Mosquito Control
A mosquito misting system is not a substitute for practicing mosquito breeding prevention. Make sure you do all you can to help cut down on the mosquito population by breaking the mosquito breeding cycle.
- 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.
- Empty and change the 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.
Pyrethrum is an insecticide and should still be handled with care. Always read the product label and used as directed. Direct and prolonged exposure should be avoided. Some people may have an allergy to Pyrethrum, so exposure should be minimized. You should avoid direct skin, eye, and inhalation exposure to any insecticide. Spray only when people and animals are not present. Set spray times accordingly. Spray only when mosquitoes and insects are present - unnecessary spraying costs money, wastes pyrethrum, and does not help the environment. Most installations only require 2 spray cycles a day of approximately 60 seconds each. You should observe the environment and spray when insects are present (dawn and dusk). Pyrethrum Spraying should NOT take place near any aquatic life. Pyrethrum is very toxic to fish. If Misting is necessary near aquatic life, consider using our non-pyrethrum based concentrates. Misting is not advised during windy conditions. If your area is susceptible to windy conditions, we recommend purchasing the optional wind or wind/rain sensor.
Pyrethrum Safety - EPA Risk Assessment
In mid-2005, the EPA did a risk assessment on the use of Pyrethrum and Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) in residential misting systems. PBO is a synergist added to the pyrethrum to increase its effectiveness, thereby requiring less Pyrethrum to be used to kill the pest. These two are combined to make a very effective formula for a residential misting system. Two separate assessments were done. One on Pyrethrum and the other on PBO. You can read a copy of each assessment here:
EPA Pyrethrum Study (.pdf)
EPA PBO Study (.pdf)
Pyrethroids vs. Pyrethrins
We sell both synthetic pyrethrum 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. According to petplace.com, "Permethrins, the synthetic insecticide, has a much greater potential for resulting in toxicity. Permethrin based topical flea products are usually labeled “for use in dogs only.” There is a wide safety margin for permethrins in dogs. Cats, however, are exquisitely susceptible to the toxic effects of permethrins. Application of permethrin-based insecticide to a cat will usually result in toxic signs within 6 hours."
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.
Helpful EPA guides
The EPA publishes a consumer booklet on Pest Control and Pesticide Safety. Visit the EPA website to view the Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety.
You may also want to review the EPA's Pesticide Safety Tips and Emergency First Aid Guidelines
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