Mosquito Control Systems FAQs: Facts About Mosquito Sprays

There are many different mosquito control systems available, and people can get confused as to which they should use. Some questions relate the difference between mosquito sprays and misting systems, while others refer to how to control mosquitoes in winter – if in fact that is possible! Here are some of these questions and their answers, followed by some general information on preparing for the spring onslaught.

Mosquito Control Systems FAQs

Q: What are Mosquito Sprays?

Ans.: Mosquito sprays are fundamentally the same as fly sprays and any other insecticide spray. You can spray the flying insects, although it is very difficult to achieve significant results because you will find only a small proportion of the population in your yard flying around at any time. It is better to spray the foliage they rest on, particularly the underside of the leaves when they tend to rest when not active. Also spray underneath decking and in other shady areas that tend to remain damp.

Q: What’s the difference between a spray and a mosquito misting system?

Ans: A spray is normally applied manually, and is intended to kill mosquitoes in the areas sprayed. A mosquito misting system is usually automatic, and sprays a fine mist of insecticide around the perimeter of your yard or the premises you want to protect. Misting is carried out at preset intervals (though can be activated manually) so that when mosquitoes alight to rest on the shrubbery, trees or other areas around your yards perimeter, they will be destroyed. Fundamentally, misting creates a barrier around any areas previously cleared by means of a manual mosquito spray.

Q: Are sprays ad misting systems the only mosquito control systems available?

Ans.: Of course not. In fact, the initial mosquito control system is free! It involves you removing all areas of standing water from your premises. Go round your yard in fall or winter and empty all pet bowls, bird baths, metal and plastic containers, and make sure all your guttering is cleaned out and free flowing. These are areas where mosquitoes tend to congregate and breed. Even your pool is not free from them, so make sure it is treated. Clearing out all areas of standing water, even puddles of water in your garden, is mosquito control 101.

Q: How many eggs do mosquitoes lay at a time?

Ans.: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water, preferable stagnant water that has been lying around for a while. Maybe they think this is more likely to stay lying around for a lot longer! A common American mosquito, the Culex pipiens, can lay about 100 eggs at a time every three days while other can lay up to 500. They can hatch within 1-3 days or lie dormant over winter to hatch in the spring. From egg to adult can take from 5 to 14 days.

Q: What Chemicals Are Used in Mosquito Control Systems?

Ans: The chemicals are insecticides of course, and there a few of them that can be used. DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is a common chemical, and is used in many insecticide preparations. Although claimed to be safe, there is a question about it: it should not be used near children or pets, and should be washed off the body immediately after contact. Some prefer the effective permethrin which is absorbed by the skin around twenty times less than DEET. Unlike DEET, permethrin is biodegradable, so is removed from the soil and plants in your yard within 1-16 week depending on the amount applied. It is much safer for pets and children than DEET.

These are just a few answers to questions about mosquito control systems and mosquito sprays. More will be published later to help you prepare for the annual spring mosquito onslaught. Now is the time to start planning for spring, because it may be too late once the eggs are hatching.