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 1-443-393-2353.

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 only looking for mosquito control, then we generally do not treat the grass because mosquitoes don’t shelter there. Our goal in doing a pre-service walk 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.

If you are looking for tick, flea, chigger and no-see-um prevention in addition to mosquito control, then we DO treat the grass. Many of these pests can live in both your grass and your landscaping.

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 are also affected, 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 use a natural garlic spray, similar to the garlic in your kitchen but stronger and more potent. We use this product around ponds, vegetable gardens, flowering shrubs and flowers so not to harm aquatic life and pollinators (e.g., bees).

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 options for customers who would like a natural 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 eliminate mosquitoes on contact and then becomes a repellent once dry. These solutions can leave either a strong garlic or mixture of essential oils odor 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 technician can treat. Our trained professionals will obtain any information pertinent to your location (i.e. locked gate) when you sign up.

Your technician 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 the technician may have 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 (20-30 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 treatment 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 size to give you an accurate quote.

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 technicians are trained to provide a custom treatment for each individual situation. They will walk your property each visit and treat it with a 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 a Perimeter Pest program, at participating locations, to stop common household pests from entering your home. During this service, our certified and trained technicians will start with a thorough inspection to identify any areas where these pests could harbor or take shelter. This allows our technicians to treat all cracks and crevices that may contribute to the infestation. We’ll treat your foundation, eaves, windows, doors, flower beds, and likely spider web sites. 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 technicians are trained to avoid fish ponds when providing you with a barrier treatment. Our products do not affect swimming pools; nevertheless, our technicians are also trained to not allow the spray to contact 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 apply the treatment soon thereafter.