Do you use mosquito spray when outside? Mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases like Zika, malaria, and dengue fever. So it’s essential to take precautions against these pests. But is the mosquito spray effective in preventing bites? Fort Collins mosquito spray experts will discuss mosquito spray and its effectiveness in controlling mosquitoes in this blog post. Stay safe and healthy out there!
Contents
What is a Mosquito Repellent?
Mosquito sprays are products designed to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects away from your body or home. These products contain different ingredients in varying concentrations. Some sprays are meant to kill the insects, while others deter them.
How Effective is Mosquito Spray?
Whether you are spraying the mosquito repellant on your yard or yourself, the protection measures should be different. Notably, using proper spraying methods ensures that the chemical is effectively applied. For example, if you want to use a mosquito spray to protect your backyard from mosquitoes, a higher concentration of active ingredients may work better. In addition, other factors like the weather and environment can affect the spray’s effectiveness. For instance, ensuring that the environment is not conducive for mosquitoes’ breeding will go a long way in augmenting the longevity of the spray.
What are the types of Mosquito sprays?
When you think of mosquito sprays, do you immediately narrow your thoughts to professional-grade applications that pest control companies use? Those are great for areas where insect infestations have become a problem, but there are also consumer-grade sprays that can protect you and your family from mosquitoes.
When you opt for Consumer-grade mosquito sprays, you’ll benefit from their cost-effective prices and convenient application. These products can treat large areas, like your entire backyard or patio. But they are not as effective as Professional-grade sprays and may last for only a couple of hours or days. Most consumer-grade products come in aerosol canisters and pump bottles.
On the other hand, licensed professionals apply professional-grade mosquito sprays with the expertise and access to high concentrations of active ingredients. Professional-grade applications can treat more extensive areas like gardens, yards, or the entire perimeter of your house. Depending on weather conditions, the application can last several weeks.
Common Active Ingredients
The CDC has some recommendations for choosing mosquito repellent products. Every product has its formulation of active ingredients, but the most common types include:
- DEET. Sprays containing DEET are the most effective in repelling mosquitoes. DEET works by overpowering the sense of smell that mosquitoes use to find their next meal. However, it may have some adverse effects on people, mainly when used on children. The CDC recommends using DEET products that are no more than 30% concentration and following the instructions on the label for proper application.
- Picaridin: As an alternative to DEET, picaridin is a chemical compound that works similarly to DEET. You can apply it directly onto the skin and clothing, but it is safer for children.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. OLE is another chemical that works by confusing mosquitoes’ ability to find their next meal. You can apply it directly to the skin, clothing, and mosquito nets. Studies have shown that OLE is as effective as DEET in deterring mosquitoes.
- Citriodora. Citriodora is a plant-based ingredient that can be applied directly to the skin.
What other efforts can do to support mosquito spraying?
Mosquito sprays are helpful, but they are not the only solution to mosquito controls. There are many other efforts you can make around your home or property to reduce mosquitoes’ population effectively. Some of these include:
Cutting long grass. Long grass can be a haven for mosquitoes to breed, so make sure you keep it cut down.
Ensuring that there is no standing water. Like excess rainwater, stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and can quickly cause problems around your home or property.
Are you better off hiring a professional?
Licensed professionals with extensive experience in insect control can be a valuable asset to have around your home. They may know the proper scheduling best application practices and offer peace of mind that the job is correctly done.
However, if you are looking for more affordable mosquito sprays that can treat your home or property just as well, you can opt for consumer-grade products.
Mosquito sprays are an essential part of controlling the mosquito population. There are different active ingredients in mosquito sprays. This article has also discussed the pros and cons of using professional-grade versus consumer-grade sprays. It has also looked at other ways to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home or property. Remember, no one method is a silver bullet in controlling mosquitoes, but using a combination of methods will give you the best chance for success. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable way to protect yourself from mosquitoes, consider using consumer-grade sprays. However, consider hiring a licensed professional if you are looking for the most effective way to control mosquitoes in your yard.