PEST PACKAGE

PLAYBOOK

Effective: January 2, 2024 | Contributed by Dr. Kurt Vandock
Squad Home Shield is a Core Package
Squad Home Shield Package
At Mosquito Squad, we believe in providing comprehensive pest control
solutions that keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the year.
Our Squad Home Shield is designed to address a range of common outdoor
household pests, including ants, spiders, and roaches, ensuring your space
remains YOUR space no matter the season.

KEY TARGET PESTS

Ants, Cockroaches, Spiders, Scorpions, and Structural Wasps

KEYS TO STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL

Communicate findings to customer, explain

Conduct a thorough site inspection. treatment, and recommend steps for source
reduction.

Identify environmental factors contributing Conduct physical and chemical

to pest pressure. interventions.

Pinpoint active and dormant indicators of Involve extensive record keeping and
pest activity. monitoring with homeowner education.

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT
5 Fundamentals: Inspection, Identification, Communication, Mechanical Control, and Chemical Control

Most pests that enter a home do so by crawling from the ground around a home up the foundation to enter
through vents, cracks in siding, windows, doors, and soffit/eaves. When inspecting a home begin your visual
inspection around the entire foundation and progress to include observations about other entry points such
as windows, doors, soffit, crawl space vents, and attic vents. Remember: any vegetation that touches a
home provides easy access for pests to avoid the preventive chemical barrier around a home.

Outdoors, look for ants behind shrubs, vines, and other plants. Colonies are often visible as mounds in
expansion joints, slabs, boards and in landscaping. Look for excavated dirt or sources of rotten wood for easy
signs of outdoor ant activity. Identify ground nesting and web building spiders in eaves and other sheltered
portions of a structure. Outside, cockroaches live in flower beds, behind tree bark, under woodpiles, under
mulch, around trash cans, and near sewers.
1
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT (CONT.)
5 Fundamentals: Prediction, Inspection, Identification, Communication, and Chemical Control.

Infestations almost always begin outdoors and A comprehensive approach to residential

will move inside if entry is available. Encourage
mechanical exclusion when possible. Inspect
windows and doors for gaps where caulking and
restorative action can eliminate pest intrusion.
Any vegetation touching the home must be
trimmed back by the homeowner. Always
communicate documented harborage, entrance
points, and conditions conducive to pests (food,
water, and warmth) to homeowners so preventive
action can be taken. A pest free guarantee is not
possible if prevention is not embraced.
general insect control around a home requires
targeted and complete chemical interventions.
Apply an approved long-lasting spray 3 ft up and
2ft out around the foundation of the home and to
eaves when allowed by label. In spring, summer,
and fall applications, include a granular general
insect bait for elimination and control of ant/
roach colonies. For heavy ant infestations, utilize
a non-repellant fipronil spray.

Effective residential structural pest control requires vigilance and frequent monitoring. Over 75% of
pest control contracts for residential homes are serviced quarterly. Mosquito Squad is present with our
customers at least 8 times a year and can provide superior service, proactive prevention, and peace of
mind to be our customer’s sole source for pest-related environmental health services.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT TIPS

Start Outdoors Educate the Homeowner

•R
 educe pest pressure factors (food sources,
harborage, and pest entry points).
• Limit waste and water sources.
• Incorporate exclusion recommendations to limit
entry to the interior.
• Treat home with a barrier spray and incorporate
effective insecticides: such as baits and non-
repellant sprays.
• When possible and allowed with licensing, treat
landscaping, shrubs, and ornamentals that are
adjacent to the home and providing harborage
and food for pests.
•E
 valuate exclusion methods from inside and out:
(screens, fans, caulking gaps, sealing crawl spaces, etc.).
•C
 ommunicate all findings from IPM inspection to
homeowner to ensure compliance.
• Identify sources of decaying organic matter (rotting wood,
mulch, waste) and treat/recommend removal.
•C
 ommunicate need to reduce standing water and damp
conditions. Any vegetation touching a home must be
trimmed back at least 6 inches from the structure.
• IPM is a partnership between the customer and the
technician. The combination of cultural, mechanical,
and chemical control methods relies on work from the
customer and the technician together.

2
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
PROTECTORS OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Pests controlled by the Squad Home Shield Package can have

serious impacts on public health and safety.
•R
 esearch has revealed that some pests, such as cockroaches, contribute to increases in allergies and asthma.
Along with being allergenic, their feces and shed skins carry bacterial pathogens.
•S
 pider bites whether venomous or not represent a significant threat to public health. Many spider bites may be
prevented by reducing the numbers of spiders near or in living areas.
•A
 n overall reduction of insect pests around a home results in decreased presence of rodents.
•S
 ome pests, such as carpenter ants, can cause structural damage, triggering homes and public buildings to
become unsafe when left unchecked. The gnawing of several species of ants on electric sheathing has caused
house fires and loss of power.
•A
 nt bites, spider bites, and scorpion stings can lead to irritation, infection, and serious discomfort.
•F
 ire ants and red imported fire ants are aggressive stinging and biting insects. Home infestations can lead to
multiple bites and sting marks, and fire ant venom can cause serious irritation and allergic reaction.

INTERVENTION, TREATMENT, AND PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

Always read and follow all product labels. For pollinator protection, never apply insecticide to flowering foliage.

Treatment Fundamentals
• Apply a Mosquito Squad Approved Long-Lasting Residual Type-2 Pyrethroid Spray no more than 2ft up and 3ft
around the foundation of the home:
•A  pply to eaves and soffit where allowable. • For heavy ant infestations a non-repellant fipronil-
•O  nly apply where licensed. based spray may be required.
• Always follow the label.
•F  or spring, summer, and fall applications applied concurrently with mosquito treatments, utilize a broad-
spectrum insect bait.
• In extremely damp/humid environments, an optional application of insecticide dust to weep holes is acceptable.
•T  ry to apply insect bait inside the drip line of the home to improve residual efficacy and prevent degradation
from environmental exposure.
•T his will provide control of roaches, ants, crickets, silverfish, and earwigs.*
• I n regions with heavy ant pressure and diverse ant species, a non-repellant spray should be used. Utilize a
fipronil spray and apply around the home 1’ up and 1’ out from the structure.
*Note: A little bit of bait goes a long way, but if you see mounding ants around the structure additional bait should be scattered. Baits should not be placed
at the mound/nest, but rather near ants actively foraging.

