Frequently Asked Questions – Sales Script Phone Calls
INTERNAL USE ONLY
To search specific topics, click CONTROL “F”
Key Links….
Active Ingredient - Backyard only - Bees - Fruit trees - Fish - Neighbors - Pets - Safe - Vegetable
All Links…
How are you different than competitors?
Can you meet your competitor’s lower price?
How does Mosquito Squad control mosquitoes and ticks?
Can you kill all the mosquitoes and ticks?
What if it rains before, during or right after?
How do you keep my neighbors’ mosquitoes from coming in?
What type of product do you use?
What is the active ingredient?
How is this different or better than a mosquito magnet?
If it is non-toxic to pets, why does my pet need to be inside during the application?
Do you treat vegetables, fruits or flowers?
If you get it on vegetables, fruits or flowers is this a problem?
Can this harm beneficial insects like bees?
Can the product help with any other insects?
How long before I can use my yard? Time
Will I know when mosquito squad is coming? Notify
What if I have contractors on site?
How long does it take to treat my yard? Time
Do I get a discount for paying in full?
What if I just want one treatment to see if it works? Single Treatment
What is the difference between Event and Seasonal?
Do I have to do a full season?
Can you do regular and All Natural at the same time?
How will I know you have been here?
I only use ½ acre of my property. Can’t you just treat that and save me money?
Can I have the same people come every time?
Can you come every four weeks instead of every three?
My sister in another state and has a bigger yard and is being charged a lower price.
Do I have to close my windows?
Why can't you just change my day to always be Thursday when I am always on Monday?
Are tick tubes required to get a good result?
How many tick tubes do you place in my yard?
How often do you treat with tick tubes?
How many years have you been in business?
Do you guarantee against mosquito and tick borne viruses?
Is it safe?
When applied in accordance with the label, our products are non-toxic to people, pets, and wildlife. It is only toxic to insects. The active ingredient acts on a nerve receptor that is specific to insects.
How are you different than competitors?
Mosquito Squad is the first and largest mosquito control service. Most competitors use just a knock down. We use both a knock down and a time release blend which offers better results. We back our service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We are truly concerned with our customers’ satisfaction and will do whatever it takes make our customers happy. We also communicate regularly with our customers so they know when we are coming and when we finish.
Can you meet your competitor’s lower price?
If you get a written quote and we are comparing apples to apples, then we will do our best to be competitive. However, we find that our competitors do not carry the same guarantee as we do and generally use less effective cheaper products. In addition, our products and services will protect you from both mosquitoes and ticks while most of our competitors charge extra for ticks.
Why do you charge more?
We know what it takes to keep our customers happy and get good results. Undercutting prices just to get the business leads to cutting corners and cutting corners leads to unhappy customers. We want our customers happy. We will never be the low cost provider in the market but we will do what it takes to make sure our customers are happy.
How are you different?
I can only speak for our service because I'm just not familiar with every competitor. Mosquito Squad is the first concept to enter the market. We are also the largest and have the most experience. All other concepts measure themselves against us. We back our 100% guarantee and work hard to do what’s right for our customer. We communicate often with our customers making sure they are fully aware of when we are visiting their property and we are very responsive to our customer's needs. We’re unique in that we truly care about our customers and work very hard to make sure our customers are happy.
Will this get into my well?
No. All of our products are non-leaching and therefore will not leach into wells.
How does Mosquito Squad control mosquitoes and ticks?
Our most popular service is our Barrier Treatment service. For our seasonal customers, we treat from XXX through XXX. We treat both the front and back yard, focusing on the standing vegetation along the perimeter and around your house. We treat standing water along with areas mosquitoes feed, breed and harbor. Each treatment lasts for approximately three weeks so our technicians treat on a 21-day schedule.
What do you treat?
We treat all standing vegetation along the perimeter, reaching approximately 20–30 feet into the woods when possible. We also treat ornamental vegetation around the house and in both the front and back yards, under decks, around pools and fire pits. We treat standing water with larvacide as well as disrupt temporary standing water commonly found in tarps, tires, toys, buckets, etc. We treat wherever mosquitoes and ticks feed, breed and harbor.
How long does it last?
Traditional 21 days. Natural 14 days.
Can you kill all the mosquitoes and ticks?
No. We will eliminate 85-90% of the mosquitoes and ticks. You will still see some mosquitoes especially during peak times but you should still be comfortable. If there is an increase during peak times it usually only lasts for 20 minutes or so.
What if it rains before, during or right after?
We do not treat in the rain. Rain prior to the service has no impact. Targeted surfaces are the underside of leaves and shaded areas. These tend to be protected from the rain. Also, once the product has dried, the product is extremely weather resistant.
