With summer comes mosquito season. These blood-sucking pests not only ruin outdoor gatherings, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, and malaria. If you’re looking for a way to keep your family safe from mosquitoes this summer, you may be considering a mosquito misting system. But do these systems really work? Let’s take a look.
How Mosquito Misting Systems Work
Mosquito misting systems are automated spraying systems that release a fine mist of insecticide into the air at regular intervals, typically once or twice a day. The insecticide used in these systems is typically pyrethrin- or pyrethroid-based, which are EPA-registered pesticides that are safe for use around humans and pets when used as directed. Mist is typically set to release during the times when mosquitoes are most active, dawn and dusk.
When the mist is released, it slowly mist downward coming in contact with flying mosquitoes, and kills them almost instantly.
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Do Mosquito Misting Systems Really Work?
There’s no doubt that mosquito misting systems can be effective at reducing the number of mosquitoes in your yard. In fact, one study found that after just four weeks of treatment, populations of container-breeding mosquitoes were reduced by 98%. However, it’s important to note that these systems are not 100% effective—they will not completely eliminate all mosquitoes from your property. But over time, some repellency is built up and mosquitoes will avoid your yard.
Additionally, mosquito misting systems require ongoing maintenance to be effective. The reservoirs of insecticide need to be refilled regularly, hoses and nozzles need to be checked for clogs and leaks, and typically every 90 days. But overall they are very low maintenance.
How Do Mosquito Misting Work?
Placement of nozzles and tubing is important; the goal is to create an entire enclosure of misting potential. So they are typically placed on the eaves of the home and around the fence lines and garage areas. Larger yard area would be perfect for riser systems that allow attractive placement in landscaping.
Do these Systems Control Other Insects?
Yes, they do work on other smaller insects that are in flight at the same times as mosquitoes. These same systems are used as spider control for homes and boat docks that are located close to water. The placement of the nozzles are different as the desired effect is to keep spiders and webs off of the home, so they are usually placed around the home and interior of patio areas.
What is the Typical Charge for These Systems?
Mosquito and spider systems are an investment that will continue to offer effective insect control year after year. The most expensive part of the install is the unit itself which can run about $2,400 to $2,800, then the number of nozzles will change the price. Most new installations will start at the $3,200 investment. Quarterly maintenance and fill runs around $225.00 to $250.00 depending on the product used in the system. The good news is that these units, MistAway, are systems that are still running 15 years after install.
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How Many Nozzles Can You Have?
A typical home size in a neighborhood such as Kingwood, would have about 27 to 35 nozzles installed. The system itself can handle 60 and a zone kit can be added to install an additional 60 nozzles. It will be programmed similar to a sprinkler system and initiate the zones. It is also very easy to increase the number of nozzles over time, so you decide to have more coverage in a particular area of your yard.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the mosquito population in your yard this summer, a mosquito misting system may be worth considering. These automated spraying systems release a fine mist of insecticide into the air at regular intervals, typically once or twice a day. And while they’re not 100% effective at eliminating all mosquitoes from your property, they can certainly make a huge dent. Helping you and your family start enjoying your backyard again.
