By Dr. Nicky Gallagher, Technical Services Manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management
Results from a 2013 National Pest Management Association (NPMA) survey1 showed that when homeowners were asked which summer pests most concerned them, mosquitoes topped the list at 62 percent. The main driver of this concern, the survey said, was contracting a disease. While increased national attention around mosquito-borne diseases may be generating a need for residential mosquito control services, it is important to note that not every mosquito species is capable of transmitting disease, but they still remain a nuisance because of their painful and annoying bites.
Mosquito services (also known as barrier applications) tend to be a small portion of an overall pest management business (around 1-2 percent2), but they have great potential for growth. Companies offering mosquito services increased by 34 percent in 20153, and revenue streams have increased for three years in a row for more than 50 percent of companies.4
If done correctly, an add-on mosquito service is an excellent opportunity to increase your revenue and customer base. An effective mosquito program should include inspection, education, breeding source reduction and targeted applications of adulticides and larvicides.
If you are considering a mosquito add-on service, follow the tips below:
- Know your state and local regulations regarding control of mosquitoes
- Meet customers’ expectations by being upfront about what you can realistically provide for mosquito control services
- Avoid claims of complete mosquito control or disease prevention
- Make thorough inspections and advise customers of ways to reduce breeding sites and personal exposure
- Make targeted treatments, avoiding rain and drift, to resting areas with effective products such as Demand® CS insecticide and Archer® insect growth regulator
The SecureChoice™ Mosquito Assurance Program from Syngenta Professional Pest Management (PPM), featuring Demand CS insecticide and Archer insect growth regulator, is a simple, effective solution uniquely designed help control mosquitoes. This program, which includes a protocol of treatment on or about every 60 days, can help you free up technician time and reduce mosquito populations around your customers' homes or properties. It is assured by Syngenta PPM, meaning if applications of Demand CS and Archer fail to provide adequate reduction of mosquito populations during the 60-day treatment period, Syngenta PPM will provide the appropriate quantity of Demand CS and Archer to cover the retreatment(s).
To learn more about the program and recommended treatment protocol, please visit the SecureChoice Mosquito Assurance Program homepage.
References:
1 “Mosquitoes Top List of Pest Concerns, New Survey Finds”. NPMA’s PestWorld. PestWorld.org. http://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/press-releases/mosquitoes-top-list-of-pest-concerns-new-survey-finds/
2, 4 “State of the Mosquito Market”. Pest Control Technology. May 2015. Pp P3-10. http://www.pctonline.com/FileUploads/file/Mosquito-Supplement201505.pdf
3 Curl, Gary. A Strategic Analysis of the U.S. Structural Pest Control Industry. SCP Research. 2015
©2016 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Archer®, Demand®, For Life Uninterrupted™, SecureChoice™ and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368). |