Service Interval & Production Fit

Treatment efficacy and production efficiency are optimized with 4 services for the Squad Home Shield Package:
• Initial onset of residential structural pest pressure coincides with mosquito season startup.
•E  arly spring, summer, and fall Home Shield servicing to be scheduled concurrently with traditional mosquito servicing.
• Only one additional visit is required (winter), and this may also be concurrent with mosquito service depending on geography. 3
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
BAIT PLACEMENT, BARRIER APPLICATIONS, AND SOURCE REDUCTION
For Squad Home Shield

Treatment Placement Recommendations:

1. Target eaves for applications to control relevant pests and
deweb visible cobwebs. If present, target wasp nests with a
knockdown spray and remove nests with a webster.
1 2. A pply a barrier spray of an APPROVED* type-2 pyrethroid
around the house to prevent outdoor pests from entering. This
should be done 3 times during the mosquito season and once
during the late fall/winter.
4 3. For spring, summer, and fall applications applied concurrently
with mosquito treatments, utilize a broad-spectrum insect bait
around the foundation of the home but under the drip line of
the structure.
BAIT
1’x1’ 2’ UP x 3’ OUT 4. When conducting your inspection and during all applications
XXXXXX
focus on entrance points for pests. These include windows,
3 6 5 2 doors, crawlspace vents, drains, weep holes, and soffit gaps.
5. W eep holes serve a good purpose for homes; they release
unwanted moisture. We know that pests are attracted to

SQUAD moisture, and beyond those weep holes are dark, interior
wall voids that make a prefect environment for pests to make
HOMESHIELD their nests. Insecticide dust can be applied around crawlspace
vents, void openings, and crawlspace access.
6. F or areas with heavy ant infestation, a non repentant fipronil
spray can be applied 1’ up and 1’ out around the foundation.

SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT, PROCESS, CLEANING, DUSTING, AND DEWEBBING

•A
 backpack mist blower can sufficiently apply a broad spectrum
type-2 pyrethroid 3ft up and 3ft out around a home if the throttle
does not go above idle speed.
•F
 or differentiation, it is advisable to consider employing a
specialized hand sprayer or pressurized backpack sprayer This
handheld sprayer is also very useful for application of fipronil for
ant control.
Duster Web Brush Hand-held Sprayer
•F
 or spring, summer, and fall treatments, dewebbing should be
conducting using a telescoping “webster.” This handheld sprayer
is also very useful for application of fipronil for ant control.
•W
 hen applying baits, manufacturer provided dosing cups are
acceptable as are broadcast applications. A handheld granular
spreader can be used for more uniform dispersal.
• If dusting of weep holes is to be conducted, it should be applied Backpack Sprayer Hand-held
during spring and fall applications. A handheld bulb duster is granular spreader
4
efficient and effective.
This document is for internal use only.
 SQUAD HOME SHIELD
PRODUCT USE GUIDE

APPLICATION RECOMMENDED
TARGET PEST PRODUCT TYPE VENDOR RECOMMENDED RATE(S)
SITE(S) PRODUCT(S)

'
1 Up and out
Phenylpyrazole

ANTS
around
Spray (
Navigator SC Fipronil ) Navigator SC

( ) Navigator SC 0 8 : . - . 1 6 oz/gal
foundation of

home
(restricted ) Amguard

Niban Nisus ( , Niban - Treat exterior structures in a

ROACHES, ANTS, (
Niban Orthoboric
BWI ) band of 2 to 4 feet wide at 6 oz per 100

square feet

CRICKETS, Acid ) Maxforce

( , Advion Insect Bait - . .

0 27 to 3 2 lbs per

SPRINGTRAILS, '
3 Perimeter Maxforce Complete
Complete Envu

) -
100 sq ft in a band 2 4 ft wide around

MILLIPEDES, around home

Granular Bait
(Hydramethylnon ) BWI
the structure .
EARWIGS, & Advion Insect Bait
Advion Insect

( , Maxforce Complete - .
0 5 oz one(
SILVERFISH (Indoxacarb ) Bait Syngenta

) )
tablespoon of bait per 25 linear feet
BWI
-
applied in a band 1 2 ft wide around the

structure .

25B Proverde Broad

Proverde

STRUCTURAL WASPS
Spot

(
Exempt

)
Spectrum Insect Killer

(
Proverde

( ) Apply towards target pests Ensure .

Treatments Natural

Aerosol
Aerosol Geraniol +

Cinnamon Oil )
Amguard
contact with as many insects as possible .

5
 SQUAD HOME SHIELD
PRODUCT USE GUIDE CONTINUED

Pyrethroid
Weep
Insecticide Dust Proverde Dust Proverde
holes /
( ) ( - , -
SPRINGTAILS,
DeltaDust Insecticide Thyme Proverde Dust 25B Exempt 12 45 oz /

) ( )
SILVERFISH, foundation
or Oil Dust Amguard 100 sq
cracks / crevices
( , )
EARWIGS,
25B Exempt DeltaDust DeltaDust Envu BWI ft
/ bulb dusting
( ) ( ) - .
MILLIPEDES
Natural Insecticide Deltamethrin DeltaDust 0 5 lb / 1000 sq ft
locations
(
Dust Proverde )

Adjourn SC

Spiders, ( Deltamethrin ) ( ) - .
Scorpions, Roaches, '
2 up and out
- Avesta CS Lambda ( - Adjourn SC Atticus

