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MOSQUITO MISTING SYSTEMS
Mosquito season is a time when people will do almost anything to get to enjoy their back yards and get relief from the biting pests. Some have tried the following in their back yards: light candles, install bug zappers or dope on skin repellents. Mosquito misting systems that are installed around the perimeter of homes have become increasingly popular. Installed devices such as mist-spray insecticides such as pyrethrum or synthetic pyrethroids at regular, timed intervals. Mosquito’s are “crepuscular” meaning that the fly in the early morning and early evening. They are noted for being poor flyers and light frequently in grass blades, plant leaves and branches.
Three questions should be asked before any mosquito control technique is evaluated: 1) Is it effective? 2) Is it safe for people, pets and the environment? 3) And does the cost/benefit analysis make it worth the cost? Misting systems have been engineered to pass these three tests.
Mosquito misting systems do kill adult mosquitoes and do so at optimal times while many mosquito’s are not flying in the early morning and early evening. These systems apply very tiny droplets that drift with the wind. Possible drift is controlled by the timing of application. A slightly possible over-use of pyrethroids can make mosquitoes resistant to the pesticide. Their have been alarming warnings that pyrethroids used by misting systems could result in widespread resistance, which would seriously compromise our capability to control adult mosquito populations. This is unlikely because not all people will install a system. They are much more affordable now because of technology developments.
Dogs and especially cats, should be kept indoors for 30 minutes after each application to insure that there is no risk to either animal.
Misting systems have been engineered to a fine art nowadays and the high cost has been eliminated. Costs used to range from about $1,000 to more than $5,000. These cost s are greatly reduced as are replacement chemicals. Keeping reservoir tanks stocked with pesticides has been reduced as well
Pest King continues to suggest larviciding and repellents as a much cheaper and more effective way to control mosquitoes around the home. However some people do not want to invest the additional effort to learn what to do and then do it!
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