It’s summer, which means pests like mosquitoes are out ten fold. In some regions of the country, mosquitoes are problematic year-round. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some sort of, oh I don’t know, intermittent system that worked on a remote or timer that could spray these pests so you don’t have to?
Well, you’re in luck, folks. Introducing mosquito misting system products! Like those cooling misters you see in lines at theme parks, mosquito misting systems work by releasing a fine mist of pesticides into the air and killing surrounding mosquitoes and other insects.
This effectively eliminates all the hard work and pest control you need to do (or at least some of it), but that doesn’t mean a mosquito misting system is for everyone.
So, exactly what are these innovative products and what are they all about? That’s what we’re here to discuss!
Contents
What Is A Mosquito Misting System?
Misting systems have long been used for agricultural purposes to repel and kill pests.
As we just touched on briefly above, a mosquito misting system is a method of pest control typically used in large agricultural regions or in open spaces. However, more and more residential areas are turning to these types of methods for pest control as they are proven to work and work effectively.
These products are becoming more in demand recently as we learn more about the deadly diseases and viruses mosquitoes can carry like West Nile Disease and the Zika Virus.
So, how do they work?
Mosquito misting systems can be difficult to set up and even costly to acquire, but once they are installed they can help alleviate much of the hard work of pest control.
They typically come with a large canister or drum in which to hold the liquid. Along with the canister you will receive a motor and tubing that is made to be attached or hooked up to the perimeter of your home, around your fence, near your garden, or anywhere you hope to keep mosquitos at bay.
There are a few different kinds of mosquito misting systems and many can be controlled via remote control, a switch, or even set to a timer.
Once installed, most mosquito misting systems will need to be refilled and maintained. But how much will a mosquito misting system cost you?
It depends. The average cost of a mosquito misting system is around $2,500. However, some owners spend about $1,500 while others cough up a whopping $4,000 for these pest control machines.
Prices vary depending on location, the type of product you are purchasing, installation requirements, and how large of a product you need to purchase.
The surface area in which your mosquito misting system can protect will also depend on how large your property is and how much of it you want to keep mosquito free.
Once you do purchase a mosquito misting system and have it installed, you will also need to factor in maintenance for the product as well as refillers for the system to keep it active and working.
You can learn more about how a mosquito misting system works and how to install a mosquito misting system in the below video.
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Are Mosquito Misting Systems Safe? Weighing The Pros and Cons Of These Products
For those with children and pets, using a mosquito misting system could be cause for concern.
Many people swear by residential mosquito misting system products, including some pest control experts. If you watched the video above, the spokesperson even admitted he had a mosquito misting system installed around his home!
However, mosquito misting systems may be convenient, but that doesn’t mean they are the safest or the most effective form of pest control when it comes to getting rid of mosquitoes.
This is why it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of using a mosquito misting system as opposed to other forms of routine pest control and management.
The Pros Of A Residential Mosquito Misting System
- Mosquito misting systems are efficient
When installed and used correctly, a mosquito misting system can help keep mosquitos at bay effectively for as long as they are in use. This is especially true if you have a number of mosquitos in close proximity to your home, or if you have bodies of water around your property that may be attractive to mosquitoes that you cannot or do not wish to remove.
- They help save you time and can even save you money
If used properly, a mosquito misting system can not only save you time, but also money in the long run. If you find you are spending hundreds on routine pest control every year, then a solution may be to install a mosquito misting system on your property to help repel pests.
- Mosquito misting systems can come with natural repellents to mist
If you’re concerned about using chemical sprays and pesticides in a mosquito misting system, you can likely find options with natural fillers and ingredients that are less risky to the environment, people and pets.
With that said, most pesticides or insecticides used in a mosquito misting system are generally low risk products that, when used as instructed, are generally safe for people and animals.
- Mosquito misting systems kill other pests outside of mosquitos
Last but not least, a mosquito misting system can solve a number of insect problems around your home, not just mosquitoes. Many mosquito misting system products work against other flying and biting pests like gnats, midges, flies, wasps and more.
The Cons of Mosquito Misting Systems
- Mosquito misting systems can be costly
As we touched on above, a mosquito misting system can be quite costly. Even on the low end some of these products can cost owners around $1,500 just to obtain. Installation fees could cost even more, as could maintenance and refiller.