( )
Adjourn SC

- .
0 75 oz/gal

Ants, Crickets, around

Long lasting
Cyhalothrin ) Avesta CS Amguard

( )
Avesta CS

- .
0 8 oz/gal

Springtails,millipedes foundation of
Type I or II
Devito CS Lambda ( - Devito CS Atticus

( )
Devito 0 8 oz/gal

- .
, earwigs, and home
Pyrethroid Spray
Cyhalothrin ) Talak Atticus

( )
Talak 0 5 oz/gal

- .
silverfish (
Talak Bifenthrin ) Wisdom Amguard Wisdom 0 5 oz/gal

(
Wisdom Bifenthrin )

6
 SQUAD HOME SHIELD
PRODUCT USE RESTRICTIONS

TARGET PEST WIND SPEED RETREAT GUIDANCE DISTANCE UP & OUT FROM BASE OTHER

Restricted use

. % - to no more than 1 band '

ANTS ----- 0 03 4 Navigator SC

' , ' ,
around home not registered in
times/calendar year 1 up 1 out
,
all states check

local regulatory agency .

:
Niban Treat exterior structures in

a band of 2 to 4 feet wide at a

rate of 6 oz per 100 square feet

ROACHES, ANTS, Advion Insect Bait - apply to

CRICKETS, ground area in a band up to 7 feet

SPRINGTRAILS, ----- ----- wide around and adjacent to the -----

MILLIPEDES, EARWIGS, structure .
& SILVERFISH Maxforce Complete - Apply in a

-
band 1 2 ft around a home or

broadcast at a rate of 1 oz per

,
1 800 sq ft .

Adjourn SC may be :
made at 21 day intervals
Spiders, Adjourn

- Devito - apply at 7 day

- ' , ' :
Scorpions, Roaches,

Ants, Crickets,
SC

Avesta
15 mph

- 15 mph
;
intervals more frequent
Adjourn SC

Devito - ' , '

2 up 7 out

2 up 7 out
Devito Outdoor barrier sprays

are permissible but,

Springtails,millipedes, Devito - 15 mph
should be limited to
Avesta - ' , '
3 up 10 out applications directly to

earwigs, and Talak - 10 mph

spot treatments

- Wisdom - ' , '

3 up 3 out residential turf are not allowed

silverfish Wisdom - 10 mph

Wisdom

(
No more than

7 days or whatever the

label says )

7
 SQUAD HOME SHIELD
PRODUCT USE RESTRICTIONS CONTINUED

TARGET PEST WIND SPEED RETREAT GUIDANCE DISTANCE UP & OUT FROM BASE OTHER

Only for use

with small structural wasp

STRUCTURAL WASPS ----- Repeat as

necessary
Spot Treatments nests or direct spray of visible

bothersome insect

populations .

Make a residual

treatment around windows and

SPRINGTAILS, , ,
doors porches screens patios , ,
SILVERFISH, EARWIGS, ----- Repeat as
garages under, -----
MILLIPEDES
necessary
,
stairways in crawl spaces and ,
other areas where pests may

hide.

8
9

Effective: January 2, 2024 | Contributed by Dr. Kurt Vandock
Squad Fly Control is an Add-On Package
Squad Fly Control Package
Flies can be more than just an annoyance; they can pose health risks and
disrupt your peace of mind. That’s why we’ve developed the Squad Fly
Control package, a specialized solution designed to keep your living spaces
free from bothersome flies and gnats. Let us take care of your fly-related
problems. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities!

KEY TARGET PESTS

Large Flies, Filth Flies, Small Gnats

KEYS TO RESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT

Adult flies seek attractive breeding material, sites, and accessible food sources.

Animal Waste: Pet, livestock, wildlife and Food Processing Waste, Nearby Commercial
damp/decaying organic matter. Facilities, & Unmanaged Low-Lying Land.

Garbage Containers: Discarded waste that Attracted to Breeding Resource Sites by odor
can hold decaying organic matter. plume or blood meals.

Flies require moisture sources, and this is a

Silage, Waste Piles, Compost, Food Stores.
crucial trigger for nearly all fly species.

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT
5 Keys: Sanitation, Inspection, Exclusion, Mechanical Control, and Chemical Control

Since infestations usually begin outdoors and

Large, filth, and small gnat fly infestation
almost always initiate from outdoors.
Flies tend to migrate from distant sources. The
primary source of infestation may not be on
the treated property.
•A
 nimal sites (agricultural & non-agricultural)
•F
 ood processing; retailing; serving facilities
•R
 efuse dumps, transfer stations, landfills, composting
areas, and damp places with organic matter
will move inside if entry is available, encourage
mechanical exclusion when possible. Screens,
properly sealed windows, doors, and crawl
spaces are crucial.
The Squad Fly Control is an exterior treatment.
As a result, cultural control is an important part of
the program and involves education on breeding
areas, attractants, and lifestyle recommendations
to reduce fly activity.

Effective fly management programs begin early in the season and are usually required each year.
Consistent inspection, baiting, and treatment is key to success. A robust initial cleanout with follow-up
within the week is usually required. Following this 21-day service intervals may be adopted.
10
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
GENERAL MANAGEMENT TIPS

Start Outdoors Educate the Homeowner

•R
 educe attractant sources (odors, food, water & •E
 valuate the exclusion methods (screens, fans, etc.).
colors). •T
 hink micro-sanitation when advising the
•E
 xclude entry to interior spaces. homeowner.
•E
 xclude entry to interior. •C
 onsider installing and maintaining trapping devices
•T
 reat resource sites with effective insecticides: as part of good IPM.
baits and sprays. •U
 nderstand the benefits and limitations of
•T
 reat resting surfaces with effective residual adulticides.
insecticides. •R
 emember to over-communicate inspection findings
•U
 tilize traps for monitoring and to establish a and document all observations in service ticket
push/pull strategy. notes.

PROTECTORS OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Public Health Impacts

House flies can transmit at least 65 diseases to humans.

