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Meet Upstate Bug Busters

Local people.
Good work.
Enjoyable yards.

We’re a family-owned Capital Region company built around a simple promise: do thorough work, communicate honestly, and treat every yard like it’s our own.

Our promiseWe treat your yard like it’s our own.Local Family-owned Capital Region
Our story

Built here.
Built to care.

Founder Blake Mahieu created Upstate Bug Busters to give local families a more thoughtful way to enjoy their yards.

That means natural tick and mosquito control delivered by people who understand Capital Region properties, seasonal pest pressure, and the importance of showing up when we say we will.

We believe the quality of the service is inseparable from the character of the people providing it. Every visit is a chance to earn trust through preparation, care, and a job done thoroughly.

“We treat your yard like it’s our own.”
What guides us

Four values.
One standard.

These aren’t words reserved for a wall. They shape how we prepare, how we work together, and how we care for every customer.

01

Quality

We take the time to understand the property and deliver the full, careful coverage each yard deserves.

02

Integrity

We communicate clearly, recommend what makes sense, and do the work the right way—even when no one is watching.

03

Teamwork

We look out for one another, share what we know, and work as one team for the customer.

04

Professionalism

From arrival to follow-up, we respect your time, your property, and the trust you place in us.

The people behind the protection

Meet the
Bug Busters.

A local team with a shared standard: be prepared, be respectful, and leave every customer feeling confident about their yard.

Blake Mahieu standing beside an Upstate Bug Busters truck
Founder & owner

Blake Mahieu

Blake’s business journey began at age 11, mowing lawns around his neighborhood. That early start shaped the hard work, responsibility, and customer care that now guide Upstate Bug Busters.

A graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Blake leads UBB with a focus on professional service, natural solutions, innovation, and a workplace where people feel valued. Away from the business, he enjoys weightlifting, boating, snowmobiling, and spending time with family and friends.

“Build a company customers trust—and a team people are proud to be part of.”
Kristen Roberts
Human Resources, Payroll, Compliance & Bookkeeping

Kristen Roberts

Kristen keeps UBB’s internal operations organized and running smoothly, bringing accuracy, care, and strong family pride to every part of her role.

Outside work, she enjoys reading, fitness, traveling, family time, and walks with her dog. She has completed two half marathons and the 100-mile Tour de Cure cycling event.

Giovani Proietti
Service Team Lead

Giovani Proietti

Giovani brings care, precision, and professionalism to every property. His attention to detail and genuine desire to help people create a consistently positive customer experience.

Outside work, he enjoys snowmobiling, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and time with his friends, family, and girlfriend.

Ethan Lucier
Service Team Lead

Ethan Lucier

Ethan takes pride in helping families enjoy their outdoor spaces safely and comfortably. His reliability, professionalism, and commitment to the UBB mission make him a trusted team leader.

He spends his free time with friends and family, hiking, riding his four-wheeler, attending concerts, and relaxing at camp.

Austin Sanford
Technician

Austin Sanford

Austin approaches every yard as if it were his own. His strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to give every job his full effort make him a valuable part of the crew.

Outside UBB, Austin enjoys riding his motorcycle, working on his truck, being outdoors, and making memories with family and friends.

Ryan Parisi
Technician

Ryan Parisi

Ryan is known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and drive to exceed expectations. He takes pride in helping customers enjoy their yards and is always ready to go the extra mile.

When he’s off the clock, Ryan enjoys cars, boating, dirt bikes, and a great barbecue—especially pulled pork.

Buddy the Bug Buster, the Upstate Bug Busters mascot
The face of fun & natural protection

Buddy the Bug Buster

Buddy helps Capital Region families learn about ticks, mosquitoes, and natural backyard protection in a way that feels simple and approachable. Watch for him sharing helpful tips online and making appearances in the community.

Our company culture

Good people do
great work.

Our culture is built in the everyday moments: helping a teammate, answering a homeowner’s question, taking the extra pass, and being proud of the result.

01

Show up prepared

We bring the right equipment, knowledge, and attitude to every property.

02

Communicate clearly

Customers should always know what we’re doing, why it matters, and what comes next.

03

Look out for each other

Teamwork makes our people stronger and every customer experience better.

04

Take pride in the finish

We want every visit to feel complete, professional, and worthy of a recommendation.

Ready for more time outside?

Meet us in
your backyard.

Tell us a little about your property and our local team will help you find the right tick and mosquito protection.

Get a free yard quote
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