How much does mosquito control costs
Mosquitoes are costly to control. They are not only annoying pests, but they can also infect you with diseases. These dangers are reason enough to create a plan to eliminate them.
On average, mosquito control services cost around $300 but can cost between $100 and $500 per treatment.
However, clogged gutters can commonly result in high mosquito populations because they offer the perfect housing solution for this dangerous pest. For these reasons, we recommend opting for a gutter clearing company like Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning or a pest control company like Terminix.
Mosquito Treatment Costs
Here’s a quick breakdown of mosquito treatment costs across the US:
- National average: $300
- Average cost range: $100 to $500
- Minimum cost: $50
- Maximum cost: $550
What Influences Mosquito Control Cost?
Size of your property
If you own a property on 0.25 acre of land or less, services will cost between $300 and $400. Property on a half-acre to one acre will cost between $500 and $1,000.
The cost is generally attributable to the technician’s time and the increasing prices of insecticide spray use. Alternatively, cleaning your gutters is another effective way to rid your property of mosquitoes. This service can cost between $100 and $300.
Amount of vegetation around the home
Landscaping is a vital factor when looking to lessen your mosquito population. The more landscaping there is around your home, the more you will pay for mosquito control, especially with chemical-based applications.
The truth is that when greenery, vegetation, and debris around your home become trapped in your gutters, it leads to clogs that will eventually provide the perfect environment for mosquitoes and other critters.
Sanitation
However, for some homeowners, getting rid of a large mosquito population is often more than cleaning your gutters. Upon initial inspection, a pest control technician may look at your property and realize that your yard is full of weeds. The problem is that this environment promotes standing water, so your problem may be even bigger than you realize.
Most homeowners are shocked to learn that their yardwork may impact how many mosquitoes are present.
Frequency of service
Most companies that offer mosquito control services provide a type of plans:
One-time service: This single treatment or gutter cleaning is done during peak mosquito season. Customers will call for these services before backyard events, such as weddings or cookouts. These services cost between $100 and $300.
Seasonal service: From April until September, mosquitoes are especially active. Rather than opting for a short-term solution, many homeowners choose a contract where they receive mosquito control services multiple times throughout the year. This pricing typically ranges from $400 to $1,000.
Methods used
Mosquito control companies that are reputable will use a comprehensive approach to control these pests. Such treatment options include:
- Outdoor sprays that use a misting application
- Barrier sprays
- Traps
- Insect growth regulators
- Microbial insecticide treatments
- Gutter cleaning and other sanitation controls
These options are to give you an idea of what services are available. Some companies may use other methods. Avoid any company trying to charge for each service, as they should be priced as one service.
Time of year
The winter season tends to be the slowest time of the year for most places in the US, so hiring a company during this time of the year may be beneficial. Summer is the busiest time of the year for these companies, so opting for the slower time of the year allows you to beat the spring and summer rush. Some customers save up to 30% of costs during this time.
Signs and causes of infestation
Remember, mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, which is not just limited to lakes or ponds. Some species lay eggs in man-made areas like rain barrels or dirty pools. Female mosquitoes bob up and down in the water during the egg-laying process to deposit eggs.
Alternatively, other mosquitoes prefer dry areas like old tires, tree stumps, or buckets for breeding. Some even lay their eggs in hidden spots on live plants. Treatment will vary depending on the type of mosquito you’re dealing with.
Mosquito eggs will hatch once the eggs fill with water, which can take weeks or months. However, don’t let this fact fool you into thinking that you don’t have to worry about a sudden mosquito infestation. An infestation can happen quickly, as one female can lay more than 200 eggs in her lifetime, with breeding pairs typically producing thousands of eggs.
Health Risks of Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are dangerous pests that can lead to disease. According to the CDC, there are several risks associated with mosquito bites, including the West Nile Virus and Zika.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is one of the biggest risks to pets and humans. The primary host of this virus is birds. Mosquitos who bite infected birds are likely to pass the virus onto humans in a bird-mosquito-human cycle.
In humans, this virus leads to many symptoms, including:
- Chills,
- Fever,
- Fatigue,
- Headache,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting, and
- Joint pain
One surprising thing is that West Nile Virus has no standard for treatment, resulting in a few fatalities a year. The good news is that most sufferers end up making a full recovery.
Zika
The primary carrier of the Zika virus is mosquitoes, but the host species remains unknown. Though Zika is less common, there was an outbreak in 2016, with the last known case occurring in 2017. Don’t let your guard down, though. Experts believe there will be another outbreak within 20 years.
One of the biggest issues with Zika is that the last wave came and went very quickly, not allowing enough data to be captured. For this reason, many questions remain unanswered.
This is what we do know:
- Symptoms are mild.
- Zika resembles yellow fever and dengue fever
- Causes Eastern Equine Encephalitis
- Comes from mosquitos in tropical regions
- Zika is passed to unborn babies and can lead to congenital disabilities and serious childhood health concerns
- Approximately 33% of Zika cases end in death.
Symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis include:
- Headache,
- Fever,
- Sensitivity to light,
- Muscle pain, and
- Seizures
It’s vital to note that, while there are vaccines for horses to protect them from this virus, there are no treatments or vaccines for humans. The best preventative care for Zika is to avoid mosquito bites.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
If you plan to battle your mosquito infestation, think like an expert. This advice gives you the best chance of succeeding. Take a look at some of our best insights below:
Start with mosquito breeding areas
Most professionals begin by inspecting the property. Look for signs of standing water where mosquito larvae are commonly found. Clear old tires and debris from your backyard to prevent areas that hold pooling water.
It may take some time to learn how to notice locations that mosquitoes enjoy spending time in, but after some practice, you will get the knack for it.
Biological controls for mosquitoes
In addition to decreasing mosquito breeding areas, some companies will come to your property and apply a larvicide to ponds, birdbaths, and drains. The EPA approved these granules and placed right into the water, lessening the mosquitoes’ lifespan.
Knock ’em out with one punch
Most pest control experts work to target adult mosquitoes using a commercial sprayer packed with knockdown pesticides. These chemicals are usually pyrethroids or pyrethrins naturally produced by the chrysanthemum plant.
Utilizing insect growth regulators
Companies specializing in mosquito control understand the value of managing biting pests for extended periods. This fact is why the most effective companies use insect growth regulators. These special compounds disrupt their lifecycle, preventing them from breeding.
Tips for effective DIY mosquito-free living
Some informative guidelines will help you get rid of mosquitoes by yourself:
- Begin with the mildest treatment option
- Consider sanitation measures before applying chemicals
- Think about hiring a professional
- Avoid spraying flowers or plants where honey bees frequent
- Don’t spray during the wind
If you weigh your options and decide to do it on your own, that’s fine. However, know that a professional is waiting to help. And when you opt for help from an expert, they’ll show you the most effective ways to get rid of mosquitoes. So, how do you choose the right provider?
Connect With a Local Pro
What’s the standard mosquito treatment process?
The best mosquito control companies have a complete process to ensure you are left with a mosquito-free home. In most cases, these plans work well, but here are a few other things to consider:
Inspection
Most pest control technicians will begin by conducting a property inspection. The step is quick and usually only takes between 10 and 15 minutes. The idea here is to find as many breeding spots as possible to grasp the severity of the problem.
Recommendations
After the technician completes the inspection, they will explain the steps you can take to rid your mosquito population. For instance, the kiddie pool in the backyard or the old tire swing may need to be removed.
Plan of action and quote
Most of the time, the technician recommends a plan of action. These are trained experts who are supposed to add value to the service, so you will need to beware of this.
Never allow providers to oversell you on their “deluxe service” packages because you always have a say in the process. The best companies offer free quotes, while some charge a small fee to price the estimate. Be sure to ask about this before scheduling the appointment.
Microbial insecticide treatment
After you’ve both agreed to the terms and the contract has been signed, professionals will begin work. Generally, the first step involves reducing the number of mosquito breeding areas, which is done by eliminating water traps.
The next part of the process involves using biological controls, most of which come in granule form and are added directly to the water sources.
Spray treatment
A professional mosquito control company will usually mix insect growth regulators with an adulticide, providing ultimate protection. After it’s mixed, technicians will spray chemical treatments onto bushes, trees, and shrubs where mosquitoes like to breed.
Expert techs are skilled enough to keep these applications in contained areas. However, be mindful to keep kids and pets away from these areas.
Continuous-use products
Since most pest control companies focus on keeping them away and reducing your need for widespread chemical use, traps have become very popular over the past few years.
These traps use UV light or carbon dioxide to attract and lure the mosquitoes onto a sticky board where they are trapped for good.
Another effective product for keeping these blood-suckers away is a time-released mist. These automatic foggers can mount to houses or fences, where they provide scheduled applications. The only issue is that they are not legal in every state, so check your local laws.
Follow-up treatments
To control mosquitoes fully, the tech should treat the affected areas again. At this time, the person will also check any traps, bug zappers, or misters that are present.
We should note that it’s important to understand what your contract says about follow-up service. Some companies include them in the price, while others do not.
Final Thoughts on Mosquito Control Costs
You can save a lot of money by controlling mosquitoes, but it’s vital to understand the process of successfully removing mosquitos from your home. Make sure you have a handle on the project’s scope, the costs, what chemicals treatments you may need, and more. If you opt for a removal company, choose an honest and reputable local company.
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Always remember that pest control chemicals can be hazardous to your family when not handled properly. We always recommend that you consult with a professional. And they’re more than happy to help you.
Here at Best Gutter Reviews, we thoroughly investigate every factor related to a company’s cost, quality, safety, and customer service. We also keep track of which gutter cleaning companies offer mosquito control services, so be sure to look for those!