•E
 xamples: typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, poliomyelitis, yaws, anthrax, tularemia, leprosy, and tuberculosis.
•F
 lies regurgitate and excrete wherever they come to rest and thereby mechanically transmit disease organisms.
•W
 hile filth flies, such as the common house fly, are attracted primarily to waste, food, and manure, biting flies will
actively irritate pets. Large populations can seriously impact your pet’s health.
•T
 he best way to control biting flies is to remove the pests’ optimal breeding conditions and implement targeted
control measures where people and pets are vulnerable to biting fly exposure.

PRODUCT & TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Always read and follow all product labels. For pollinator protection, never apply insecticide to flowering foliage.

Residual Sprays Rural Hygiene Applications

Inspect for surfaces where adult flies land and rest
(Note: flies prefer to land on edges. Be sure to treat
both sides of landing edges).
• Close to larval breeding material
• Light in color (white/yellow)
• Southern/warm exposure
• Shade available in hot, dry weather
• NEVER TREAT WITH ANIMALS PRESENT.
• Never treat feed stuffs, watering receptacles or pastures.
• If an animal eats grass as part of their diet, it is considered pasture.
• Ex: rabbits, turtles, horses, cows, goats and sheep
•D ogs and cats do not consume grass as part of their diet needs
“not a pasture.”
•C hickens eat insects out of the grass, but do not consume grass
“not a pasture.”
•O pen fields where animals reside are considered pasture, even if
the animal is not present during times of application. 11
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
PRODUCT & TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS (CONT.)
Always read and follow all product labels. For pollinator protection, never apply insecticide to flowering foliage.

No see-ums and small biting flies:
No see-ums and small biting flies breed and
congregate where there are consistently damp
conditions.
• Identify areas with standing water or locations with
excessive irrigation and advise the homeowner to
mitigate these breeding sites.
• If there are areas with less than 2 hours of sunlight and
the ground remains damp/muddy a liquid larvicide can
be applied.
• Insect Growth Regulator (liquid larvicide): For small flies
or persistent large fly infestations, utilize pyriproxyfen
or methoprene as a tank mix combined on site.
Service Interval & Production Fit:
Treatment efficacy and production efficiency are
optimized with concurrent 21-day service intervals
following an initial clean out.
•F
 ly pressure varies greatly with geography and season,
ensure a one-time cleanout is performed with mosquito-
concurrent servicing following the initial visit.
•T
 raps should be changed every 21 days and bait
placements refreshed during this time.
•F
 or extreme infestations, consider a follow-up service
7-days after initial ‘clean-out’ visit.
•F
 or small flies and gnats, apply insect growth regulator;
specifically targeting damp, shaded, and low-lying areas
where these flies breed.

BAIT PLACEMENT, TRAPS, AND SOURCE REDUCTION

SQUAD For Squad Fly Control

FLY CONTROL
Spray/Spot Bait Application and Fly Trap
7 Placement Recommendations:
1. S
 pray under the garbage can lid and around the interior of
the can and lid.
5
2. B
 ait under the grill near the propane connection and
grease drip area.
4
3. R
 emind homeowners to routinely pick up and dispose of
1 pet waste.
4. Target shade available in hot, dry weather.
5. Focus on southern/warm exposure.
2
6. Identify and remove clear signs of breeding during initial
and cleanouts.
6 7. Place fly traps stations away from recreational zones along
3 property boundaries to capture flies and lure them away
from people and eating locations.

Consider Using Bait Cards and Traps

•F
 ree advertising (place business name and phone number with
pesticide and use rate on a laminated yellow or white card)
•G
 ranular bait can be diluted and painted only on a card.

This document is for internal use only. 12

 SQUAD FLY CONTROL
PRODUCT USE GUIDE

PRODUCT RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED

TARGET PEST APPLICATION SITE(S) VENDOR
TYPE PRODUCT(S) RATE(S)

Apply as spot

bait Utilizing Bait

Garbage cans, Maxforce Fly Spot Bait Maxforce Fly Spot Bait (Envu,
Filth Cards
fly bait cards, under Fly Baits (Imidacloprid) BWI)
Flies Spray as directed on
grills Alpine (Dinotefuran) Alpine (BASF, BWI)
Squad Fly Control

Application Card

Two traps per home Mosquito Squad Fly Trap*

Mosquito Squad Fly Trap* (MSQ)
Large Flies scaling with yard / patio Fly Trap (*25B exempt propriatry Two per Property
(*25B exempt propriatry solution)
size solution)

Low lying areas, damp

locations with decaying

Insect
Small Flies organic matter, areas Nixlo (Pyriproxfen) Nixlo (Atticus)
Growth Nixlo: 2 oz/gal
and Gnats with excessive irrigation Altosid (Methoprene) Altosid (CLS, BWI)
Regulator
(tank mix with barrier

spray)

Adjourn SC Adjourn
Shaded
Long- (Deltamethrin) Adjourn SC - 0.75 oz/gal
areas on structures,
lasting Avesta CS (Lambda- SC (Atticus) Avesta CS - 0.8
around patios / decks,
Type I or Cyhalothrin) Avesta CS (Amguard) oz/gal
Barrier Spray near places with refuse
II Devito CS (Lambda- Devito CS (Atticus) Devito - 0.8 oz/gal
/
Pyrethroid Cyhalothrin) Talak (Atticus) Talak - 0.5 oz/gal
harborage / food for
Spray Talak (Bifenthrin) Wisdom (Amguard) Wisdom - 0.5
flies
Wisdom (Bifenthrin) oz/gal

13
 SQUAD FLY CONTROL
PRODUCT USE RESTRICTIONS

TARGET PEST WIND SPEED RETREAT GUIDANCE DISTANCE UP & OUT FROM BASE OTHER

Filth
----- ----- ----- -----
Flies

Large Flies ----- ----- ----- -----

Nixlo: when target insect

Small Flies populations return to

Nixlo: 15 mph Nixlo: 1' up, 10' out -----
and Gnats economic threshold levels

or every 30 days

Adjourn SC - 15 mph Adjourn

Avesta - 15 mph SC - may be made at 21 Adjourn

Barrier Spray Devito - 15 mph day intervals SC - 2' up, 7' out -----

Talak - 10 mph Talak - no more than Talak - 3' up, 10' out

Wisdom - 10 mph once per 7 days

14
15

Effective: January 2, 2024 | Contributed by Dr. Kurt Vandock
Squad Yard Defender is a Core Package
Squad Yard Defender Package
At Mosquito Squad, we’re dedicated to ensuring your home remains your
sanctuary without the annoyance of unwanted pests. Our Squad Yard
Defender treatment is a comprehensive solution designed to provide
continuous protection against a range of common pests, including ticks,
fleas, and mound-building ants.