Depending on the size of your home or property, it’s possible for a mosquito misting system to cost you up to $5,000.
- A mosquito misting system requires routine maintenance and care
Although a mosquito misting system does reduce the amount of work you’ll need to do when it comes to routine pest control, it replaces that work by needing routine maintenance and care. Like all products, a mosquito misting system can break down over time.
Wear and tear as well as irritation from the chemicals inside can cause clogs, leaks, cracks, erosion, and more. Most mosquito misting system products also include motors and hoses that require replacing and maintenance as time goes on, and it’s important to keep this in mind.
- Some chemicals used in mosquito misting systems may be illegal in your area
Though it should be possible to find a natural mosquito mister refiller for your mosquito misting system, it could be tricky. It is likely easier and less expensive to purchase generic mosquito misting system pesticides.
It’s very important that you do your research before investing in a mosquito misting system filler to ensure the product you are using is safe, effective and legal.
- Most mosquito misting systems use pesticides or chemical insecticides that come with moderate risks to people, pets and the environment
Lastly, remember that any chemical insecticide or pesticide is going to come with risks to people, pets and the environment. However, some come with less risks than others.
Try and ensure you do your research and have a good idea of how mosquito misting systems work, the products that they mist, and the types of risks involved.
Best Mosquito Misting System Filler For Yards
Misting systems can help repel mosquitoes and many other pests.
Because a mosquito misting system can be so costly, we highly recommend doing plenty of research and investigating particular manufacturers before you invest. We also suggest reading reviews and perhaps even considering contacting local pest control experts for their take on which system would be ideal for your home.
We should also note that it can be difficult to find a quality mosquito misting system outside of large companies or manufacturers. However, we were able to locate a few you could purchase online that we found to have solid reviews and ratings.
MistAway Mosquito Misting System
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One of the most popular mosquito misting systems you might come across is designed by a manufacturer known as MistAway. They build and deliver residential mosquito misting systems for clients throughout the United States.
We like a few things about this product, including it’s look. Unlike some systems, which are dingy and unattractive, this system looks sleek. Many gardeners wouldn’t mind having this product in their yard to protect against mosquitoes.
However, be sure to read the instructions when purchasing this product to ensure you have all the parts that are required in order for this mosquito misting system to work effectively.
You should also be sure to buy filler for the system so you can begin to use it immediately once it is installed.
For a choice of quality fillers, insecticides and pesticides, scroll down to the filler section of this article.
SolaMist Pest Control Mosquito Misting System
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While most mosquito misting systems do seem to cost an arm and a leg, and while many contain chemical pesticides that can be dangerous, this product is actually less expensive than most and non-toxic. It’s also solar powered and triggered using an application on your phone.
This mosquito misting system works against not only mosquitoes, but also fleas, spiders, ticks, wasps and more. It can be set to a timer and is even portable!
However, this product is small and will only help protect smaller areas, which means mosquitoes will be only deterred from your direct vicinity.
Experts recommend this mosquito misting system for camping and outdoor adventures like picnics.
Pynamite Cube Pro Bluetooth Mosquito Misting System
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This mosquito misting system is a 55 gallon system that includes 30 nozzles and can cover a large surface area when installed correctly.
It is also controlled by bluetooth and can be turned on or off using a remote control.
Best of all, this mosquito misting system requires no assembly, and the nozzle is already set up to begin misting.
This can cut back on installation fees, but we also like that the cube that carries the misting product is only 26 inches, which means it is easier for you to hide in your yard or garden.
Best Mosquito Misting System Filler
You can sometimes choose the type of insecticide used inside your mosquito misting system.
Well, a mosquito misting system is nothing without its filler, right? But finding the best filler for a mosquito misting system can be almost as difficult as finding the right mosquito misting system for your yard and family.
Depending on the type of system you have, you may or may not be able to use natural fillers or insecticides. It’s very important that you look into the type of system you have invested in and get the filler recommended by the product manufacturers.
However, we have listed some of the more popular mosquito misting system fillers and insecticide concentrates below for you to consider or at least to give you a starting point.
