Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Is Bug Free Muskoka licensed and insured?
Yes! Bug Free Muskoka and their technicians are all licensed in the province of Ontario. We are also fully insured
What types of pests do you treat?
We treat a wide range of pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, ants, spiders, wasps, hornets, rodents, and many others.
How do I know if I have a pest infestation?
Signs of a pest infestation include seeing live or dead pests, droppings, nests, damage to property, and unusual sounds or smells. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to contact Bug Free Muskoka for an inspection.
How long does a pest control treatment take?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the infestation. A typical treatment can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 4 hours or more, with follow-up visits scheduled as needed.
Are your pest control methods safe for children and pets?
Yes, our methods are safe for children and pets. We use products that are approved by Health Canada and follow strict safety protocols to minimize exposure.
Do you offer any guarantees or follow-up services?
We offer a satisfaction guarantee and follow-up services to ensure the pests are completely taken care of.
Can you provide a quote for your services?
Yes, we provide free quotes for our services. To get a quote, you can contact us directly or fill out a form on our website.
How can I schedule an appointment for pest control?
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office, emailing us, or booking online through our website. Our team is available to accommodate your schedule.
What should I do to prepare for a pest control visit?
To prepare for a pest control visit, ensure that the area is accessible, remove any clutter, and secure pets and children in a safe area. Follow any specific instructions provided by our team.
How often should I schedule pest control treatments?
The frequency of treatments depends on the type of pest and the level of infestation. We recommend scheduling regular inspections and treatments at least once a year to prevent future infestations.
Do you offer eco-friendly pest control options?
Yes, we offer eco-friendly pest control options that use environmentally safe products and methods to manage pests effectively.
What are the most common pests in Muskoka, and how can I prevent them?
Common pests in Muskoka include bed bugs, carpenter ants, hornets, mice, spiders, and wasps. To prevent infestations, keep your home clean, seal entry points, store food properly, and remove standing water.
Can you help with pest issues in both residential and commercial properties?
Yes, we provide pest control services for both residential and commercial properties. Our team is experienced in addressing pest issues in various settings
What should I do if I suspect a pest infestation in my home?
If you suspect a pest infestation, contact Bug Free Muskoka for an inspection. Early detection and treatment can prevent the problem from worsening.
How can I contact you for more information or to schedule a service?
You can contact us by phone, email, or through our website. Our team is available to answer your questions and schedule services.
Mosquito Control
Are mosquitoes dangerous?
Indeed, mosquitoes can pose a significant threat. Certain species carry diseases such as Zika, West Nile Virus, and Chikungunya. However, our mosquito control service specifically targets these pests, ensuring they won’t bother you.
How long does your mosquito control service last?
It’s great to know that our mosquito control service typically lasts 3-4 weeks. The duration can vary based on rainfall frequency and the treatment option selected. Opting for the synthetic option ensures longer-lasting results compared to the eco-friendly alternative. To maintain effective protection, we recommend scheduling treatments approximately every 21 days during the warmer months
How soon after your service can I expect to see results?
Immediately after our service you will start to notice a reduction in mosquito activity, However it usually takes about 3 days after the very first application until you will notice a substantial reduction in mosquito activity. The following applications will continue to maintain that level of mosquito reduction.
Will rain affect the treatment?
Rain doesn’t impact the treatment. As long as the weather allows sufficient time for the application to dry (typically 30–45 minutes, depending on humidity), the treatment remains effective. The product is designed to withstand precipitation, so there’s no need to worry
How should I prepare for the first visit?
Please ensure that your windows are closed and your gate is accessible for our technicians—unlocked, if applicable. Additionally, if you have pets, kindly keep them indoors on the day of service. This allows our techs to work without interruption and complete the service promptly.
Is your mosquito control service effective if my neighbor doesn’t get it too?
Absolutely! Our mosquito control service remains highly effective even if your neighbor doesn’t utilize our service. Our products swiftly eliminate existing mosquito populations upon contact and establish a protective barrier that deters traveling mosquitoes. Should mosquitoes attempt to invade from neighboring properties, they will be effectively repelled for up to 21 days
Do I need to be home when the service is performed?
You don’t need to be home for our service. To enhance your customer experience, we send advance text messages to notify you of our visit and follow up after the service is completed. This way, you’re informed about our schedule and the quality of our work.
How long before people and pets can go back into the treated areas after application?
We suggest waiting for approximately 30-45 minutes until the treated areas have dried before re-entering them. Once the product has fully dried, you can resume enjoying the outdoors.
What product options do you have for mosquito control?
Bug Free Muskoka offers three distinct mosquito control options: synthetic solutions, 100% organic solutions, and no-spray alternatives.
Is your mosquito control service safe?
Absolutely! Our mosquito control service is carried out by well-trained technicians who adhere to safety protocols. Their focus is on ensuring the safety of your family and pets throughout the process. Additionally, we use a specialized product around ponds, vegetable gardens, and flowering plants to avoid any harm to aquatic life or pollinators.
Does mosquito control service affect other animals?
Absolutely not. The products utilized by Bug Free Muskoka pose no harm to other animals when applied according to label instructions. We advise waiting for the application to dry (approximately 30-45 minutes) before allowing pets into your yard.
Are the mosquito control products harmful to my trees, shrubs, and plants?
Absolutely not. Both the 100% organic and synthetic mosquito barrier treatments pose no harm to your plant materials. These treatments are specifically formulated for absorption by the plants, ensuring residual control against mosquitoes when they feed on the plant juices.
Does Bug Free Muskoka guarantee mosquito control results?
Absolutely, while no mosquito control service can guarantee 100% protection or complete elimination of every mosquito as that is impossible, we take pride in our exceptional customer service. Our national satisfaction guarantee demonstrates our commitment to our products and services. If you’re dissatisfied after at least two applications, we’ll retreat your property at no cost. And if you’re still unsatisfied, we’ll refund the remaining service.