KEY TARGET PESTS

Ticks, Fleas, and Mound Building Ants

KEYS TO YARD/TURF PEST CONTROL

Communicate findings to customer, explain

Conduct a thorough site inspection. treatment, and recommend steps for source
reduction and landscaping improvement.

Identify environmental factors favorable to Conduct physical and chemical

public health pests and their harborage. interventions.

Focus on areas where recreational areas

Involve extensive record keeping and
meet unmanaged land, looking for both
monitoring with homeowner education.
active and dormant indicators.

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT
5 Fundamentals: Inspection, Identification, Communication, Mechanical Control, and Chemical Control

While there are numerous pests that can inhabit a customer’s yard, the Squad Yard Defender Package is focused
on those of specific public health importance. These pests are fleas and ticks that are capable of blood meals and
mound building ants that can inflict painful bites or stings.

Fleas and ticks both prefer shaded areas, look for tall grass and natural areas bordering managed turf where people
and pets may meet these pests. Adults and nymphs can be found above ground and in terrestrial litter below the
surface of the ground. Outdoors, fleas prefer moist, shady, cool places. Look for low lying areas that are especially
damp to identify flea hot spots. Mound building ants tend to be most visible after heavy rains when colonies are
excavated. Identify mound build ants and consult with business advisors for assistance in knowing what types
of ants are most common in your geography. Correct identification is crucial for bait selection and customer
education.
16
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT (CONT.)
5 Fundamentals: Prediction, Inspection, Identification, Communication, and Chemical Control.

Ticks and fleas live and hide in vegetation, such as
leaf litter or grassy areas. They especially like shrubs,
leaves, and trees, and don’t fare well in sunny areas
or open grass. By trimming back shrubs, raking out
leaves, and, in effect, limiting the number of areas
where fleas and ticks thrive, homeowners can help
prevent infestations. Mound building ants require
a multi step approach and often take two visits to
completely remove the colony. Set expectations up
front with homeowners to ensure cooperation and
an understanding of these complex social insects.
Reducing yard pests around a home requires
targeted and complete chemical interventions.
Apply an approved long-lasting pyrethroid spray
to areas in the yard where managed turf meets
natural areas, landscaped zones, and unmanaged
buffers. Granular insecticide applications in the
bands between managed turf and natural areas is
crucial to disrupt flea and tick life cycles. Targeted
mound drench applications combined with granular
ant bait applications are necessary to permanently
eliminate ant mounds.

Management of public health pests in the yards of our customers requires proactive monitoring and an
eye toward prevention. Throughout the year as you are conducting routine mosquito treatments, inform
technicians to keep an eye out for ant mounds in customer’s yards that have the Squad Yard Defender
Package. Mound drenching small ant hills that are not established is far easier than trying to correct advanced
colonies. Tick and flea populations can be managed through granular applications in the spring and late
summer as well as targeted barrier spraying to “tick zones” during traditional mosquito barrier treatments.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT TIPS

Focus on Areas Where Our

Customers Engage with Their Yards:
• Identify treatment areas looking for tall grasses,
shrubs, and recreational areas in the shade.
• Look for mounding ant hills. Large colonies may have
small mounds if the colonies are built next to slabs,
hardscapes, or under rocks and mulched landscaping.
• For properties with pets, specifically identify where
pets may leave mowed turf and enter shaded areas
to rest or play. Fleas and ticks will be common in
these areas.
Educate the Homeowner
•A
 lways encourage homeowners to trim tall grass, hedges,
and manage weeds. Removing dirt piles, debris, excessive
mulch, and fallen leaf heaps is also important. If there are
areas where tall grass and unmanaged natural areas cannot
be improved, advise homeowners to avoid these regions until
the treatment can take full effect.
• Communicate all findings from IPM inspection to homeowner
to ensure compliance.
• Communicate need to reduce standing water and damp
conditions. Advise homeowner to always consult a
veterinarian to ensure proper flea and tick medication is
being applied to their pets.
17
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
PROTECTORS OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Public Health Impacts

Pests controlled by the Squad Yard Defender Package can have

serious impacts on public health and safety.
• Over 95% of vector borne disease in the US is vectored by ticks. These persistent pests require year round service
due to reintroduction by migrating wildlife and pest lifecycles that extend over a year.
• According to the CDC, ticks are responsible for vectoring Lyme disease, Powassan virus, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain
Spotted fever, Tularemia, Heartland virus, Rickettsia, and Babesiosis, just to name a few.
• Fleas represent a significant threat to pets and if left unchecked outdoors can cause indoor infestations. Beyond
animal health threats, occurrence of fleas spreading significant disease to humans has been on the rise with Typhus and
plague being most notable.
• Many mound building ants will bite/sting people and pets when provoked. Not only are these bites and stings painful
but they can be life threatening with risk of infection and anaphylactic shock.
• Fire ants are an example of mound-building ants. They are aggressive and will bite multiple times and without hesitation
when threatened.

INTERVENTION, TREATMENT, AND PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

Always read and follow all product labels. For pollinator protection, never apply insecticide to flowering foliage.

