Mosquito Control
A mosquito misting system is not a substitute for practicing good mosquito breeding prevention. In addition to using a mosquito misting system you should also make sure to break the mosquito breeding cycle.
- Be sure to empty standing water in buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other containers where mosquitoes might breed. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a thimble full of water.
- Change water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week if not more often. Drain or fill temporary pools with dirt.
- Keep swimming pools treated and circulating and rain gutters unclogged.
Pesticide Safety
All insecticides should be handled with care, even the plant oil based insecticides. Always read the product label and use as directed. Prolonged and direct exposure to any insecticide should be avoided. If a person is known to have an allergy to any of the ingredients, exposure should be minimized. The system should be programmed to mist when people and animals are not present. It is best practice to mist only at times when insects are present. Unnecessary misting costs money, wastes insecticide, and does not help the environment. Most installations only require 2 mist cycles a day of approximately 60 seconds each.
If your nozzles are located in an area where misting solution will enter a lake, pond, or other body of water containing aquatic life, do not use Pyrethrum or Permethrin based insecticide as it is toxic to aquatic life. Additionally, misting is not advised during windy conditions. If your area is susceptible to windy conditions, we recommend purchasing the optional wind sensor.
Pyrethrins (pyrethrum) vs. Permethrins
We sell both pyrethrum and synthetic pyrethrum type products. Synthetic insecticides like Permethrin act in a similar manner to Pyrethrins (Pyrethrum). Synthetics, often used in mosquito abatement programs, have recently been in the news. In 2004, California reported finding a species of mosquito which had built up tolerance to synthetics.
Synthetics are also often found in indoor foggers and flea and tick dips. However, Permethrin is toxic to cats because their livers are unable to eliminate the permethrin, causing toxic buildup. If you have cats living on your property or that frequent your property do not use Permethrin in your misting system.
We sell only water based Pyrethrums. Some brands of Pyrethrum are oil based and can cause serious plant burn and staining to decks, houses, etc.
Environmental Protection Agency – Useful Information
Outdoor Residential Misting Systems
Risk Assessment on use of Pyrethrum in residential misting systems
Risk Assessment on use of PBO in residential misting systems