Mosquito Magician Natural Mosquito Killer
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First on our list is an all natural mosquito killer concentrate. This product is 98% effective against mosquitoes, fleas, no-see-ums, ticks, fire ants and other pests as well. The product works using natural ingredients that are safe for epope, pets and the environment while also being harmless to beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Some of the ingredients include essential oils like garlic oil, citronella oil, geraniol oil, lemongrass oil and cedarwood oil.
Being all natural, this filler for a mosquito misting system is free of pyrethrin or permethrin, two of the most common active ingredients in chemical insecticides.
However, we should note that it is possible not all misters will be able to tolerate this type of product. Be sure and read the instructions carefully before using this on your particular mosquito misting system.
MGK Sector Permethrin Misting Insecticide
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A product that is specifically designed for use on mosquito misting systems is made by Sector. This is a permethrin pesticide that works against mosquitoes, house flies, skipper flies, gnats, hornets, wasps, boxelder bugs, midges, japanese beetles and more.
This product is designed to be used in residential spaces and, when used as directed, is pet safe and children safe. It comes in a gallon order and is concentrated, and can fill an up to 55 gallon mosquito misting system.
Alternatives To A Mosquito Misting System
There are alternatives you can use when it comes to getting rid of mosquitoes.
Now that we’ve covered what a mosquito misting system is, you may have decided this type of pest control option isn’t right for you. That’s okay, and there are plenty of other alternatives you can use to a mosquito misting system that work similarly and/or effectively as well.
Black Flag Propane Insect Fogger
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An insect fogger can work similarly to a mosquito misting system, although it requires a manual application each time you want to use it. Still, this product is much less costly than most mosquito misting system products and you can target specific areas around your property for best results.
The above fogger is made by a popular brand Black Flag, and works by fogging pests using a chemical insecticide.
This product can work against not only mosquitoes, but also biting flies, fleas, midges, and other flying insects for up to six hours. Application takes less than five minutes and there is no lasting odor or chemical smell.
However, we should note that fogging does often require the use of chemical insecticides or pesticides. Use this product and method only as directed and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Can You Make A DIY Mosquito Misting System? Tips On Do It yourself Pest Control
Apple cider vinegar and essential oils are ingredients you can use to make your own mosquito repellent.
If you scour the internet, you’ll find a few blogs, articles and even videos discussing DIY mosquito misting systems and instructional steps. However, the truth is that most of these diy products are simply kits you purchase and install yourself, but they still require you to go through a mosquito misting system manufacturer to purchase parts.
This means you have two options when it comes to a mosquito misting system – you can either hire a company to install one for you or you can purchase the parts or a kit separately and install it yourself.
There are pros and cons to both methods.
Installing a mosquito misting system yourself will likely save you money, but it will take time. Hiring professionals to install a mosquito misting system for you means you will get the system installed correctly and professionally the first time. You may also be able to ask questions about the system as the installation process takes place.
If you’re looking for a true DIY project or do it yourself pest control method for getting rid of mosquitoes and other flying and biting pests, there are a few methods you can use below.
Essential Oils
Many people use essential oils as a natural form of pest control because it truly does work. Essential oils are not only effective against mosquitoes, but they also work to repel a number of other pests including rodents, snakes, ants, roaches, biting midges, earwigs, spiders and more.
Some of the best essential oils for mosquito control include:
- Lavender Oil
- Basil Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Citronella Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Geranium Oil
- And Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
It’s very easy to use essential oils to repel mosquitoes. You can either apply essential oils directly to your pulse points and clothes to help repel these pests from biting you, or you can make a spray.
To make your own essential oil spray (and, we suppose, your own mini essential oil mosquito misting system) simply combine 10 to 20 drops of the essential oil of your choice with two cups of water. You can add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the mix as well if you like.
Make sure the solution is mixed well and add it to a spray bottle, then go outside and target spray certain areas where mosquitoes are abundant. The soap will kill the mosquitoes on contact and the essential oils will repel any mosquitos you may have missed.
You can also saturate cotton balls in any of the above listed essential oils and leave them around your home and yard to repel mosquitoes, rodents, and many other pests. Just be sure to replace these cotton balls with newly saturated cotton balls every two to three days.
Use Fresh Garlic
You can buy pre-crushed garlic at the store or you can crush fresh garlic yourself as either option will work. Garlic has a strong scent and can be irritating to a number of pests.