Treatment Fundamentals
• Apply a Mosquito Squad Approved Long-Lasting Residual Type-2 Pyrethroid Spray to all areas where managed outdoor
recreation areas meet landscaping, natural areas, and buffers.
• Focus on border areas and ensure penetration.
• Leaf litter and terrestrial surfaces should be treated.
• Broadcast spray applications to managed turf is not necessary but can be done; however, these are short term as
their effectiveness will diminish greatly following yard maintenance.
• For spring, summer, and fall applications applied concurrently with mosquito treatments, utilize a broad-spectrum
pyrethroid insecticide granule to eliminate immature stages of ticks/fleas.
• Apply the granular in a band that is at least 3 ft wide across border areas.
• The most effective way to kill mound building ants such as fire ants is to use the two-step method: baiting and mound
drench. The first step involves using bait to kill the queen and other worker ants deep in the colony. The second step is
to use insecticide for targeted treatments on the mounds.
• For ant mounds, apply a liquid mound drench via directed spray from backpack.
• For fire ants, apply fire ant scatter bait, for all other ants, utilize an approved general insect granular bait.

Service Interval & Production Fit

Treatment efficacy and production efficiency are optimized with 3 services for the Squad Yard Defender Package:
• Initial onset of residential yard tick, flea, and mound building ant pressure coincides with mosquito season startup.
• Early spring, summer, and fall Squad Yard Defender servicing to be scheduled concurrently with traditional mosquito servicing.
• Ant mounds should be continually addressed when noticed with each 21-day mosquito servicing.
• Granular applications are conducted during initial spring startup and second to last fall treatment. 18
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
BAIT PLACEMENT, ADULTICIDING, AND SOURCE REDUCTION
For Squad Yard Defender

Treatment Placement Recommendations:

1. Apply a broad-spectrum pyrethroid insecticide granule to
eliminate immature stages of ticks/fleas. Target the “tick
zone” where managed turf meets natural areas.
2. For general ant mounds, apply a liquid mound drench via
directed spray from back pack sprayer. For fire ants, apply
fire ant scatter bait, for all other ants, utilize an approved
general insect granular bait.
3. When applying a barrier spray, target areas where fleas
ticks, and ants come into contact with people and pets. Be
aware of label restrictions regarding application sites such
as ornamentals and turf.
• Focus on border areas and ensure penetration.
• Leaf litter and terrestrial surfaces should be treated.
• Broadcast spray applications to managed turf is not
necessary but can be done, however these are short term
as their effectiveness will diminish greatly following yard
maintenance.

SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT, PROCESS, AND METHODS

• A backpack mist blower can sufficiently apply a

broad-spectrum type-2 pyrethroid to target tick/flea
treatment zones.
• Consider efficiency: When left on idle, powered
backpack mist blower applications directed on an
ant mound can also achieve a drench application
without need for specialized pour-on containers.
• Granular pyrethroids are best applied with a hand
spreader or a chest mounted rotary spreader.
• Ant baits should be applied by hand around a mound
following product label guidance. Generally, this is
done in a 1-3ft band around the mound. See #2 under
Treatment Placement Recommendations.

Drench Treatments Chest-mounted

19
This document is for internal use only. Granule Spreader
 SQUAD YARD DEFENDER
PRODUCT USE GUIDE

APPLICATION RECOMMENDED
TARGET PEST PRODUCT TYPE VENDOR RECOMMENDED RATE(S)
SITE(S) PRODUCT(S)

Niban Orthoboric (
Acid ) Niban Nisus BWI( , )
Advion Insect Bait Maxforce Complete Envu BWI ( , )
Mound Ant mounds , (Indoxacarb ) Advion Insect Bait Syngenta ( , -----
Building Ants turf
Ant Baits
Maxforce Complete BWI )
(Hydramethylnon ) Maxforce Fire Ant Bait Envu ( ,
Maxforce Fire Ant BWI )
(
Bait Fipronil )

Transition

( '
zone 12 band )
where natural

Ticks/Fleas areas /
Granular

Pyrethroid
Wisdom

(
EZ Bifenthrin )
Wisdom

(
EZ Amguard ) . – .
2 3 .
4 6 lbs per 1000 sq ft . .
landscaping

meets managed

turf

Broadcast

yard Insect (
Nixlo Pyriproxfen ) ( )
Fleas treatments tank ( Growth Altosid
Nixlo Atticus

( , ) Nixlo - 2 oz/gal

mix with general Regulator (Methoprene ) Altosid CLS BWI

turf spray )

-
Long lasting Adjourn Adjourn Adjourn

Mound Drench / Ant Type I or II (

SC Deltamethrin ) (
SC Atticus ) SC - . /
0 75 oz gal

General Turf Spray mounds turf , Pyrethroid (

Talak Bifenthrin ) (
Talak Atticus ) Talak - . /
0 5 oz gal

Spray Wisdon Bifenthrin ( ) Wisdon Amguard ( ) Wisdom - . 0 5 oz/gal

20
 SQUAD YARD DEFENDER
PRODUCT USE RESTRICTIONS

TARGET PEST WIND SPEED RETREAT GUIDANCE DISTANCE UP & OUT FROM BASE OTHER

Mound
----- ----- ----- -----
Building Ants

Do not apply directly to impervious

Retreat as necessary to horizontal surfaces such as sidewalks,

Ticks/Fleas ----- -----
maintain adequate control. driveways, and patios except as a

spot or crack and crevice treatment.

Nixlo: When target insect

populations return to
Fleas Nixlo - 15 mph Nixlo - 1' up, 10' out -----
economic threshold levels

or every 30 days

Adjourn

SC - may be made at 21 Adjourn

Mound Drench / General Adjourn SC - 15 mph
day intervals SC - 2' up, 7' out -----
Turf Spray Talak - 10 mph
Talak - no more than Talak - 3' up, 10' out

once per 7 days

21
22

Effective: January 2, 2024 | Contributed by Dr. Kurt Vandock
Squad Invader Guard is a Core Package
Squad Invader Guard Package
Invasive pests and occasional invaders can wreak havoc on your property and
disrupt the natural balance of your routine. The Squad Invader Guard plan is
a specialized treatment designed to effectively manage invasive and periodic
home invading pests. This will not only help safeguard your property, but also
contribute to the overall health of your home and outdoor living space.

