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When all a homeowner wants to do is relax in their backyard, but mosquitoes won’t stop buzzing or biting and a citronella candle just won’t cut it, it’s time to call in an expert to treat the problem. Stagnant water in plant saucers, wheel ruts in the grass, or open trash cans can attract mosquitoes and create favorable breeding environments. And a single female mosquito can lay upward of 3,000 eggs in her lifetime, meaning these pests can spread quickly. The best mosquito control services offer effective mosquito repellents for yards while ensuring families, pets, and homes are safe from mosquito-borne diseases and illnesses.
- BEST OVERALL: Mosquito Squad
- RUNNER-UP: Mosquito Joe
- MOST QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS: Orkin
- ALSO CONSIDER: Terminix
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Mosquito Control Service for You
Before choosing the right mosquito control service, it’s important to consider various factors, such as the company’s service area, scheduling, and guarantees offered. Other factors affecting the decision include the control methods offered and the professional licensing requirements. To determine the best mosquito control service, consider the following factors.
Service Area and Scheduling
Homeowners looking for the best mosquito control service for their needs must determine which companies are available to service their area. Each company will also have varying schedules and availability, which can determine which homeowners ultimately hire. A nearby company will be easier to schedule an appointment with, and working with a company that’s nearby means technicians can more easily return for retreatment or to fix any issues that may arise.
Luckily, homeowners don’t typically have to be home for mosquito treatment, and the treatment takes between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the size of the yard. These services should be easy for a company to schedule, especially if the company specializes in mosquito control and has designated technicians for these jobs. But it’s always a good idea to schedule sooner rather than later—the earlier homeowners schedule mosquito control treatments, the more flexibility a company will offer for scheduling.
Control Methods, EPA Registration, and Local Regulations
Choosing the right control service requires looking into each company’s methods, then seeing how those methods stack up with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration and local regulations. The most common methods for mosquito control are natural and synthetic sprays. Synthetic sprays are made of insecticides that kill mosquitoes, while natural sprays are typically repellents that don’t eliminate them—instead, they just deter mosquitoes from visiting the area. Generally, when a company uses EPA-registered chemicals, it will note this on its website.
Some companies may also offer to install an automatic mosquito mister system; however, these systems are not regulated by the EPA. Certain states restrict the chemicals used in these systems, as some are meant to be handled and controlled by a licensed professional, not a customer. Local or state regulations on mosquito spray ingredients or insecticide application may also exist. Local companies should be aware of these restrictions and inform customers about them when scheduling services.
Treatment Frequency
Although one-time treatments are available and useful for situations such as events or parties that require a yard to be pest-free, the treatment wears off, rendering it ineffective after a certain point. Yard retreatments are generally recommended every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the mosquito season to ensure female adult mosquitoes cannot lay eggs and reproduce. Natural treatments may require reapplication closer to once every 2 to 3 weeks. Mosquito season will vary by region, starting as early as February in the southern U.S. or as late as May for northern states.
Technician Insurance and Licensing
When searching for a mosquito control service, it’s important to ensure that the technician or company hired carries proper insurance and licensing. Customers should look for technicians who are licensed in accordance with any state regulations. Although pest control companies aren’t always required to be insured, working with an insured company can benefit a homeowner in case of an accident. Should an issue arise, homeowners can feel comfortable knowing they won’t be held liable in the event a technician is injured while on their property.
Additional Services
For homeowners encountering multiple infestations, mosquito control companies offer additional services to target other common pests, such as ants, cockroaches, spiders, centipedes, moths, and rodents.
Although mosquitoes are considered pests, treatments for them versus other pests are quite different. Mosquitoes, for the most part, are an outdoor problem—when they are an indoor problem, indoor mosquito traps can be very effective. General pest control focuses on treating the problem from inside the house and discouraging any pests from being drawn indoors. Mosquito control technicians need to familiarize themselves with the exterior and yard of a customer’s home so they can identify the hot spots where mosquitoes congregate and breed.
Customers who already use lawn care services can also see if the service also provides mosquito treatment.
Guarantees
While even the best mosquito control services can’t guarantee they’ll kill 100 percent of the mosquitoes in a yard, most companies offer a reservice guarantee in the event the mosquito population isn’t significantly reduced. Another assurance one should expect from a mosquito control company is a satisfaction guarantee. If the customer is not content with the services rendered, the company should return and make things right. A guarantee is important for homeowners when choosing which mosquito control service to work with, as it indicates that a company stands behind its work and its employees.
Our Top Picks
Based on the factors listed above and extensive research into mosquito control companies, here are our choices for the best mosquito control services.
