Frequently Asked Questions
See below for detailed information about Backyard Bug Patrol in our Frequently Asked Questions.
What makes Backyard Bug Patrol different?
We were founded over a dozen years ago, specializing in tick and mosquito eradication, and have evolved into a full-service pest control company treating homes, yards, and commercial properties for indoor and outdoor pests. We are experts and offer the best in class service. You will find none better in our industry!
What areas do you service?
We service Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland.
Are your techs licensed?
All of our techs must undergo a training period and take a state certification test.
Will your treatments kill my plants?
No. Our products are non-toxic to mammals and plants.
Will it harm other animals and bees?
It won’t harm animals or humans. Bees are bugs so our licensed technicians take care not to spray the blossoms of flowers as best they can.
How effective is the Tick and Mosquito barrier spray treatment?
Our treatment is 80-90% effective in eradicating ticks and mosquitos. Please keep in mind that treatments are cumulative, and your yard will become more pest-free with each treatment.
What happens if I see mosquitoes or ticks between treatments?
Nature is unpredictable. If you are on a seasonal contract and have a mosquito bloom or see ticks in between treatments, just give us a call and we will come out as soon as possible to retreat your yard free of charge. Remember, when we spray, we kill 80-90% of the ticks and mosquitos. That means if you started with 1000 mosquitos you could still have 100 buzzing around.
Does your treatment kill gnats?
Collaterally, our spray kills gnats on contact but gnats don’t live in the same habitat as ticks and mosquitos and they reproduce much more rapidly. we can’t completely eradicate gnats and don’t offer a warranty to come back and spray for them. You will have some residual gnats in your yard.
Do I need to be home when the tech comes to treat my yard?
For our Barrier Sprays and outdoor services, not at all. We will email you to let you know we are coming, treat your yard, and let you know we were there. That evening you’ll get an email from us notifying you that we treated your yard.
Do I need to schedule our service each month?
Once your seasonal contract or event spray is booked, we’ll come out and service your property. No need for you to call or do anything. You will be notified via email when we are coming out and when we have completed spraying your yard.
How soon can my kids or pets play in the yard after you spray?
Our products generally dry within about 30 minutes after spraying. Of course, it’s dependent on weather conditions but we ask that your kids and pets not go in the yard until it dries. After that feel free to enjoy!
What type of payments do you take?
Personal check, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Can your products be sprayed on my vegetable garden?
We won’t spray your vegetable garden unless you ask us to. However, our Simply Organic Program is certified by the USDA and can be applied to your vegetable garden.
How do you barrier spray my yard?
We use backpack motorized sprayers that distribute a fine mist The machines look a lot like the blowers yard maintenance companies use to blow leaves and cut grass.
How does your tick and mosquito guarantee work?
Nature is unpredictable. For those customers who are on seasonal barrier spray contracts if you ever have a problem with ticks and mosquitos in between your regularly scheduled service simply give us a call and we will get it taken care of as soon as possible. That’s it…it’s that simple. Generally, we can get you scheduled for a respray within three business days, and remember we’ll kill 80-90 percent of the ticks and mosquitos in your yard.
How do your Green Pest Control guarantee and other “Plan” guarantees work?
Similar to our tick and mosquito guarantee, if you have any problems with any of the pests in your service agreement between your regularly scheduled service, just give us a call and we’ll get you scheduled for an appointment.