KEY TARGET PESTS

Stink Bugs, Elm Seed Bugs, Spotted Lanternflies, Asian Lady Beetles, and other occasional invaders.

KEYS TO INVASIVE/OCCASIONAL INVADER CONTROL

Conduct a thorough site inspection and Communicate findings to customer,

recommend treatment before emergence explain treatment, and recommend steps
of the key target invader(s). for source reduction/exclusion.
Understand seasonality, specifically
temperature shifts that determine regional Conduct physical and chemical
nuances. interventions.

Understand the pressure points of the

Involve extensive record keeping and
specific invasive or seasonal invader
monitoring with homeowner education.
you’re controlling.

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT
5 Fundamentals: Prediction, Inspection, Identification, Communication, and Chemical Control

Most invasive species and occasional
invaders are active and can be treated for
only short windows of time. Communicating
emergence before it occurs and taking a
proactive approach is key. Understanding
your specific regional nuances is crucial to
effectively meeting our customer’s needs
as well as providing quality and sustainable
service. In most cases, specific temperature
shifts or diurnal cycles trigger dormancy
in these pests which activates feeding or
hibernation inside structures. These cycles are
repeated and predictable.
When treating for occasional invaders, a structural
application focusing on nearby entrance points to
the home is the best practice. Inspect the home for
pests congregating around these areas. Focus on
locating places where shelter will attract occasional
invaders seeking shelter from winter conditions or
where these pests are emerging in the spring. For
invasive species control, the response is usually
triggered following massive feeding or emergence
on a property reported by the homeowner. Don’t
just treat the locations where the pest infestation is
easily visibly, inspect for additional harborage where
the pests will migrate following initial mitigation. 23
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT (CONT.)
5 Fundamentals: Prediction, Inspection, Identification, Communication, and Chemical Control.

Successful identification of pests is Communication with the customer is important

fundamental to invader and invasive control.
By successfully identifying the pest you
are seeking to control, you can establish
records for future renewals and move
from a reactive treatment to a proactive
prevention. Furthermore, successful
identification will allow for follow-up
treatment should the infestation make it
into the structure and additional control are
required upon emergence the following
season.
as often times occasional invaders will enter
the home and die after coming in contact
with the structural treatment. This will require
cleaning by the homeowner around doors
and windows, but the pest problem will be
mitigated. Similarly, invasive species are
not easily disrupted with a single treatment
as they migrate long distances and will
continue to enter the yard. Drastic reduction
of populations is possible, but complete
eradication is not always possible.

By applying a Mosquito Squad approved long lasting barrier spray, most occasional invaders and
invasive species can be controlled. Always consult with your business advisor and entomologist
to ensure proper identification. Not all pests can be treated the same way. Employ a prescriptive
strategy and consult with technical experts when encountering an unexpected or unknown pest.
Consult all product labels to ensure site and/or pest is listed for the target invader you are treating.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT TIPS

Start Outdoors Educate the Homeowner

• Eliminate/reduce pest pressure factors.
• Identify hot spots of invader activity and think
about where these pests will next migrate.
• Incorporate exclusion recommendations to limit
entry to the interior.
•T  reat home with a barrier spray and incorporate
effective insecticides to immediately neutralize
the problem.
• Invasive and invader pest pressure is cyclic:
focus on regional pest trends to make your
interventions and marketing predictive.
•C
 ommunicate the invasive pests in your region so
the customers knows what to look for and when to
call you if they identify an invasive insect.
•E
 valuate exclusion methods from inside and out:
screens, fans, caulking gaps, sealing crawl spaces,
etc.
•C
 ommunicate all findings from IPM inspection to
homeowner to ensure compliance.
•T
 ake careful notes, consult your local agricultural
extension office, and stay ahead by proactively
predicting when the invader pressure will emerge.
•W
 atch the weather and rapidly communicate when
signs of invasion first occur.

24
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
PROTECTORS OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Invasive pests and occasional invaders controlled by the Squad Invader Guard Package
can have serious impacts on public health and safety.
•N  early all invasive species cause unchecked damage to plants, property, or native species due to the lack of
natural predators.
• These pests can cause allergies when entering homes, disrupt ecosystems, and pester companion animals.
•W  ithout seeking professional services, many homeowners can cause property damage with do-it-yourself
approaches.
• Every year, countless examples of non-target impacts occur from misuse of pesticides trying to control these
occasional invaders. Professional service is more sustainable.
• Invasive species that do not damage plants can pose public health dangers to people. The Asian Giant
Hornet for instance, aka the Murder Hornet, is invasive and huge. Its sting is painful and can lead to intense
anaphylactic reactions.

INTERVENTION, TREATMENT, AND PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

Always read and follow all product labels. For pollinator protection, never apply insecticide to flowering foliage.

