Foggers kill mosquitoes that are flying and resting on plants.
Mosquitoes become a nuisance when they bite people, causing swelling and itchiness. Some mosquitoes also transmit diseases, such as the West Nile virus. Mosquito foggers distribute insecticides that kill adult mosquitoes in outdoor spaces. While mosquito foggers can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites, using them in conjunction with other mosquito control methods will produce better results. Does this Spark an idea?
Supplies
Mosquito foggers are available in home product stores and home improvement centers. According to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, a mosquito fogger usually costs about $60. You have to use an insecticide that has been specifically developed for use with a mosquito fogger. Such insecticides usually contain pyrethroids as the active ingredient, according to Colorado State University Extension. The product label may list the active ingredient as permethrin, pyrethrins, cypermethrin or resmethrin.
Application
Because mosquito foggers target mosquitoes that are flying or resting on plants, you should fog the yard when the mosquitoes are active. Also, the active ingredients usually break down quickly, especially in sunlight. As such, Colorado State University Extension recommends that you fog the yard at dusk. Focus on areas with dense vegetation where mosquitoes usually rest. Ideally, you should only fog the home yard once or twice per season.
Effects
Mosquito foggers don't permanently end mosquito problems. They only control mosquitoes for a short time, enough for you to hold an outdoor event. After the insecticides kill the existing mosquitoes in your home yard, new mosquitoes can freely enter the area and replace them. Mosquito foggers may keep mosquitoes at bay for up to a few days.
Warning
Mosquito foggers kill insects indiscriminately and may harm the beneficial insect population in your yard, including pollinators and pest predators. The insecticide may also harm pets and wildlife. Using mosquito foggers too frequently has negative effects, according to The University of Wisconsin-Madison. Eventually, the insects in your yard may develop resistance against the active ingredient of the insecticide you use. For best results, you should only use a mosquito fogger sparingly and combine it with other mosquito control methods, such as topical repellents and larvicides.
Tags: active ingredient, mosquito fogger, Colorado State, Colorado State University, control methods, flying resting, flying resting plants