Frequently Asked Questions
Is the grub control safe?
Our grub control is the latest, most effective treatment for grubs on the market today. In addition to that there is no “caution” word on the label. That means there is no threat to humans or mammals! Try to find something under your kitchen sink that doesn’t have the word caution on it.
How long before the next treatment?
We use slow release fertilizers. This means that it will slowly meter out to your grass plants over the course of 45 – 55 days before another treatment is necessary. Under normal conditions you can expect us to return within that time frame. However, depending upon your service schedule you may see us performing other services within that time period.
How come they were here and gone so fast?
Over the years we have perfected our methods. We have done this for efficiency. All of our equipment is regularly calibrated to apply the most even and consistent application possible. We are extremely organized and efficient. Our technicians are scouting your landscape for issues while they are treating and when they are done they are keeping detailed notes of any potential issues with your lawn and your mowing and watering practices. With our over 30 years of being in business we have learned the most effective ways to treat your landscape in the leas amount of time. We have invested considerable amounts of money into the equipment that we custom build and the methods in which we treat. Given the fact that our equipment can treat a large area in a very short period of time is the primary reason we are there and gone within a short period of time. If you would like more information about our techniques please access your account and schedule a service call or call our offices and we’ll be happy to meet with you and discuss it in person.
Other companies treat twice for grubs why doesn’t Red Carpet?
Other companies have different methods of control. We use the best products in the industry that provide the most effective control for ALL species of grubs. The product we use is absorbed by the plants and provides SEASON LONG CONTROL. We changed our practices in controlling grubs years ago after learning that some products are less effective.
Can I use my clippings in my garden or mulch beds?
We ask that all of our customers who bag their clippings to not put them in their gardens or mulch beds. If we had applied a weed control and you mowed a day or two after treatment, it’s possible you may cause harm to your plants. A better solution is to mulch your lawn with a mulching mower. This way your giving back valuable nutrients to the soil and increasing microbial activity of your soils.
Are these products safe for my pets and children?
With our grub control there is no risk to humans or mammals as determined by the EPA. For the rest of the treatments we provide, please refer to the instructions we leave at the door. As soon as most all of our treatments have dried it is safe to return to the areas. We pride ourselves in being environmental responsible. We review all of the products we use yearly and select the best products with the least amount of impact to the environment. After all our goal is to keep the environment healthy and safe!
Can I skip a treatment?
Our service is automatic once we meet with you and schedule services. Of course you can skip or stop service at any time. However, depending upon what was recommended for your property to achieve your goals you shouldn’t skip services. If you have further questions we ask that you contact us so we may evaluate your property and discuss weather or not it is recommended.
They just applied a grub control and I still have grubs in my lawn?
Since we treat for grubs in the spring time doesn’t mean that we are controlling actively feeding grubs. If you aren’t on a regular grub prevention program you may have grubs at the time of treatment. Our treatment for grubs will not control actively feeding grubs of a certain size. Please contact us to discuss this further. Our treatment is designed to control grubs at a certain stage in their life cycle. This means if we do a treatment and you currently have grubs we are not trying to control the grubs that are there, we are trying to control the next generation of grubs that have yet to be laid in your soils. Simply put we are controlling grub that will cause damage in the fall. Since grubs hatch in August and September if you had a treatment in the spring you will not experience damage in the fall and the following spring. However, the following spring we recommend treating again to protect against the following years life cycle. I’ts sometimes confusing to folks when explaining this. If you are confused or have further questions please contact us for a detailed explination.
My lawn doesn’t look very good. Should I keep treating it?
If we are not reaching the goals we originally discussed with you then we need to schedule a service call and visit your property to reassess your situation. Environmental conditions change from year to year and sometimes a change in tactics is recommended.
Do you do landscaping and mowing?
We get asked this question a lot! The short answer is no, but it depends upon what you are looking for. We offer many services that we don’t advertise. If we can’t provide what you are looking for, we work with many landscapers in your area that we can recommend. Give us a call or shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to help you find someone who can provide what you are looking for.
If I receive services late in the season will it do anything?
As usual it depends upon the services that we are providing you. However, we are not in the business of servicing properties without the expectation of results. We end our service schedules in November of each year. Some of these services that are done late in the season are designed to work over the winter to adjust soils, provide nutrients and protect against certain pests. Please reach out to us to review your schedule and we can help you better understand the services we are providing if you ever have a question.
How long will it take for my weeds to go away?
If we treated for weeds you can expect curling to be apparent after 1 week. Usually, under normal conditions you can expect most of the weeds to be gone after a months time. This will depend upon the type of weeds controlled and the time of season.
I just mowed, is this a good time for treatment?
