Keeping mosquitos at bay requires careful attention to landscaping on your property. Removing standing water and cutting back shady areas of brush and tall grass is a good start toward ridding your land of biting pests. There are additional options to explore, such as the MistAway misting system.
How Does MistAway Work?
Systems like MistAway dispense a mist of pesticides at strategic locations surrounding your property at set intervals. The pesticides reduce the number of mosquitos in the area and evaporate quickly. They effectively control mosquito populations and prevent the annoying insects from ruining your picnics and other outdoor activities.
Is it Safe?
The EPA has passed MistAway and other systems as safe because the pesticides used dissipate quickly, posing no threat to humans or animals. Some pesticides are hazardous to fish, however, so the misting system needs to be placed carefully to avoid contaminating water sources. Professional installation and maintenance of a system is the best way to ensure safe usage.
What Pesticides are Used?
MistAway systems can be used with two different types of chemicals. Pyrethrin is commonly found as an ingredient in pet shampoos to kill fleas and ticks. The chemical is derived from a variety of chrysanthemum. It is highly refined and contains a synergist that increases the effectiveness. The mist flushes mosquitos from their hiding places in foliage and attacks their nervous systems. In the sunlight, pyrethrin quickly degrades, leaving no residue behind. Pyrethrin is commonly released at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active and beneficial insects like butterflies and bees are not active.
Permethrin is a synthetic version of pyrethrin. It has many of the same characteristics, but does not dissipate as quickly. It is most commonly used in systems located in areas with high populations of mosquitos, or when it is less desirable to have the mister running in the dusk and dawn hours, like near outdoor restaurants and other entertainment venues.
Is MistAway Effective?
Misting systems like MistAway are undoubtedly effective means of controlling mosquito populations. They are best used as part of a program of population control that includes reducing foliage around the home, removing sources of standing water, and other steps to protect the property and home from mosquito infestations. Contact Exclusive Pest Control to learn more about how MistAway can benefit your property as part of a mosquito control program.