Backyard Protocol Guide

Where to Look

Wasp nests are often not visible, but you will see wasps at entrance points that lead to nests around the eaves and ledges of houses.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so areas near puddles, birdbaths, gutters, artificial containers and stormwater retention ponds may be especially infested.
Most species of ants nest underground, while some can be found in compromised wood, dead mulch, leaf litter and gutters.
Ticks quest on tall grasses and bushes seeking a host.

Best Products for the Job

Fire ants are any southerner’s worst enemy. For powerful control against these biting ants, apply Extinguish® Plus fire ant bait around fire ant mounds. This bait combines an adulticide with an IGR so ants are killed immediately after ingestion while preventing new colonies from forming.

Pass this along: Leaving pet food outdoors is like sending an open invitation to fire ants. Encourage clients to bring pet food bowls indoors.

Lava-Lor® Granular Bait

For nuisance ants, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, firebrats and more, Lava-Lor® Granular Bait is a must-have for any PMP’s toolbox. This dual-active, ready-to-use and easy-to-apply granular bait is great for turf and perimeter use treatments— no “watering-in” necessary.

Did you know? The versatile Lava-Lor® Granular Bait is also approved for food handling and processing establishments.

Essentria® Wasp & Hornet Spray

An essential oil formulation with botanically derived ingredients, Essentria® Wasp & Hornet Spray has a foaming action, spraying up to 20 feet away. Effective and easy-to-use, this solution can be used to control wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and spiders, and can be used directly on nests.

Keep this in mind: Residual insecticide on the nest will kill any wasps that encounter it after the initial spray.

Mavrik® Perimeter & the Altosid® family of products

Eliminate adult mosquitoes with a barrier treatment of Mavrik® Perimeter, a contact-kill insecticide with long residual control. To prevent mosquito larvae from developing into breeding, biting adults, add Altosid® to areas with standing water.

Pass this along: Remind clients to keep their yards clear of any potential mosquito breeding sources. Anything that holds standing water should be routinely cleaned off— including old tires, birdbaths, trash cans, children’s toys and gutters.