Best Overall
Mosquito Squad
- Service area: 34 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Phone
- Control methods: Traditional barrier treatment, natural barrier treatment, automatic misting systems
- Additional services: Tick control
Pros
- Micro-encapsulated treatment kills 85 to 90 percent of mosquitoes
- Automatic misting systems available
- Special event treatments available
- Emphasis on customer education
- Portion of proceeds donated toward malaria prevention and treatment in Cameroon via Malaria No More
Cons
- Customer support may be unresponsive via email
Why It Made the Cut: Mosquito Squad offers uniquely formulated treatments that aim for maximum efficacy, and the company prioritizes customer education and philanthropic aid. Mosquito Squad uses a special micro-encapsulated formula to handle a surplus of unwanted bloodsuckers. The solution is less volatile, meaning less of the treatment is lost in the air, and it performs well on porous and nonporous surfaces. Mosquito Squad technicians can also install automatic misting systems so homeowners can control the mosquito treatments. The technicians at Mosquito Squad want to do more than just get rid of mosquitoes; they also want to prevent further infestations. Technicians educate homeowners on mosquito control and steps to take to prevent the pests from returning, including draining standing water and clearing yard debris. Customers can schedule recurring or special event appointments over the phone, and they’ll want to keep in mind that customer service may not be the most responsive via email. And as a bonus feature: a portion of Mosquito Squad’s sales go toward Malaria No More, an organization aimed at ending the fatal disease that mosquitoes transmit.
Runner-Up
Mosquito Joe
- Service area: 39 states
- Scheduling: Phone
- Control methods: Traditional barrier treatment, natural barrier treatment, automatic misting systems
- Additional services: Flea and tick control
Pros
- Automatic misting systems available
- Special event treatments available
- Transparency around treatment processes and products
Cons
- Strong-smelling natural garlic repellent used
Why It Made the Cut: Mosquito Joe offers customers natural and traditional mosquito treatments in 39 states across the country, emphasizing the transparency of its products and procedures. Mosquito Joe provides treatments for both residential and commercial customers. This company offers various solutions to rid lawns of mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Mosquito Joe provides a high level of detail on its treatment options and procedures on its website, which instills customers with a strong sense of confidence. Customers will want to note that Mosquito Joe’s sprays use a strong-smelling garlic-based ingredient. This won’t be an issue for all yards, but the lingering smell may be unpleasant if the spray has been applied near where people gather on the deck or patio. Along with natural and traditional recurring treatments, customers can hire Mosquito Joe for one-time special event treatments or opt for automatic misting system installation.
Most Qualified Technicians
Orkin
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Phone
- Control methods: Traditional barrier treatment, water treatment
- Additional services: General pest control
Pros
- Technicians receive 160 hours of award-winning training on all aspects of pest control
- Technicians receive annual education from the CDC on pest-related diseases
- Technicians have been qualified as National Pest Management Association QualityPros
- Over 400 locations nationwide
Cons
- Relatively little information readily available regarding synthetic and natural treatment options
Why It Made the Cut: For those searching for “mosquito control near me,” Orkin is sure to be an option, as the company offers nationwide mosquito control services by highly qualified technicians. Homeowners want reassurance their yards are being treated by the best technicians available. To provide mosquito pest control for Orkin, technicians must undergo 160 hours of pest control training. In addition to the initial training, technicians receive annual education from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on pest-related diseases and new information in the field. The National Pest Management Association also qualifies Orkin technicians as QualityPros, which signifies a high level of expertise in the industry. Orkin’s website does not offer insight into their treatments, nor does it differentiate between synthetic and natural treatment options. Homeowners can always connect with a customer service representative to learn more. With over 400 locations nationwide, many customers will fall into an Orkin branch’s coverage area.
Also Consider
Terminix
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Control methods: Traditional barrier treatment, natural barrier treatment
- Additional services: General pest control
Pros
- Relatively affordable cost
- Comprehensive mosquito management resources
Cons
- Online scheduling can be difficult
Why It Made the Cut: Terminix offers nationwide pest control solutions for all types of pests, including mosquitoes. Terminix is a well-known name in pest management, and it offers mosquito treatment, too. Terminix’s services are relatively affordable, falling at the low end of the national average cost of mosquito control. There is also a wealth of blog posts and informational material on mosquito management available on Terminix’s website, and this information is curated and updated by on-staff entomologists. Scheduling online may be a little difficult, as customers have to select the pest they want treated, input their address to see pricing, and add the service to their cart. However, quotes and service appointments are also available by phone.