Typically we ask that mowing be completed 24 hours before treatments. However, your technician can instruct you weather or not services can be performed if you just mowed. In many cases it can be done directly after mowing. However, there are a few services that we recommend waiting before mowing. If you are planning on mowing after a treatment we ask that you wait typically 24 hours. Again, this depending upon the service that was provided. We ask that you call our office or speak with your technician about this.
My lawn was just treated and it rained after they left….Now what?
Rain is the best thing for most treatments. However, if we treated for weeds a re-treatment may be necessary. We ask that you wait 1 week to look for signs of curling. If the weeds are curling than the treatment was effective. If after a couple of weeks curling is not taking place than we will re visit your site and re-treat at no charge. A call to our office or an email will allow us to review your schedule and speak with your technician to see if they did in fact treat for weeds or not.
Why do I have to mow so much?
If your lawn has been fertilized and you are experiencing rapid growth it could be because of the nutrients your lawn is now receiving. In most cases spring is the time of season that folks experience this. This is due to the fact that we are receiving more rainfall and warmer temperatures. When this happens turfgrass is vigorously trying to push shoot growth in an effort to make chlorophyll. Your mowing practices should be to cut the lawn at 3″ consistently and to not remove more than 1/3rd of the leaf blade per cut. Ensure your mower blades are sharp as this will help with the spread of fungus. For more information
Is there anything I can do to save money?
YES! We have a referral program that you can use at any time. You’ll receive a discount if one of your friends signs up for one of our programs and they will too! Visit this link to access our easy to use form: REFERRAL PROGRAM In addition to that we offer a prepay program where you can prepay for your seasonal schedule and save a percentage off all of your services. This is mailed out to all of our clients before the season starts and is available for a limited time.
How long do I have to wait before using my yard again?
Typically 2 hours is more than enough time before reentry. Your instructions left on your door will clearly define when you can resume normal activity. Simply put, keep off until dry. If you do happen to come into contact with any of our treatments, simply wash with soap and water. If you have further questions regarding re entry please call our office.
Will the treatments hurt my well?
There is very little likelihood that pesticides applied to lawns will end up in groundwater. Well-managed turf prevents runoff into water. In studies at The Pennsylvania State University for the U.S. Geological Survey, researchers found that the impact of well-managed turfgrass on water quality is so positive that the potential for water pollution from lawn pesticides and fertilizers is considerably less than other urban pollutants not associated with well-managed turfgrass areas.
An Ohio State University study found that thatch and other underlying soil residues retained nearly all the applied pesticides during the fi rst two weeks after application. Residues in the soil were less than one part per million over 34 weeks of sampling. This means virtually all the applied pesticide was staying in the thatch layer and surface residues rather than moving into underground water.
Presence of pesticides in well water is minimal. There are no known reported cases of adverse health effects from pesticide-contaminated water. Even in areas where pesticide use is most heavily concentrated, the presence of pesticides in wells has been found to be minimal or nonexistent.
“Present” does not mean harmful. Advances in analytical chemistry have made it possible to detect the presence of substances at levels never thought possible. The ability to detect chemicals at parts per million has virtually been replaced by measurements at parts per billion, parts per trillion and parts per quadrillion. As a comparison, a part per million is analogous to one second in 12.5 days, part per billion is analogous to one second in 32 years, and a part per trillion is analogous to one second in 32,000 years. To find a substance present in water has more to do with the ability to detect its presence, not a determination of risk.
How long does the insect treatment last?
Depending upon the type of treatment that has been applied will dictate it’s longevity. Usually with our turf treatments you can expect it to last up to 4 weeks depending upon rainfall. Since we treat for various insect pests it’s hard to tell you exactly. However, with the instructions we leave at your door you’ll have a clear understanding of the longevity and if further treatments are required.
How long do I have to wait to mow may lawn after treatment?
That depends upon the treatment that has been applied. Usually we ask that folks wait 24 hours before watering or mowing. This is the general rule of thumb. However, with each treatment you will receive an invoice on your door with instructions and a description of what has been done. It is very important that you read what we leave at your door. Sometimes watering is required immediately.
Why isn’t the grub control treatment done in the fall?
Our treatments are targeted for the specific time that the pests are most vulnerable. In the case of grubs this is just be fore egg lay. Grubs in our area lay their eggs around July and August. You won’t see damage until the fall. However, since we are targeting the small larvae (grub) just after it hatches it’s important that we have our treatment down in time to be absorbed by the plants. Yes! That is right! Our product is absorbed by the grass and when the beetles lay their eggs and the eggs hatch they begin to feed on the roots. Soon after injecting some of the plant tissue they will die as the product is already within the plants.