FAQ
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What makes Master Mosquito Control different from other providers?
The owner, Lee Hunsaker, started this company shortly after his brother was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. In his efforts to research what may help his brother, Lee stumbled across the mosquito & tick control industry. So, after a year of investigation of the major franchises and other large regional companies he opened Master Mosquito Control with one truck and a deep desire to help people avoid Lyme and other horrible diseases. Lee is personally invested in this both emotionally and financially.
In his research Lee saw that enormous rates that the “big box” companies charged. Knowing that their exorbitant pricing would exclude many households, Master Mosquito Control purposely kept its prices reasonable so more people could afford the service. The result is a win-win. The customer gets great customer service with better results at a lower price than the franchises and MMC gets a reasonable profit; enough to allow us to grow and help more families. We have gone from one truck in 2017 to six in 2021 with more to come! All of our technicians are state certified, insured and trained by industry standards. We don’t take shortcuts because our techs service fewer homes per day allowing for more time to properly spray a property. And we make sure the customer is 100% satisfied with the results.
Can I get a free estimate? How long does it take?
Whether you call in or request through our website for a quote, you’ll hear from us the very same day. We are able to view and measure your property via Google Maps and most times that is sufficient to provide an accurate quote. However, we can also come out and walk the property with you as well. Typically, this takes less than 30 minutes, and we can schedule your first spray within one or two days as well. We have a dedicated truck specifically for first sprays and other special services
Are your technicians licensed?
Yes. Licensed and insured. All of our technicians must undergo pesticide testing administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Agency and/or the New Hampshire State Dept. of Agriculture, Pesticide Dept. They also participate in ongoing company driver training as well as Continuing Education requirements as outlined by both states.
Are there any guarantees?
We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied with our treatment up to a week afterwards, feel free to call us and we’ll come back and re-spray at no charge. In 2020, we made over 4,600 applications and had a 1.5 % call back rate. This is well under the national average!
How long does it take to apply a treatment?
A typical treatment will average about 20-30 minutes. Larger yards - over an acre - will take longer to treat. When we arrive at your home we always attempt to contact you – either through phone or face-to-face. After that, we’ll survey the yard for any peculiarities and then will begin mixing a customized blend. After we have finished spraying/treating your property we will email you a summary and invoice of our work; for you to have in your records.
What are the products your technician is spraying?
We used several different types of pesticides – some all-natural and some synthetic (also known as traditional or chemical). Each property is different and we custom-blend our solutions on site specifically for that reason.
Our Synthetic mosquito control option is a pyrethroid. Pyrethrums are insecticides that are derived from the extract of chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are used in numerous commercial products that consumers use to control insects. Products such as household insecticides, pet shampoos and sprays; even lice shampoos applied directly to the scalp contain pyrethroids. We ensure that all the products we use are evaluated and registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are most effective with ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas. The treatment should be applied every 21 days between April and October for maximum results. For those who suffer from sensitivities, you’ll be happy to know that it is odor-free. They also come in granular forms which we sometimes use in barrier applications.
Our All-Natural mosquito control options are blended percentages of essential oils (Rosemary Oil, Cedarwood oil, Thyme, cinnamon oil, garlic, geraniol, Lemongrass oil, etc. They are referred to as “25(b) Exempt” and therefore do not require EPA certification. These sprays repel insects more than killing them outright. But they are highly effective when properly applied. Again, this should be applied between April and October, and should be re-applied every 14 days for maximum effect.
How long before I can go in the yard after you have sprayed?
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Will the treatment damage my plants?
Typically no. We don’t spray fruit trees or flowering/budding plants (state law). We also stay away from vegetable gardens.
Is spraying safe for bees?
No. All manufacturers of pesticides warn against spraying around bees. Even some all-natural products aren’t safe so don’t always believe what you hear from some companies! Great care goes into a proper Insect Pest Management (IPM) program which spraying is a part of. A well-trained technician knows to take into account wind drift, application rates and methods and distance from bee hives. It is important to point out any such operations, whether your own or a neighbor’s because it will affect our ability to effectively treat your yard.
