Experts share mosquito control dos and don’ts

Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). PHOTO: IMNATURE/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

Mosquito management professionals share their tips:

John Barnett

John Barnett, ACE, President of Service, Frontline Pest Professionals, Baltimore, Md.

• Do inspect thoroughly and attempt to correct potential problems.
• Don’t forget to thank the customer.

Chad Highley, ACE, Owner, Environmental Pest Control, Lawton, Okla.

• Do use top-quality products.
• Don’t push one-size-fits-all service plans.

Buddy Herring

Ty Costin, Owner, EcoMosquito, North Reading, Mass.

• Do practice extreme caution/safety while on site.
• Don’t treat around edible plants and gardens.

Ken Smith, VP of Operations, Palmetto Exterminators and Mosquito Control, Charleston, S.C.

• Do document conducive conditions.
• Do not cut corners on treatments.

Nathan Curran

Nathan Curran, President, Home and Business Pest Control, Auburn, Mass.

• Do use larvicide treatments in areas with standing water.
• Don’t rely only on pesticide treatments; eliminate conducive conditions.

Buddy Herring, Owner, Summit Pest Solutions, Mills River, N.C.

• Do educate customers on the need to correct drainage issues.
• Don’t treat near areas of pollinator or aquatic activity.

Nathan Vogt

Nathan Vogt, President, Arrest-A-Pest by PMP Inc., Wichita, Kan.

• Do assume customers will want mosquito control service next year. Set reminders to notify them of your intentions to begin service again, instead of trying to resell the service every year.
• Don’t be afraid to walk away from a site you will not be able to control. Adjacent properties with large harborage areas or lots of ground moisture are a problem (mosquitoes fly, you know). Customers who want to have a say in your control method and products are red flags.