Our Verdict
Because of the company’s quality of service, diverse treatment options, and commitment to customer education, we selected Mosquito Squad as our top pick. Mosquito Joe is another excellent choice for customers seeking mosquito control for its high transparency on its mosquito control processes.
How We Chose the Best Mosquito Control Services
In determining the best mosquito control services, we performed extensive research into dozens of companies to learn which have the most effective and efficient mosquito treatment solutions. To evaluate these mosquito control services, we analyzed them based on multiple factors, including brand reputation, pricing, customer service, and eco-friendliness. We also looked into how each company treats mosquitoes and what insecticide and repellent solutions are used.
Before You Hire the Best Mosquito Control Service for You
Before hiring a mosquito control service, homeowners will want to research if the state or municipality has any laws regarding mosquito spraying. Some places may restrict certain ingredients or dictate when spraying can be performed. Although this knowledge is helpful for customers, they won’t need to worry too much about this. The mosquito control service should be knowledgeable about any local regulations and inform the customer if they impact any aspect of the service.
Customers will want to remember that mosquito spray for yards doesn’t discriminate. When treating mosquitos with spray, other insects such as bees, ladybugs, and butterflies are put at risk, as are some flowers and vegetation. Customers will want to weigh the pros and cons of spraying and potentially consider an alternative to traditional mosquito spraying.
Cost of Hiring the Best Mosquito Control Service for You
The cost for a mosquito control service can range from $70 to $1,900, with multiple factors playing into the final cost. One is the location and size of the area being treated; larger areas take more time and may require more technicians to treat it. Another factor is the extent of the treatment—a one-time treatment will naturally cost less than treatments every 3 to 4 weeks. However, customers may save money if they opt for a recurring treatment plan rather than scheduling one-time treatments whenever they’re hosting a backyard event.
If hiring a mosquito control service is too costly, homeowners can treat the problem themselves with one of the best mosquito killers. These sprays and devices can keep mosquitoes from overpopulating a home; however, if a customer doesn’t have a professional’s expertise in applying these treatments, they may not be as effective.
The Advantages of Using the Best Mosquito Control Service for You
Mosquitoes leave uncomfortable, itchy bites and have the potential to carry dangerous diseases. Because mosquitoes can reproduce so quickly—a single mosquito can lay 100 to 200 eggs at a time—it’s important to call in an expert who knows how to target both adult mosquitoes and their larvae and pupae. Mosquito control professionals can easily determine where the pests are breeding, stopping them at the source.
Hiring a mosquito control service can ultimately save homeowners money, as they don’t need to waste resources on ineffective products that aren’t providing a bug-free solution. When trained professionals come to spray a mosquito treatment for a yard, they come equipped with EPA-approved products, which are often more effective than products available for purchase in stores.
- A professional can pinpoint the problem areas around the home and effectively target mosquitoes right at the source, protecting all those living on the property.
- Mosquito control services use stronger, longer-lasting products that the EPA regulates.
- Using a mosquito control service ultimately saves money instead of wasting resources on products that don’t work.
FAQs
For homeowners with additional questions about getting rid of mosquitoes, here are the answers to some of the most common queries on this topic.
Q. Is it worth spraying for mosquitoes?
While professional mosquito spraying can be an effective solution, customers should be aware of potential risks. An inexperienced sprayer can cause harm to natural foliage, expose residents and pets to more toxins, and breed insecticide resistance.
Q. What do professionals use to spray for mosquitoes?
To effectively kill adult mosquitoes, professional sprayers use EPA-registered adulticides. The most common agents include organophosphates like malathion and naled, natural pyrethrins, and synthetic pyrethrins. These chemicals can be applied with a sprayer for residential areas. Trucks or planes can also apply these compounds for widespread treatment.
Q. How often should you spray your yard for mosquitoes?
While mosquito season depends on location, it’s generally best to conduct mosquito control treatments from April through October. Yards should be sprayed with one of the best mosquito yard sprays throughout the entire season to kill adult mosquitoes.
Q. What actually keeps mosquitoes away?
Multifaceted efforts, including prevention, are most effective at keeping mosquitoes away. Measures such as removing standing water, planting mosquito-repelling plants like lavender and marigold, and sprinkling coffee grounds around the yard are all effective DIY prevention measures.
Q. What time of day is best to spray for mosquitoes?
The most effective way to spray for mosquitoes is to do it when the pests are most active—around dawn and dusk. Spraying before noon and after 6 p.m. is recommended.
Q. How long does spraying your yard for mosquitoes last?
A mosquito treatment lasts for roughly 30 days before the protection begins to degrade and become less effective. It’s recommended to spray every 3 to 4 weeks to ensure maximum efficacy.