What can I do on my end to prevent mosquitos?
Draining or eliminating pockets of water, specifically in shady areas. Bodies of water hidden from the sun are havens for mosquitoes to breed. These areas can include tire tracks, tires or tire swings, buckets or containers, kiddie pools, porch guards(Pictured) , toys like sandboxes, ponds, bird baths. Cleaning and maintaining pools can also help dwindle the mosquito population.
What can I do on my end to prevent ticks?
Rock beds or wood chips spaced 3 feet between your lawn’s barrier and the property line, similar to the one pictured, are a great way to keep ticks off of your lawn. Keeping a fresh cut lawn with a well maintained barrier can also help reduce tick populations. Keep woodpiles and leaves raked off to the side of your lawn, away from where you plan to enjoy your time.
Will it harm other animals?
Some of the All-Natural products, such as garlic, should be avoided with dogs. We will consult with you on the best product for your property. Typically the products we use will not harm animals but can annoy them to a certain extent that they stay away more.
Can my children and I be outside during treatment? What about our pets?
It is best to keep your family and pets away or indoors while our technicians are treating your yard. The products we spray are formulated to adhere to the leaves of bushes and trees. Allowing it to dry before letting your children or pets around the treated areas is important. Our treatments usually dry in about 30 minutes after spraying (barring a change in the weather). After that feel free to enjoy!
How will I know when the technician has sprayed?
When completed, we will email you a receipt with a review of your treatment. This will include your date and time of service, the product(s) used 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 other pests.
Plus, we will also place a small sign on the edge of your lawn, usually by the driveway, which is another indication of our service.
Do I need to be home?
No, though it is a good idea for the first couple of times that you are around so we get to know you and you feel comfortable with us. Walking the yard with us, or just watching us in action can help educate you to the professionalism of our work.
Will the treatment affect my fish pond or swimming pool?
Our technicians are trained to apply the chemical in ways that will avoid fish or coy ponds. While an over-spray will have no effect on pool water, our technicians are trained to not allow the chemical to come in contact with the water.
Do I need to schedule our service each time?
Whether you book a season with us or just need the one-time event spray we will notify you by email, two days in advance, and by text the day before the scheduled treatment. There is no need for you to schedule the next appointment as our system automatically schedules you for the next time. We will show up according to the schedule and you will see our sign which indicates we treated your property.
How Effective Is The Treatment?
There is no treatment can offer 100% protection from every mosquito and tick, however, our All-Natural Green organic product is approximately 80% effective in eradicating ticks and mosquitoes while our standard treatment is between 90-95% effective.
Do you spray the grass?
We’re a little different than most mosquito control companies. While most companies have different application services for ticks and mosquitoes, we always spray for BOTH on every application, so that means we are spraying a large portion of the lawn. But not all of it. After the barrier spray around the yard we will then spray your bushes and shrubs around the house. Picture, then, a 10 foot wide perimeter of your property – that’s where the ticks and mosquitoes will be if not in the woods. And that’s the effort we’ll concentrate our yard application. We don’t spray open area that is exposed to the sun or is completely dry. You’ll never find a mosquito or tick hanging around there.
Can I receive a one-time barrier spray for an outdoor wedding, birthday, or graduation party?
Yes, absolutely. Although our one-time spray is actually two sprays. If time permits, with enough lead notice, we will apply two applications for your event. Example: If your event is on a Saturday, we will spray on the previous Friday and then again about a week later (24-48 hours). The best thing is, this barrier will be effective for up to three weeks after the application.
How does the spray kill the mosquitos?
Mosquitoes’ primary food source is nectar from plants. They are attracted to your yard because of this leaf nectar. When a spray dries on the leaf, the residue will attach to the body of the mosquito and kill them on within 24 hours.
Do you service commercial accounts?
Yes! We offer our services to both residential and commercial properties. Amongst our clientele are restaurants with patios, campgrounds, parks, recreational areas, HOA pools, playgrounds, ballfields, golf courses and manufacturing companies.