What is a Mosquito Misting System?
A mosquito misting system is designed to deliver a fine mist of a very dilute pesticide or repellent to control mosquitoes and other insects in your backyard.
The system consists of a network of nozzles installed around the perimeter of the area you want to protect. These nozzles are connected to a central unit that houses the pump, controller and chemical. The system is typically programmed to release the mist at specific times of the day when mosquitoes are most active, such as dawn and dusk.
The insecticide mist either kills mosquitoes on contact, both in the air and on surfaces where they may be resting, or drives them out of your yard. This ensures that the local mosquito population is significantly reduced, creating a more enjoyable outdoor environment for you and your family.
View the video below to learn more about how mosquito misting systems work
What Insects Does a Misting System Control?
Mosquito misting systems are primarily designed to control small flying insects, such as:
- Mosquitoes
- Gnats
- Flies
- Moths
- No See Ums
It’s important to note that mosquito misting systems are not effective against all types of insects. For example, cockroaches, ticks, and termites are generally not controlled by mosquito misting systems.
Mosquito Misting Concentrates
A mosquito misting concentrate contains active ingredients designed to either kill mosquitoes and other flying insects or repel them. The main differences in the types of concentrates used in mosquito misting systems primarily revolve around their active ingredients and whether they are considered by the US EPA to be a conventional formulation that requires EPA approval or a “minimum risk” or green formulation that does not.
Conventional Formulations
The active ingredients in these formulations are either natural pyrethrins or permethrin, which is a closely related synthetic compound. The most commonly used conventional formulations contain synthetic permethrin because they are significantly less costly than formulations containing natural pyrethrins.
Green Formulations
There are green concentrate options available for mosquito misting systems. These options often use natural or plant-based ingredients that are regarded by the US EPA to carry “minimum risk” and pose little to no risk to the environment or human health.
The most popular green concentrates contain plant-based oils like lemongrass oil, wintergreen oil, geraniol or sodium lauryl sulfate.
Misting System Installation
Installing a mosquito misting system involves setting up the nozzle circuit and connecting it to the central unit. The nozzles are strategically placed around the perimeter of the area to be protected, typically spaced about 10 feet apart. They can be mounted on structures like fences or eaves or placed on risers in the landscaping.
The central unit, which houses the chemical reservoir, controller, and pump, is positioned in a convenient and protected location. It needs access to water and electricity. Professional installation by a MistAway dealer ensures that the system is set up correctly and efficiently. However, for those inclined to do it themselves, MistAway provides detailed instructions and support resources at its store for do-it-yourselfers.
Mosquito Misting System Parts Glossary
There are several key parts of every mosquito misting system. The following list is not exhaustive, but will give you a good idea of the main components that are critical for the system’s operation.
- Misting nozzles: Small, specialized nozzles that atomize the mosquito misting concentrate into a fine mist.
- Tubing: A network of tubing connects the misting nozzles to the main reservoir or pump.
- Reservoir or pump: Stores the mosquito misting concentrate and delivers it to the nozzles.
- Timer or controller: Schedules the misting system to operate at specific times or intervals.
- Misting concentrate: Liquid formulation that is diluted with water and then atomized through the misting nozzles to repel or kill mosquitoes.
- Nozzle circuit: A network of tubing and misting nozzles that is connected to the misting unit. This circuit distributes the dilute misting chemical throughout the desired area.
Benefits of Mosquito Misting Systems
Mosquito misting systems offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for homeowners looking to control mosquitoes effectively:
Consistent Protection: The automated nature of misting systems ensures that your yard is regularly treated, providing continuous protection without the need for manual intervention.
Effective Mosquito Control: Studies have shown that misting systems can reduce mosquito populations by up to 98%, significantly enhancing the comfort of your outdoor spaces.
Convenience: With programmable settings, misting systems are user-friendly and require minimal maintenance. MistAway offers models with remote monitoring capabilities through the iMist app.
Versatility: In addition to mosquitoes, misting systems can control a variety of other pests, including gnats, flies, and spiders.
Costs of Mosquito Misting Systems
The cost of a mosquito misting system can vary based on several factors, including the size of the area to be covered, the type of system chosen, and any additional features.
For a professionally installed system, homeowners can expect to spend between $2,800 and $4,000 for a standard quarter-acre lot. The cost includes the central unit, nozzles, installation, and initial supply of misting concentrate.
Factors influencing the price include:
- Nozzle Count: More nozzles are needed for larger perimeters, increasing the cost.
- Mounting Surfaces: Nozzles mounted on structures are generally less expensive than those on landscape risers.
- System Type and Features: MistAway offers both drum-based and tankless systems, with the tankless models typically being more expensive due to their advanced features.
View our misting systems, learn more about the best option for your backyard or find a MistAway dealer to get started!