How do you keep my neighbors’ mosquitoes from coming in?
Our product is a knock down and is time released. We eliminate mosquitoes on contact and our product keeps working between treatments. Most mosquitoes are weak fliers. As mosquitoes attempt to enter into a treated area they typically will have to land on treated vegetation. This creates a barrier that is difficult for mosquitoes to fly through. If some do happen to get through they will be eliminated when they go back to the treated areas for nutrition and shelter.
What type of product do you use?
Our regular Barrier Treatment product is a synthetic derivative of the chrysanthemum flower. Our Natural Treatment product is a combination of Rosemary and Peppermint, and other natural oils.
What is the active ingredient?
Our regular Barrier Treatment products are in the pyrethroid family. They are Alpha-Cypermethrin, and Bifenthrin. Our Natural Treatment product is a combination of Rosemary and Peppermint.
How is this different or better than a mosquito magnet?
A mosquito magnet is a device that attracts female mosquitos. It takes approximately 6 weeks to impact the mosquito population. These devices run on propane and require regular maintenance and we hear from customers they were not able to keep up with the maintenance. With our service you will see better results and they are immediate. Also with our service there is nothing for you to do, just enjoy your yard.
If it is non-toxic why does my pet need to be inside during the application?
When the product is wet on the foliage in your yard, there is a chance your pet could run through vegetation, wiping the product off of treated areas. The product can also be a skin-irritant similar to dry face paint. Once the product is dry, your pets are free to use the yard again.
Why do the applicators wear respirators?
Our employees wear a respirator when applying both natural and our traditional treatments. This is due to the occupational hazard of repetitive use. Our blowers convert our products into a fine mist and because we work with it all day, it is not recommended to breathe for an extended time. This is similar to a painter who wears a respirator because they use paint for extended periods of time. Basically it’s not oxygen, and it’s recommended not to breath in liquid mist over extended periods of time.
Do you treat vegetables, fruits or flowers?
Mosquitoes typically don’t harbor in these areas. Our technicians are trained to avoid these areas in order to avoid having an effect on pollinators. Mosquitoes like to hide in thick, shady, dense vegetation, this is where we focus the majority of our treatment.
Is this safe for fish?
Our products can be harmful to fish. Our technicians are trained to avoid these areas and are very careful around ponds and other fish habitats.
Can this harm beneficial insects like bees?
Our product can harm bees upon direct contact. Mosquitoes and bees do not harbor and forage in the same places. We are very careful to avoid areas where bees forage. Due to the size of honey bees compared to mosquitoes, our products are less toxic to bees. We regularly work with bee keepers and are sensitive to pollinators.
Can the product help with any other insects?
The product is guaranteed to treat mosquitoes and ticks, however it can be beneficial in reducing populations of ants, stink bugs, fleas and a variety of other bothersome insects. Our target treatment is for mosquitoes and ticks but if you are having an issue with a particular insect we can certainly see if there is something we can do to assist you.
How long before I can use my yard?
You can re-enter right away but prefer to let the product to dry for 30 minutes.
Is it organic?
The word “Organic” is a classification used in the food industry. The correct word in our industry is “Natural”. Our primary treatment is not “Natural”. However, we do offer a “Natural” treatment alternative. Our natural products are applied every two weeks and are slightly less effective, eliminating 80-85% of the mosquitoes and ticks.
Will I know when Mosquito Squad is coming?
Yes, we send an email the night before as a reminder.
Do I need to be home?
You do not need to be home as long as we have access to the property. If you have a gate, it will need to be unlocked. Otherwise, we can take care of everything without you being there.
What if I have contractors on site?
You do not have to reschedule if you have contractors on site. This is common and we can work around contractors. Typically, we have them take a 10-minute break while we are treating in their area.
How long does it take to treat my yard?
It depends on the size of the property and density of vegetation. It only takes our two-man team 10-20 minutes to treat most yards on average.
What is the guarantee?
If in between services the mosquito activity becomes uncomfortable, you can request an additional service free of charge. We will send the Squad out to assist you and perform another service if needed. If for some reason we cannot solve your mosquito problem, you can discontinue service and we will refund any unused portion of the service.
What are the payment options?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. You can pay in full in advance, split four monthly payments, or we can closely match your service schedule and charge your credit card each time we treat.
Do I get a discount for paying in full?
Unfortunately, we don’t give a discount for paying in full. We also do not charge extra for payment plans.
Can I pay by check?
We prefer credit cards for ease of record keeping. For check payment you can either pay in full or 4 monthly payments. Checks must be mailed and not given to the technician.
Is there a contract?
There is not a contract. You can cancel at any time for any reason.
What if I just want one treatment to see if it works?
