If you have been thinking about tick and mosquito spraying services for your New Hampshire home, there are some factors that we think you should consider when choosing a company.
Choosing a Tick and Mosquito Spraying Company
Not all tick and mosquito spraying companies are the same. Their programs are not the same, in fact, they are all different, costs and results can vary. So how do you choose the best company for your yard? Here, we’ll give you a “sneak peek” into the industry and how they save money.
There are four main factors that determine the effectiveness of a tick and mosquito spraying program:
- What insecticides are being used?
- What rate is it being applied?
- What is the spray technique?
- What equipment is being used to create the barrier?
Tick and Mosquito Control Products
When it comes to insecticides there are hundreds of products available to companies. Some work great on one pest but not another. Some are inexpensive and some are costly. Some are organic and some are synthetic and while the inclination is to believe that the organics are the way to go remember that “organic” does not mean “safe.” Arsenic and cyanide are both organic. Also, organic products are not registered by the EPA meaning they are not even tested for efficacy or safety.
Application Rates
When it comes to applying tick and mosquito controls, the EPA regulates how much of specific product can be applied per acre per season. Dilution ratios matter! All insecticides give ranges of the rate to which they should be applied. That rate (or “strength” of the spray) determines how long it will last or how frequently it needs to be reapplied. Cutting the rate allows you to spray more frequently…which means companies can cut the rate in ½ – save money – and charge the customer to spray more often.
At Groundhog Turf Care, we use a proprietary blend of insecticides, at their highest rate, which we have developed over years of trial and error. This, coupled with a spreader-sticker, provides the best control for the longest period of time with no exceptions.
Spray Techniques and Equipment
The equipment that is used and the applicators spray technique are critical to achieving the best barrier. The most common equipment used are backpack sprayers but often the best method is a tank-based high-pressure spray system.
- Ticks will nest and breed in cool moist locations like stone walls and leaf piles, so it is important to penetrate those areas and disrupt debris piles. Tank-based high-pressure spray systems will penetrate and disrupt those areas and gain better control.
- Mosquitoes will fly and spend their time up to 20 feet in the canopy and the perimeter foliage. It is nearly impossible to get a backpack fogger 20 feet up into the trees or to get deep penetration into the perimeter foliage whereas the mechanical sprayer is a far superior tool for the job.
- Wind is always a factor when spraying. Keeping the spray solution on target is critical to protecting pollinators. A backpack fogger is much harder to keep on target and increases risk of drift.
So why would anyone use a fogger when they can use the mechanical sprayer? Cost. A backpack fogger runs about $500. A truck-mounted spray unit like the ones we use costs about $10,000.
The Most Effective Mosquito Control
Call Groundhog Turf Care! Our Tick and Mosquito spray program utilizes a pyrethrin-based control that knocks down mosquito populations and sets up a perimeter of protection. Our technicians will visit seven times per year, targeting those areas where mosquitoes rest and nest. So, you can enjoy your evenings whenever you want – without uninvited guests!
If you are looking for the highest quality, least toxic, and most environmentally conscious tick and mosquito spray program available, call Groundhog Turf Care for a quote today. We would be happy to protect you and your family this season!
FAQs About Tick and Mosquito Spraying
1. What factors should I consider when choosing a tick and mosquito spraying service?
When selecting a company to spray your yard for ticks and mosquitoes, consider the type of insecticides used, their application rates, and the equipment and techniques employed for spraying. These elements significantly affect the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.
2. Are organic insecticides safer than synthetic ones?
While organic products may seem safer, it’s crucial to remember that organic does not inherently mean safe. Some organic substances can be toxic, and organic products are not EPA-registered, which means they haven’t undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.
3. How does the application rate of insecticides impact the treatment?
The recommended application rate of insecticides affects how long the treatment lasts and how often it needs to be reapplied. Companies may lower application rates to save on costs, but this can lead to less effective pest control. Higher rates often provide longer-lasting protection.
4. What is the importance of spray equipment and technique?
The type of equipment used—such as backpack sprayers versus tank-based high-pressure systems—can greatly influence the treatment’s effectiveness. High-pressure systems can penetrate dense foliage and debris where pests like ticks breed, resulting in better control compared to backpack sprayers.
5. Why is it important to protect pollinators during spraying?
Keeping the spray solution on target is crucial to minimize drift and protect pollinators. Wind can affect where the spray lands, and using more precise equipment, like mechanical sprayers, is essential to avoid unintentional harm to beneficial insects while effectively targeting pests.
Tick and Mosquito Spraying Service Areas in New Hampshire
Our tick and mosquito spraying services are available in the following New Hampshire locations. If you don’t see your town listed, give us a call – chances are we can service you!
Southern NH
Manchester NH
