The right mosquito control company should be licensed, insured, transparent about pricing, and willing to guarantee results. Not all providers are equal, and knowing what to ask saves you from wasted money and ineffective treatments.
1. Verify Licensing and Certification
In Michigan, anyone applying pesticides commercially must hold a valid Commercial Pesticide Applicator license issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This is not optional — it is state law. A licensed applicator has passed exams demonstrating knowledge of pesticide safety, application techniques, environmental regulations, and integrated pest management.
Ask any company you are considering for their MDARD license information. A legitimate company will provide this without hesitation. Be wary of any operation that avoids the question or claims they do not need a license. Unlicensed applicators may use incorrect products, improper concentrations, or application methods that are ineffective or even dangerous.
2. Confirm Insurance Coverage
A professional mosquito control company should carry both general liability insurance and pollution liability insurance. General liability covers property damage — if a technician accidentally damages a fence or garden feature, their insurance pays for it. Pollution liability covers situations where a pesticide application causes unintended harm, such as damage to a neighbor's koi pond or a landscaping issue.
If a company does not carry proper insurance, you could be liable for any damage that occurs on your property during treatment. Always ask for a certificate of insurance before agreeing to service.
3. Look for Transparent Pricing
The best mosquito control companies publish their pricing or provide clear quotes upfront. You should know exactly what you are paying before any work begins. Watch out for these red flags:
Vague pricing like "prices starting from..." without specifics. Pressure to sign a long-term contract before seeing a quote. Surprise upcharges after the initial visit. Prices that seem unrealistically low — a legitimate barrier spray treatment for an average yard costs between $79 and $139 per visit in the Ann Arbor market. If someone is offering it for $30, question what corners are being cut.
At Mosquito Time, we publish our pricing for every property size directly on our website. A one-time barrier spray starts at $99, and seasonal plans start at $79 per visit for 7 treatments. No hidden fees, no surprises.
4. Ask About Their Treatment Method
Not all mosquito treatments are the same. Ask these specific questions:
What product do you use? A professional company will name the specific product and active ingredient. They should be able to explain why they chose that product and provide the Safety Data Sheet if requested.
How do you apply it? Backpack mist blowers are the industry standard for residential barrier treatments. They provide controlled, targeted application. Be skeptical of companies using truck-mounted sprayers for residential yards — these are designed for large-area treatments and may not provide adequate coverage of mosquito resting sites.
What areas do you treat? Effective mosquito control targets specific harborage areas: the undersides of leaves, dense vegetation, shaded fence lines, beneath decks, and around foundations. A technician who walks your yard and treats these specific areas will outperform one who does a quick perimeter spray and leaves.
Do you address breeding sites? The best companies do not just kill adult mosquitoes — they also identify and treat standing water sources with larvicide. Ask whether larval control is included in the service.
5. Evaluate Their Guarantee
Any company confident in their work should offer some form of satisfaction guarantee. Common guarantees in the mosquito control industry include free re-treatment within a certain window if mosquito activity remains high after treatment. This shows the company stands behind their product and application quality.
Be realistic about what a guarantee can cover. No treatment eliminates 100% of mosquitoes — new ones fly in from neighboring properties. A good guarantee addresses unreasonable mosquito presence, not the complete absence of every single mosquito.
6. Check Reviews and Reputation
Google reviews are the most reliable indicator of a mosquito control company's actual performance. Look for:
Consistent 4+ star ratings across many reviews. Specific mentions of technician professionalism and treatment effectiveness. Responses from the company to both positive and negative reviews. Reviews from customers in your area — a company that performs well in Ann Arbor may or may not be the same company that services outlying areas effectively.
Ask neighbors and friends in your area for recommendations. Word of mouth from someone whose yard you have actually spent time in is the strongest endorsement possible.
7. Consider Local vs. National
Large national franchises offer brand recognition, but locally-owned companies often provide better value and more personalized service. A local owner is invested in the community, more likely to respond quickly to concerns, and typically prices competitively because they do not have franchise fees built into their rates.
Mosquito Time is locally owned and operated in Ann Arbor by Lawrence Savoy and Adrian Solano. We live in the community we serve, and our reputation depends on every single customer being satisfied.
Get Started With a Company You Can Trust
Request your free quote from Mosquito Time or call (734) 985-2899. We are licensed, insured, transparent on pricing, and we guarantee our work. See for yourself why Ann Arbor homeowners trust Mosquito Time for professional mosquito control.