When you sign up for the season you get the best price. The cost for a single treatment is $149 vs $100 per treatment when signing up for the full season. Since there is no contract you can cancel at any time. It is best to sign up and cancel after the first treatment. Also if you pay by credit card we can charge you each time we treat.
What is the difference between Event and Seasonal?
Our event treatment is a slightly different mix and we expand our treatment area. We also treat twice. Once the Monday prior to the event and then again on the Friday before to help provide maximum coverage for your event.
Do I have to do a full season?
No, we can customize a program to match the time you use your yard. For example, we can start in June and end in August to match the school schedule.
Can you do regular and natural at the same time?
In special cases we can treat different areas with different products such as perimeter with traditional and interior with natural product. However, we do not recommend this and prefer to use one or the other.
Will this harm my plants?
No, our products are designed and intended to be applied to vegetation.
How will I know you have been here?
We will hang a work order on you front door and place a yard sign out front, you will also receive a service complete email.
Can I do just the back yard?
This depends on the layout of the property, but in most cases we cannot guarantee the service if we do not treat the entire property. In cases of very large properties, treating just the back yard and around the house may be ok.
I only use ½ acre of my property. Can’t you just treat that and save me money?
Our product is not a repellant. In order for it to work we have to treat where the mosquitoes are coming from, not where they are going. Treating only a small portion of a yard will not be as effective.
Can I have the same people come every time?
We always do our best to send the same technicians whenever possible, however we cannot always make that guarantee. We do have extensive information on each property in the system which our technicians are required to review before heading out to your home in the event they are unfamiliar with your yard. If there are any specific notes you would like us to make mention of on your property for their benefit, I'd be more than happy to take those down now.
Can you come every four weeks instead of every three?
We are a route based business, and service certain areas on the same days. In addition, our products are most effective within three weeks. Treating off schedule may incur additional fees.
My sister in another state and has a bigger yard and is being charged a lower price.
Prices may vary from franchise to franchise and each property is slightly different and may be priced differently.
Do I have to close my windows?
This is a matter of personal preference. Many of our customers do choose to have their windows closed, however it is not a safety risk if you choose otherwise.
Why can't you just change my day to always be Thursday when I am always on Monday?
Our schedules are set up so we are able to service all of our customers in the same area on the same day. This is how we can maximize our productivity and ensure that you are on a regular schedule. This helps keep costs down for us which we then are able to pass along to you.
What are tick tubes?
Tick tubes are small tubes filled with treated cotton. Our technicians place these tubes out of site in areas where mice forage. The mice use the treated cotton for their bedding. As larvae and nymph ticks attempt to seek a blood meal on the mice, the active ingredient will eliminate them. Tick tubes help to eliminate the Lyme disease virus at the source, which is the field mouse.
Are tick tubes required to get a good result?
No. Our barrier treatments work great on ticks and is very effective. Tick tubes are simply an added control measure for increased peace of mind and can potentially expand the treatment area if the mice nest outside the areas we treat.
How many do you place in my yard?
Each yard is different. It really depends on the size of the yard and density of the vegetation. It can be anywhere from 6-60. Smaller yards would need less than larger ones and they are priced accordingly. Our technicians are trained to know where and how many to place.
Where do you put tick tubes?
We typically place them out of sight where mice forage. Some examples would be wood piles, stone walls, under sheds and decks, inside sheds and in vegetation.
Can I do just tick tubes?
We do not recommend tick tubes without our barrier treatment. The barrier treatments are an immediate control of ticks in all stages. Tick tubes primarily focus on larvae and nymph ticks but typically do not do a good controlling adult ticks.
Are tick tubes toxic?
No, the active ingredient in tick tubes is the same non-toxic ingredient in our barrier treatment. The product, when used in accordance with the label, is non-toxic to people, pets, and wildlife.
How often do you treat with tick tubes?
We recommend twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
What is larvacide?
Larvacide is used in standing water to eliminate the emergence of new mosquitoes, getting to the source of the problem. We apply larvacide every 2 to 3 weeks depending on your mosquito service, keeping your friends and family safe from mosquitoes. It is a non-toxic granular application. It is also non-toxic to fish as well.Are you Licensed/Insured?
Yes, we have procured all required licenses and any necessary insurance and are happy to provide proof of either upon request.
How many years have you been in business?
Mosquito Squad has been in business for over ten years and our franchise office has been open for XXX years.
Do you guarantee against mosquito and tick borne viruses? Zika Lyme
No. Our service will eliminate 85-90% of the mosquito and tick population, so it is possible you will see some ticks and mosquitoes. However, with the reduction of the insect population you can expect it to help reduce the odds of contracting an insect borne virus.