Treatment Fundamentals Specialized Equipment, Process, Cleaning,

• Apply a Mosquito Squad Approved Long-Lasting Residual Dusting, and Dewebbing:
Type-2 Pyrethroid Spray where applied by label: • A backpack mist blower can sufficiently apply a broad
•A pply to eaves and soffit where allowable. spectrum type-2 pyrethroid around a home if the throttle does
•F ocus on structural entry points for seasonal not go above idle speed.
invaders.
• For differentiation, it is advisable to consider employing a
• Only apply where licensed.
• Always follow the label. specialized hand sprayer or pressurized backpack sprayer.
This also limits overspray onto glass.
•F
 or invasive species that cause tree and ornamental
• Dewebbing tools should be considered using a telescoping
damage, select products with rapid knockdown and a
“webster” to clean off accumulated pest.
broad ornamental use label.
• If dusting of holes in the case of carpenter bees is to be
• In some cases, such as carpenter bees, busts may
conducted, it should be applied using a handheld bulb duster.
be used to treat holes in property caused by these
A duster with an extension pole may be necessary for these
occasional invaders.
applications.
•C arpenter bee traps can be utilized and often
provide additional peace of mind.
•N
 ever apply insecticides to glass as this will cause
spotting/stain and require cleaning after.
•W
 hile most invader services will be reactive by nature of
the pests themselves, it is always best to follow seasonal
trends, educate the customer, and proactively treat Duster Web Brush Backpack Hand-held
before extreme pressure occurs. Sprayer for Sprayer
Targeting 25
Application
 Integrative Pest
Management & Impacts
on Public Health
PRODUCT & TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS (CONT.)
Always read and follow all product labels. For pollinator protection, never apply insecticide to flowering foliage.

Service Interval and Production Fit

Service intervals vary greatly, but can be timed concurrently with mosquito treatments if proper planning is
employed with predictive scheduling.
•M
 ost Squad Invader Guard services are conducted with a single treatment as pressure is intense but not
prolonged.
•D
 ue to emergence and resurgence of these pests timing with mosquito season, most services should not require
additional routing.
•E
 nsure proper chemical and equipment stocking on trucks so specialists can conduct Squad Invader Guard
services same day if pressure is noted during mosquito applications.

BARRIER APPLICATIONS, DUST PLACEMENT, AND SOURCE REDUCTION

For Squad Invader Guard

po
tte
d Lanternf
ie Ca
te
rpen r Bees
nk
bu
gs and Be
et Treatment Placement Recommendations:
le
i
S

St

1. S
 tructural sprays should focus on areas where invader
1 2 3 pests such as beetles and stink bugs enter the home.
Spot treatments around doors, windows, vents, and
Em access points are crucial.
s
&

r
er

era o
ld A s h B
2. F
 or invasive pests that invade yards in intense numbers,
target resting/feeding sites such as trees, shrubs, and
ornamentals. When using the powered backpack mist
blower utilize maximum throttle and ensure enough time
for application to reach the top of the tree canopy.
3. C
 arpenter bees frequently damage homes during regular
intervals in the year. If a preventive treatment cannot
be made, insecticide dust applied into the bore holes
is effective to eliminate these pests and prevent further
damage.
4. With most invasive and invader pests, intense population
bursts are common. During inspection be sure to clean
SQUAD up insect bodies and blow off debris to improve the
INVADER GUARD 4 customer service experience.

26
This document is for internal use only.
 SQUAD INVADER GUARD
PRODUCT USE GUIDE

PRODUCT RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED

TARGET PEST APPLICATION SITE(S) VENDOR
TYPE PRODUCT(S) RATE(S)

Temprid FX (Beta-
Tree
Combo of Cyfluthrin + Temprid FX: 0.27-
Destroying Pests Trees, ornamentals,
Pyrethroid + Imidacloprid) Temprid FX (Envu, BWI) 0.54 oz/gal
(spotted lantern fly, foliage, resting sites of
Neonic Tandem (Lambda- Tandem (Syngenta, BWI) Tandem: 0.55 - 1.1
emerald ash borer, target pest
(Restricted) cyhalothrin, oz/gal
gypsy moth)
Thiamethoxam)

Tree
Adjourn SC Adjourn SC: 0.75
Destroying Pests Trees, ornamentals, Long Lasting
(Deltamethrin) Adjourn SC (Atticus) oz/gal
(spotted lantern fly, foliage, resting sites of Type II
Tirade Ultra SC Tirade Ultra SC (Atticus) Tirade Ultra SC:
emerald ash borer, target pest Pyrethroid
(Beta-Cyfluthrin) 0.54 oz/gal
gypsy moth)

Adjourn SC

(Deltamethrin) Adjourn SC: 0.75

Full Structural Avesta CS Adjourn SC (Atticus) oz/gal

Long-lasting
Home Invading Pests Broadcast Treatments, (Lambda- Avesta CS (Amguard) Avesta CS: 0.8
Type I or II
(stink bug, Asian lady focused spot treatments Cyhalothrin) Devito CS (Atticus) oz/gal
Pyrethroid
bird bug, elm seed bug) around windows, doors, Devito CS (Lambda- Talak (Atticus) Devito: 0.8 oz/gal
Spray
foundation vents Cyhalothrin) Wisdom (Amguard) Talak: 0.5 oz/gal

Talak (Bifenthrin) Wisdom: 0.5 oz/gal

Wisdom (Bifenthrin)

27
 SQUAD INVADER GUARD
PRODUCT USE RESTRICTIONS

TARGET PEST WIND SPEED RETREAT GUIDANCE DISTANCE UP & OUT FROM BASE OTHER

Tree

Destroying Pests
Temprid - 3'
(spotted lantern fly, ----- ----- -----
up, 10' out
emerald ash borer, gypsy

moth)

Adjourn

Tree SC - may be made at 21

Destroying Pests Adjourn SC - 15 mph day intervals Adjourn

(spotted lantern fly, Tirade Ultra SC - 15 Tirade Ultra SC - every 7 SC - 2' up, 7' out -----

emerald ash borer, gypsy mph days; for turf as needed but Tirade Ultra SC - 2' up, 7' out

moth) not more than 6

times per year

Adjourn

SC - may be made at 21
Devito
Adjourn SC - 15 mph day intervals
Adjourn - Outdoor barrier sprays are
Home Invading Pests Avesta - 15 mph Devito - apply at 7 day
SC - 2' up, 7' out permissible, but applications
(stink bug, Asian lady bird Devito - 15 mph intervals; more frequent
Devito - 2' up, 7' out directly to
bug, elm seed bug) Talak - 10 mph should be limited to spot
Talak - 3' up, 10' out residential turf are not
Wisdom - 10 mph treatments
allowed
Talak - no more than

once per 7 days

28
29