Place crushed garlic around water sources and near your patio – basically anywhere in your yard or on your property that is mosquito-heavy.
The only downfall of garlic is that it does have a strong smell and if you don’t like it then it could be irritating. Garlic is also toxic to dogs if ingested, so we don’t recommend using this method if you have pets.
Spread Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another simple home remedy you can use in place of a mosquito misting system to repel pests. Simply sprinkle coffee grounds around your home or property, making a perimeter guard to keep pests at bay.
However, like garlic, coffee can be toxic to pests if ingested. Be careful of using this method in or around your home if you have animals.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
Apple cider vinegar is a nifty home ingredient you may have on hand that you can use to repel pests.
To use this method, combine one cup of water and one cup of apple cider vinegar to a spray bottle, then add 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Then spray this around your home and yard to repel pests.
Apply Camphor To Your Skin
Camphor is a substance that is often applied to skin to help alleviate pain, cold sores, bug bites, etc.
However, many people don’t realize that camphor is also a natural mosquito repellent. If you can find camphor in a powder or lotion form, you can use it directly on your skin or around your property to repel these pests and keep them from biting.
Mosquito Misting System – What Do We Think About This Innovative Way To Keep Pests At Bay?
Although mosquito misting system products can work and work effectively, most experts agree that there is no better pest control than routine pest control management.
This includes the use of a year-round pest control regimen and continuous home and yard maintenance and care.
When it comes to getting rid of mosquitoes, there are a number of ways you can reduce and prevent them, and experts recommend you follow these tips below even if you do choose to invest in a mosquito misting system.
First, Do Plenty Of Routine Landscaping
Mosquitos are highly attracted to water sources, and especially stagnant water sources. This is because they breed and lay their eggs in stagnant water. This could include any type of water source you may not even think of like children’s pools, bird feeders, garden ponds, and even water that collects in overturned buckets, drains, and gutters.
Keeping your lawn free of excess water sources and ensuring your grass is trimmed, debris is moved, and methods are implemented to protect water sources from pests will greatly help decrease the number of mosquitoes on your property.
Consider Inviting the Predators
Though mosquitoes are often considered a nuisance, they do play an important role in the environment. One of those roles is that they are a food source to a number of other beneficial animals. Some of the best predators for mosquitoes that you should consider inviting into your yard or garden include:
- Bats
- Turtles
- Frogs and Tadpoles
- Dragonflies
- Birds
- Toads
- Fish
- Predatory mosquitoes
- And Damselflies
Plant Pest Repellent Plants
One of the most effective and natural ways you can implement mosquito control is to plant pest repellent plants around your home. Companion planting is a useful tool that will not only help repel mosquitoes, but a number of other common garden pests.
Some of the most effective pest-repellent plants are listed below:
- Lemon Balm
- Sage
- Bee Balm
- Lemon Scented Geraniums
- Lemongrass
- Marigolds
- Catnip
- Lavender
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Garlic
- Peppermint
- Pennyroyal
- Floss Flower
- Lemon Mint
- Horsemint
- Lemon Thyme
Use a Year-Round Pest Control Method
Last but certainly not least, consider using a year round pest control method to help repel a number of different pests. While mosquito misting systems can be a part of this year-round pest control method, nothing replaces diligent vigilance and targeted applications of pest repellents and sprays.
One of the best year-round pest repellents that we like to recommend is a natural product called Wondercide.
Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray
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Wondercide is ideal for both organic gardeners, conscientious home owners, and anyone really who is looking to repel pests naturally and effectively. It works against mosquitoes, gnats, midges, fleas, ticks, roaches, spiders and a number of other common yard and garden pests.
Best of all, this product is completely safe and natural. It works using essential oils like peppermint oil, rosemary oil, cedar oil and eucalyptus oil to repel common pests while also being safe for people, pets and the environment.
In fact, there is no wait time for this spray to dry or settle before it is safe. You can spray it directly in your yard and garden and children and pets can play immediately after.
So, now that you know more about mosquito misting systems and how they work, would you consider investing in one?
We do think this is a good investment when used and installed properly, and many other experts agree. Of course, keep in mind that nothing replaces good old fashioned routine pest control and management on your part.
We hope this has been a helpful guide on mosquito misting systems! Tell us what you think about the products listed above in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading!
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.