Owner and president of Tuxedo Mosquito, David Maddox spent most of his career in the software industry until he applied his analytical skills to a different kind of problem-mosquito control. Today, he and his family operate a successful pest control company servicing the entire Atlanta metro area. In this article, he sets the record straight on what works against mosquitoes and what doesn’t.
To most people, mosquitoes are one of the most aggravating nuisances associated with the outdoors. But, aside from the itching, swelling and endless scratching, mosquitoes can also transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria and various forms of encephalitis (inflammation in the brain). Fortunately, these diseases are rare in America, in large part due to the broad-scale prevention and control methods used by state and health departments, and the most citizens of developed countries have to worry about is the maddening sound of mosquitoes buzzing and the inevitable surprise attack it warns is coming. Even still, that’s enough to ruin an outdoor excursion, whether in your backyard or in the woods.
One of the most effective preventative measures you can take to keep mosquitoes away is prevent them from reproducing in the first place by removing their habitat. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so you can stop the reproductive process by getting rid of any standing water you may have around the house, such as in rain gutters, ponds and any other areas that accumulate water. You don’t have to worry about pools since the chlorine makes the water an inhospitable environment for mosquitoes to reproduce in. Another important preventative measure to take is to make sure your door screens, window screens, and home in general is sealed and “bugproof.”
Now let’s talk products.
Mosquito Products That Work
DEET. Developed by the Department of Agriculture in the 1950s, DEET is still considered one of the most effective mosquito repellents. Available in aerosol, cream, water-epellent and time-release forms, DEET repellents are widely used not only for their effectiveness but also for their longevity. Depending on the specific product being used, DEET can repel mosquitoes anywhere from 1 to 10 hours.. The American Mosquito Control Association warns against using products with higher than 50% DEET content directly on skin.
Pyrethrin. Derived from Chrysanthemums, Pyrethrin is highly effective insecticide that has grown in popularity due to its non-toxic properties that make it safe for even indoor use. Professional exterminators usually use a synthetic version of Pyrethrin that work on a time release of about three to four weeks per application. As with many insecticides, Pyrethrin just isn’t as effective in the rain. That’s why exterminators are always mindful of the weather to make sure they don’t spray before rain.
Larvicides. Larvicides work by targeting mosquito larvae before they have a chance of maturing into adults. These can include bacterial insecticides, growth inhibitors and mineral oils, which work by creating a thin film on the surface of water that inhibits mosquito development.
Premethrin. A lot of effective mosquito repellents out there have the active ingredient Premethrin. In addition to mosquitoes, pest repellents containing Premethrin will also protect you from ticks, flies and other pests. Products containing Premethrin will usually be effective for about six hours and are only intended for use on clothing, so be sure to avoid skin contact.
Mosquito Products That Don’t Work
Ironically, some of the most popular mosquito repellent products also some of the least effective, including bug zappers, citronella and electronic ultrasound repellers. Study after study, show that many of these devices are minimally effective, if at all. Bug zappers, for instance, are often ignored by mosquitoes and instead lure other non-parasitic insects.
The bottom line is that mosquitoes aren’t something you have to live with, as many people believe. But it’s important to know that you’re taking the right measures to not only get rid of mosquitoes but to keep them from coming back. Consult a pest control professional near you to find out the best solution for your needs. A lot of mosquito control substances are regulated and can only be used by licensed exterminators, so learn what all your options are before you spend your money on DIY products that may or may not give you a good return on your investment.
