Preventative pest control is always the ideal solution for any lingering pests if you want to avoid harsh chemicals, but many methods are not always guaranteed to work.
Not only does nature make it difficult to prevent mosquitos in Maryland from entering your backyard, but homeowners must weigh the risks of using sprays and foggers with the risk of disease some mosquitos carry.
Fortunately, most mosquito yard sprays are entirely safe, mainly when applied by a professional. This guide will demystify mosquito yard sprays, including their safety, efficacy, duration, and natural alternatives.
Mosquito Yard Spray: How Does It Work?
There are two types of mosquito yard sprays: adulticides and larvicides.
Each name implies its intended target, as adulticides typically kill flying mosquitos upon contact, while larvicides are designed to kill eggs slowly before they hatch.
Most pest control companies and store-bought products are considered adulticides and contain synthetic organophosphates. Essentially, these sprays use synthetic pesticides designed to kill flying insects on contact, including mosquitos, ticks, and fleas.
When sprayed, mosquito yard sprays work fairly instantly, reducing bug bites and mosquito interactions by up to 80%. These sprays also use EPA-approved ingredients considered safe for families and pets.
However, many pest control companies don’t offer organic solutions for people who are nervous about applying mosquito yard sprays. Pest Czar is one of the few in Maryland certified to offer In2Care Stations, which contain natural larvicides that slowly reduce mosquito populations.
Mosquito yard sprays are the most effective for instant relief, but for long-lasting relief, look for a mosquito control company that offers larvicides, such as In2Care Stations.
How Long Do Mosquito Yard Sprays Last?
Mosquito yard sprays differ by manufacturer, with some over-the-counter products offering temporary relief for a few hours during an outdoor get-together.
Pest Czar’s mosquito yard sprays work for a few weeks, as technicians reapply them every three weeks during peak mosquito activity seasons.
Safety Precautions When Using Mosquito Sprays
Proper safety precautions are essential if you apply a store-bought spray or contract a professional.
Pest Czar’s yard spray requires all family members and pets to stay off lawns and affected areas for up to 30 minutes after the treatment, which is typical of most sprays.
Location matters greatly, too. Applying sprays along the perimeter of your yard in all directions will yield the best results, while applying sprays in areas of high concentration, such as near-standing water, will also yield positive results.
If you apply a mosquito yard spray yourself, wear proper protection, including gloves, safety glasses, and a mask.
Environmental Considerations for Mosquito Spraying
Mosquitos aren’t solo flyers in our backyards—they’re part of an ecosystem where even the smallest change makes waves.
Take honey bees as an example; pesticides are a known danger to honey bee communities, so keep this in mind if you have a fruitful garden that requires active pollinators.
This could be a plus to some people, but overall, homeowners need to be smart and conservative when applying mosquito yard sprays to avoid harming nearby insects and flyers.
Natural Alternatives to Chemical Mosquito Repellents
If you’re weary of using harsh but safe chemicals on your lawn, there are several natural alternatives.
Professionally, no product will compare with In2Care Stations as most organic pesticides are not strong enough to perish adult mosquitos on contact.
Regarding prevention, we’ve provided some tips for getting rid of mosquitos that could reduce mosquito bites.
- Remove standing water. Ponds, marshes, and even standing water found in gutters, bird baths, and old tires are known mosquito attractants, as they serve as a breeding ground for mosquito larvae.
- Plant citronella flowers or light citronella candles at outdoor gatherings. Citronella is a known bug repellent for mosquitos, flies, and more.
- Use a high-speed fan. Mosquitos are not very strong or agile flyers, so placing an outdoor fan at high speeds will disorient and repel most mosquitos.
- Apply essential oils, such as peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree oil. These scents offend mosquitos and other insects, such as cockroaches.
- Plant lavender or marigolds. These plants contain compounds that mosquitos dislike and are repulsed by.
- Install mosquito netting around any patios or seated outdoor areas in which you are seeking coverage.
Of course, none of these tips are guaranteed to eliminate mosquitos. Therefore, you can acquire greater peace of mind by contracting a proffesional.
Greater Peace of Mind: Professional Mosquito Control Services
Since mosquito yard sprays require repeated spraying, entrusting a professional pest control like Pest Czar with all your mosquito control needs is ideal.
Not only do licensed technicians have the equipment required for safe application, but they also have the knowledge to apply sprays in the right areas for maximum protection.
Whether you’re looking for mosquito yard sprays or In2Care Stations, Pest Czar is the right company to trust for your mosquito needs.
Customers who sign up for our mosquito control services will be protected all summer and have greater peace of mind so they can finally “take their yards back.”
FAQs
Are mosquito yard sprays safe for pets and children?
Almost all sprays are safe for pets and children if applied properly. While they may contain harmful ingredients when first applied, they will become less harmful when allowed time to settle. Of course, organic sprays are also available, though these are typically less effective.
Will mosquito yard sprays harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies?
Many mosquito yard sprays contain insecticides that can harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies if used indiscriminately. However, eco-friendly options targeting mosquitos while minimizing harm to beneficial insects are also available. Additionally, selectively applying sprays and avoiding spraying when beneficial insects are most active can help mitigate potential harm.
Do mosquito yard sprays provide long-term mosquito control?
Mosquito yard sprays can temporarily relieve mosquito infestations by killing adult mosquitos on contact and repelling them for a certain period. However, they do not offer long-term mosquito control unless reapplied consistently. For long-term relief, larvicides, such as In2Care Stations, will offer the greatest chance of success.