Mosquito Control FAQS

Q. How do you kill mosquitoes?

A. We have two methods for controlling mosquitoes: our standard backpack treatment program and automated mosquito misting systems. Our mosquito control programs follow an integrated pest management approach to stop breeding at the source by emptying and treating standing water and treating adults with spray treatments targeted at resting areas. 

Q. Will the treatment kill 100 percent of the mosquitoes on my property?

A. Nothing will eliminate 100% of the mosquitoes. A mosquito from a neighboring property can make its way to your yard and bite you before landing on the treated foliage. However, you’ll find that the presence of mosquitoes has been drastically reduced. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll return for a re-treatment at no additional cost. We’re not satisfied until you’re satisfied!

Q. How long does it take to apply the treatment and how long will it last?

A. A typical treatment will average about 20 minutes. Larger yards may take longer to treat. Each spray treatment lasts approximately 21 days, at which time a Stokes Mosquito and Pest Services team member will be scheduled to treat your yard again.

Q. Do you spray the grass?

A. Not typically. Mosquitoes do not usually seek shelter in the grass. Our goal in doing a pre-spray walk of the property is to seek out the areas where mosquitoes will be resting. The most common areas to find mosquitoes during the day include: the underside of the leaves of dense/shrubby plants, under decks and in damp shady areas of the property. We do recommend that you keep your grass short during the mosquito season. In some cases such as special events like weddings and large outdoor parties, we will spray the grass where your guests will be.

Q. Does your treatment get rid of any other pests?

A. Our barrier treatment can help with fleas, ticks and some flies but we are targeting mosquitoes.

Q. What chemicals are being used in my yard and are they safe? What about for plants, pond, pets, and kids?

A. Our main barrier spray chemical is a synthetic form of pyrethrum called a pyrethroid. We spray this chemical on shrubs, low lying trees, your foundation, mulch beds, etc. All chemicals we use are EPA approved. Widely used in shampoos, outdoor clothing and protection for pets, Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide with a long history of safety. A risk/benefit balancing analysis conducted by the EPA saw the benefits of permethrin dramatically outweighing the risks. In a comparative test with DEET, when put directly on the skin, typically less than 1% of active Permethrin ingredient is absorbed into the body; DEET can be absorbed at over 20 times that rate.

If you have a pond or vegetable garden, please let us know so that we can customize your treatment plan.

You, your children and your pets should not be outside during the application of the spray treatment, but you may return to your outdoor fun after allowing 30 minutes for the treatment to dry.

Q. Is there an all-natural treatment option?

A. Yes we have plant-based treatment solutions with no synthetic chemicals; however, our all-natural spray needs to be applied every 14 days to be effective. Prices may differ for this solution, so please contact us for a quote.

Q. Does the all-natural spray kill mosquitoes and ticks?

A. No. The all-spray product is designed to repel mosquitoes and ticks, rather than kill them.

Q. Does anyone need to be home when the yard is treated? How will I know if the treatment was done if I’m not home?

A. No. As long as your gate is unlocked and your pets are inside, our technician can treat. Our trained professionals will obtain any information pertinent to your location (i.e. locked gate) when you sign up. Your technician will leave a door hanger upon completion of your treatment so you will know your yard has been serviced. Information on this door hanger will include your date and time of service as well as any comments and helpful hints the technician may have to help you keep your yard as uninviting as possible for mosquitoes, ticks and other pests.

Q. What if it rains after my yard has been treated?

A. As long as your yard has had adequate time to dry after the application of your treatment (approximately 30 minutes), rain should not impact the effectiveness of your service. However, our guarantee ensures that if the quality of your barrier spray service is affected by rain, we will return to your yard to ensure you are mosquito free until your next scheduled service.

Q. How much does a typical mosquito treatment cost?

A. Each property is unique and we customize each barrier spray application to successfully treat your mosquito problem. We price our applications based on the size and density of foliage of your property and the amount of chemical that we will need to use. You can contact us any time for a free quote and we usually don’t even need to visit your property. Our trained agents will be able to take your property address, look it up using our computer program, and assess your property size to give you an accurate quote.

Q. Do you provide commercial mosquito control services?

A. Yes, our barrier sprays are a great solution for many commercial businesses such as restaurants with patios, parks, campgrounds, public pools and playgrounds, sports fields, daycares, outdoor wedding venues, schools and more.

Q. Are the chemicals harmful to bees?

A. We have a South Carolina certified bee keeper on staff and are fully aware of the dangers certain chemicals are to our bee and pollinator population. Mosquitoes primarily spend their days in the greenery/foliage of shrubs, under decks, and other shady places. Therefore we make every effort not to spray flowering plants in the yard. If you would like other ideas on how to protect bees in your yard, check out this article at the Mother Nature Network.

General Pest Control FAQs

Q. What pests are covered under your general pest control program?

A. Our general pest control covers common household pests such as ants, spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, earwigs, millipedes, and other occasional invaders. If you’re seeing something unusual, we can identify it and recommend the best approach.

Q. What does your general pest control service include?

A. Our service focuses on stopping pests before they get inside. We apply a treatment in a 3-foot band around the exterior perimeter of your home, targeting areas where pests live and enter. This creates a protective barrier that helps keep pests out.

Q. Do you treat inside the home every visit?

A. Interior treatment is included with the first service in most cases. After that, we focus on exterior protection, but we’re always happy to treat inside again if you request it or if there’s an active issue.

Q. Why do you focus on treating the outside of the home?

A. Most pests originate outdoors and make their way inside. By treating the exterior, we reduce the chances of pests entering in the first place, which means fewer problems indoors.

Q. How often should I schedule pest control service?

A. For residential properties, we offer bimonthly or quarterly service depending on your needs. For commercial properties, we offer monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly service. Restaurants are typically serviced monthly.

