any given time. The synthetic barrier spray lasts 21 days and only affects the adults. After they are controlled, there are larval and pupal stages getting ready to mature. Right behind them, there are millions of eggs waiting to hatch. Our organic spray only lasts 14 days so it must be applied more often to ensure a strong barrier. Remember there are NO CONTRACTS so don’t hesitate to call if you want to skip a treatment.
Is it worth it to treat up until October?
Yes. Killing potential egg layers before winter means less deposited eggs waiting for Spring to hatch. That’s right. Certain species of mosquitoes will depoisit their eggs up until winter. The eggs then “overwinter” and wait for warmer temperatures mixed with Spring rain waters to hatch. Spraying into the Fall helps reduce next year’s population.