Tick & Flea Control
Are ticks dangerous?
Ticks can transmit insect-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease. However, there’s no need to fret—our tick control service specifically targets these blood-sucking pests, ensuring they won’t bother you.
Are fleas dangerous?
Flea bites result in swollen, itchy marks, which often lead pets to scratch excessively. Additionally, some humans experience allergic reactions due to flea bites. However, the more significant concern lies in the fact that fleas can transmit insect-borne diseases, similar to mosquitoes and ticks.
How long does your tick & flea control service last?
Our tick & flea control service typically remains effective for about 60 days. However, the duration can vary based on rainfall frequency and the treatment type. Our synthetic option provides longer-lasting protection compared to the 100% organic solution. For optimal results, we recommend scheduling two treatments spaced 60 days apart during the warmer months to safeguard your family from ticks & fleas.
What areas of my yard will you treat?
Our tick control service focuses on high-risk areas across your property where ticks commonly reside, move, or rest. Ticks spend most of their time ‘questing’ for a new host to obtain a blood meal. To achieve this, they position themselves in ideal locations close to the ground, such as patches of long grass, low shrubs, under decks frequented by rodents, or on the edges of wooded areas inhabited by animals. Our targeted spraying efforts effectively cover these areas, and we also establish a perimeter band around the property to prevent ticks from entering your yard from outside
How long after the treatment until I can use my yard?
Following our tick & flea treatment for your yard, it’s essential to wait until the product is completely dry before venturing outside. Depending on factors such as outdoor temperature and humidity, we recommend waiting at least 30-45 minutes before re-entering the treated area. Once this time has passed, you and your family can safely enjoy your yard again!
How soon after the service can I expect results?
Right away! Our tick control has an immediate effect, and you’ll notice a difference without delay. Our product is specifically designed to swiftly knock down and control ticks in the treated areas.
If my pets take medication, why should I treat my yard?
Fleas are drawn to warm-blooded animals, including your pets. These tiny pests can consume up to 15 times their body weight in blood, potentially leading to anemia and significant blood loss. To enhance your flea and tick prevention efforts, consider adding 2-3 flea treatments during the warmer months.
Is your tick & flea control products safe for people, pets, and children?
Lyme disease, transmitted to humans through tick bites, poses a significant public health challenge in Canada. The synthetic tick barrier product we use is regulated by Health Canada and approved by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for tick control. Notably, this product has a very low toxicity in mammals, so it is perfectly safe for your family and pets.
Is your tick & flea control products harmful to my trees, shrubs, and plants?
No, our tick barrier treatments pose no harm to your plant materials. They are formulated to be absorbed by the plants, offering residual control against ticks when they feed on the plant juices
Does Bug Free Muskoka guarantee tick & flea control?
While no tick control service can guarantee 100% protection or complete tick elimination, we take pride in our customer service. Our national satisfaction guarantee demonstrates our commitment to standing behind our products and services. If you’re not fully satisfied within the first 30 days of the application, we’ll retreat your property at no cost. Additionally, if you remain unsatisfied, we’ll refund the full amount for the application service.
General Pest Control
How did I get ants?
Ants infiltrate homes in search of food and water. Leaving dirty dishes in the sink, food residue on counters, or crumbs on the floor essentially invites these meal-seeking ants indoors. The issue arises when these ants establish nests within your walls, on your lawn, or around your home’s foundation.
How serious is an ant problem?
Ant infestations pose significant concerns. Among the issues associated with ants is food contamination. These insects carry bacteria on their bodies, which can spread when they move across sinks and countertops. While only a few ant species transmit diseases, discovering any ants in your home is unwelcome.
What should I do if I have an ant problem?
To effectively address your ant problem, the initial step is a thorough inspection. This enables us to tailor a customized program for your specific situation. Please contact us to schedule your ant inspection. Our expert team is well-trained in eliminating ant colonies, ensuring these pests stay out of your home and business.
How do spiders get into my home?
Spiders find their way into homes through loose screens and cracks under windows and doors. They venture indoors in search of food, mates, warmth, and moisture. Interestingly, the presence of other pests often lures spiders inside—they’re on the hunt for prey. As part of our complete home protection program, we also address common household pests. Remember, spiders persistently attempt to enter your home, and the Bug Free Muskoka team remains dedicated to keeping them out.
Are spiders dangerous?
While most spiders are harmless to humans, certain species can deliver painful bites that cause medical problems. In Canada, the black widow and brown recluse spiders are the most common venomous species.
How do I get rid of spiders?
Our skilled technicians specialize in spider elimination and managing other common household pests. To maintain a spider-free home, we recommend three services annually: one in spring, another in summer, and a third in fall. These treatments address ants, roaches, spiders, and various other pests commonly found in Muskoka homes and cottages.
Is your General Pest Control service safe?
Certainly! Our spider control products are expertly applied by well-trained technicians. They adhere to standard safety protocols, ensuring the safety of your family and pets throughout the entire spider control service.
Wasp & Hornet Removal
After the Wasp or Hornets nest is removed, will there still be activity?
Yes, Over the next approximately 24 hours, you’ll observe foraging wasps returning to their nest, which no longer exists. They might be agitated during this time, so we advise avoiding the area until all stinging insects have dispersed.
Can I removed a wasp or hornets nest myself?
While it’s technically possible, we don’t recommend it. Safely removing stinging insects requires specialized skills. Hornets and yellow jackets pose greater challenges (and risks) compared to paper wasps. If you choose to address a nest independently, proceed with caution. Follow safety protocols such as treating the nest at night and wearing a wasp suit sealed at the wrists, ankles, and collar.