Q. Is your pest control safe for families and pets?

A. Yes, treatments are applied with safety in mind. Our exterior-focused approach also helps limit exposure inside the home. The key to a safe treatment is proper application which is why our technicians are extensively trained before stepping foot on your property solo and receive continuous education on proper techniques.

German Cockroach FAQs

Q. How do I know if I have German cockroaches?

A. German cockroaches are small, light brown roaches with two dark stripes behind their head. They are usually found in kitchens and bathrooms. Common signs include seeing them at night, droppings that look like black pepper, and activity around appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens and other warm appliances.

Q. Why are German cockroaches so hard to get rid of?

A. German roaches reproduce quickly and hide in small cracks and tight spaces. They also prefer to stay close to food and moisture sources, which makes kitchens and bathrooms ideal environments.

Q. How do you treat German cockroaches?

A. We use a combination of targeted interior treatments, professional-grade baiting, and detailed inspection to eliminate hiding areas. Unlike general pest control, German roach treatments focus heavily on interior spaces where they live and breed and made need multiple follow up appointments to eliminate the issue.

Q. Do exterior treatments help with German cockroaches?

A. Not typically. German cockroaches are indoor pests, so effective control requires focused treatment inside the home or building. 

Q. How long does it take to get rid of German cockroaches?

A. You may start seeing results within a few days, but full control usually takes multiple treatments over several weeks depending on how severe the infestation is.

Q. Do I need to prepare my home before treatment?

A. Yes, preparation is important. Cleaning, reducing clutter, and removing accessible food sources will help the treatment work faster and more effectively. 

Q. What’s the first thing I should do after finding a german roach in my house?

A. The first step is to assume there are more and act quickly. Start by cleaning the area where you saw it. Wipe down surfaces, take out trash, and remove any food or water sources. Then check common hiding spots like under sinks, behind appliances, and inside cabinets for signs of activity. Avoid using over-the-counter sprays, since they can scatter roaches and make the problem harder to control. The most effective next step is to schedule a professional inspection so the infestation can be properly identified and treated early.

Fire Ant Control FAQs

Q. How do you treat fire-ants?

A. We use targeted treatments that eliminate active mounds and help control the colony at the source.

Q. Will fire ants come back after treatment?

A. Fire ants can return over time, especially in warmer climates. Regular service helps keep them under control. More premium products can be be applied for longer-term protection.

Q. Are fire ants dangerous?

A. Yes, fire ants can be dangerous. They are aggressive and will sting when their nest is disturbed, often attacking in large numbers. Their stings can cause burning pain, itching, and raised welts. For most people, it’s uncomfortable but manageable. However, some individuals can have allergic reactions that may require medical attention. Fire ants can also be a concern for children and pets who may accidentally step on a mound.

Q. How do I know if I have fire ants at my home?

A. Fire ants are usually identified by the mounds they build in lawns, gardens, or along sidewalks. These mounds are often loose, fluffy soil with no visible opening on top. The biggest giveaway is their behavior. If the mound is disturbed, fire ants will swarm out quickly and aggressively. They are reddish-brown in color and will climb onto anything nearby and sting. If you notice multiple mounds or have experienced sudden, painful stings while outside, there’s a good chance fire ants are present. Click here to learn more about fire ant control.

Q. How do I know if I have fire ants at my home?

A. Fire ants are usually identified by the mounds they build in lawns, gardens, or along sidewalks. These mounds are often loose, fluffy soil with no visible opening on top. The biggest giveaway is their behavior. If the mound is disturbed, fire ants will swarm out quickly and aggressively. They are reddish-brown in color and will climb onto anything nearby and sting. If you notice multiple mounds or have experienced sudden, painful stings while outside, there’s a good chance fire ants are present. Click here to learn more about fire ant control.

Termite Control FAQs

Q. How do I know if I have termites?

A. Signs you may have termites include mud tubes along your foundation or walls, which termites use to travel. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or looks blistered can also be a warning sign. During certain times of the year, you may notice swarms of winged termites or piles of discarded wings near windows or doors. In many cases, there are no obvious signs until damage has already started, which is why regular professional inspections are important.

Q. How do termite bait stations work?

A. Bait stations are installed around your home to attract termites. The termites carry the bait back to the colony, which helps eliminate it over time. We use high quality bait stations which carry a lethal insecticide and only need to be renewed once per year.

Q. Where are bait stations installed?

A. They are placed in the ground around the perimeter of your home in areas where termites are most likely to travel, typically every 12 feet.

Q. Do bait stations require maintenance?

A. Yes, they need to be checked and renewed regularly to remain effective. This is part of an ongoing termite protection plan.

Service Plans and Scheduling FAQs

Q. How much does pest control cost?

A. Pricing for each of our services depends on the size of the treatment area. For pricing information give us a call or submit a quote request. Typically we can provide a quote in just a couple minutes over the phone. 

Q. What service plans do you offer for homes?

A. Our service frequency depends on your service types. We offer bimonthly and quarterly service options for residential customers for general pest control, 21 day and 14 day for mosquito control, and our termite services are renewed annually. We also offer one time services for specific pest issues.

Q. What service plans do you offer for businesses?

A. Commercial properties can choose from monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly service for general pest. Restaurants are typically serviced monthly for general pest to meet higher sanitation and pest control needs. Commercial properties can also enjoy 21 day and 14 day general pest and annual termite renewals.

Q. What service plans do you offer for businesses?

A. Commercial properties can choose from monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly service for general pest. Restaurants are typically serviced monthly for general pest to meet higher sanitation and pest control needs. Commercial properties can also enjoy 21 day and 14 day general pest and annual termite renewals.