This question comes up quite frequently, especially with the
flood of contractors that have recently started services targeting mosquitos,
fleas, and ticks. I've even heard contractors stating that there isn't a
difference, which I've found to be an interesting statement to make. As
one of the innovators and leaders in this field, I can say with absolute
certainty there is without a doubt a difference. Why else do some services
work, while others do not? If asked, some service providers can find solutions
and explain what is going on, while others cannot.
So why do people make the assumption that all these services are the
same? The answer is fairly simple, they think that the services are all
the same because they have not been taught any different. An applicator
goes to a property, sprays something, and leaves...right? The truth is
there is a little more than that going on.
First of all, at The Green Advantage we are constantly monitoring the
types of mosquitos that are causing trouble in our area. There are over
53 different types of mosquitos found in our area. Although some cause
more distress to humans than others, it is still important to know and
understand that there are differences between the species. Where they
breed, when they breed, when they bite, where they live, and what diseases they
carry; are all areas of knowledge that help in why and how to control
them. Knowing the differences explains why some years are "bad
mosquito years" and others aren't so bad. It also explains why some
yards are worse than others, and why some bites are worse than others.
This knowledge helps in knowing when and where to treat. It also gives
the information as to what can be done to prevent the pests and what products
to use to prevent them.
The second major difference is equipment. By now most of us have seen the
guy blowing the mist around a yard, it has become almost as common as the guy
spreading fertilizer. There are other types of application methods that
are used, depending on different situations or products, but the mist blowers
have become the common method for mosquito control. Knowledge of the equipment and the products
is pertinent. This is where we see most applications fail, whether it be
fertilizer, weed control, or insecticide. These tools need to be
constantly monitored and adjusted to perform properly. More importantly,
the operator needs to have a working knowledge to make corrections, adjust, and
diagnose issues with equipment or at the least an application will be compromised, and could possibly cause a hazardous condition. A perfect example we have heard
time and again is when people see a professional applying fertilizer. It
is often stated how they appear to be speeding through the application going
faster than what people think they should; rushing the job. The truth is
that the equipment they are using is designed to apply the product at a rate
determined by the speed. Adjusting the speed will misapply the product and
can negatively impact the amount of coverage; which risks causing adverse
effects. The Green Advantage prides itself of not only knowledge of the equipment,
but innovating equipment and how they are used.
Products are the next major difference. There are a multitude of
different products on the market.
Products vary on how they can be applied, what is being targeted, what
stage of development they effect, and how they affect insects. As with anything, there are varying degrees
of quality when it comes to products. We
have done and continue to do extensive research on the products The Green
Advantage uses. Some products work well
in some instances, while not so well in others.
There is also a constant battle with resistance, something we are
trained to be on guard for and take precautions against. Knowledge of the products and how to use them
is the most important part of any application, both for effectiveness and
safety. Under application causes
resistance problems, while over applying causes safety issues. Lack of knowledge of products and equipment
are the two most common mistakes in this industry. The Green Advantage uses the highest of
quality products, with extensive training and in house testing.
There is a reason so many have trusted The Green Advantage,
we are NWI’s most qualified pest control professionals. We make a complicated task look simple and
easy, it’s why so many of the competition found the services we provide
attractive. They find this as quick,
easy money, without the knowledge that makes us excel. For this reason we continue to innovate and
lead, while others try to replicate and follow.
Put your trust in the best, and give yourself the advantage – The Green Advantage.
