Is all mosquito control the same?

This question comes up quite frequently, especially with the flood of contractors that have recently started services targeting mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. I've even heard contractors stating that there isn't a difference, which I've found to be an interesting statement to make. As one of the innovators and leaders in this field, I can say with absolute certainty there is without a doubt a difference. Why else do some services work, while others do not? If asked, some service providers can find solutions and explain what is going on, while others cannot.

So why do people make the assumption that all these services are the same? The answer is fairly simple, they think that the services are all the same because they have not been taught any different. An applicator goes to a property, sprays something, and leaves...right? The truth is there is a little more than that going on.

First of all, at The Green Advantage we are constantly monitoring the types of mosquitos that are causing trouble in our area. There are over 53 different types of mosquitos found in our area. Although some cause more distress to humans than others, it is still important to know and understand that there are differences between the species. Where they breed, when they breed, when they bite, where they live, and what diseases they carry; are all areas of knowledge that help in why and how to control them. Knowing the differences explains why some years are "bad mosquito years" and others aren't so bad. It also explains why some yards are worse than others, and why some bites are worse than others. This knowledge helps in knowing when and where to treat. It also gives the information as to what can be done to prevent the pests and what products to use to prevent them.

The second major difference is equipment. By now most of us have seen the guy blowing the mist around a yard, it has become almost as common as the guy spreading fertilizer. There are other types of application methods that are used, depending on different situations or products, but the mist blowers have become the common method for mosquito control. Knowledge of the equipment and the products is pertinent. This is where we see most applications fail, whether it be fertilizer, weed control, or insecticide. These tools need to be constantly monitored and adjusted to perform properly. More importantly, the operator needs to have a working knowledge to make corrections, adjust, and diagnose issues with equipment or at the least an application will be compromised, and could possibly cause a hazardous condition. A perfect example we have heard time and again is when people see a professional applying fertilizer. It is often stated how they appear to be speeding through the application going faster than what people think they should; rushing the job. The truth is that the equipment they are using is designed to apply the product at a rate determined by the speed. Adjusting the speed will misapply the product and can negatively impact the amount of coverage; which risks causing adverse effects. The Green Advantage prides itself of not only knowledge of the equipment, but innovating equipment and how they are used.

Products are the next major difference. There are a multitude of different products on the market. Products vary on how they can be applied, what is being targeted, what stage of development they effect, and how they affect insects. As with anything, there are varying degrees of quality when it comes to products. We have done and continue to do extensive research on the products The Green Advantage uses. Some products work well in some instances, while not so well in others. There is also a constant battle with resistance, something we are trained to be on guard for and take precautions against. Knowledge of the products and how to use them is the most important part of any application, both for effectiveness and safety. Under application causes resistance problems, while over applying causes safety issues. Lack of knowledge of products and equipment are the two most common mistakes in this industry. The Green Advantage uses the highest of quality products, with extensive training and in house testing.

There is a reason so many have trusted The Green Advantage, we are NWI’s most qualified pest control professionals. We make a complicated task look simple and easy, it’s why so many of the competition found the services we provide attractive. They find this as quick, easy money, without the knowledge that makes us excel. For this reason we continue to innovate and lead, while others try to replicate and follow. Put your trust in the best, and give yourself the advantage – The Green Advantage.