My two year old has really bad reactions to mosquito bites (her whole forearm will be swollen the next day if bitten on the arm) and my wife insists we buy and install a mosquito fogging/misting system in our yard.

Few questions for any of you with experience in this area (my experience starts and ends with giving myself a chemical spray bath).

1. Are these systems actually effective?
2. What kind of price point should I be expecting (15,000 sf lot)
3. How easy of a DIY is installing one of these systems?
4. What does the ongoing time and expense related to maintenance and use look like

Finally, what else should I offer back to my wife as other options? Can't keep having my kid get bit but also refuse to keep her locked inside.

No system works. Use bug spray.

Martin Q. Blank said:

---

No system works. Use bug spray.

---

Doing the research to invent a system that works is a more manageable task than convincing my wife to spray chemicals that are actually effective onto our child.

Do it yourself

Get a stihl backpack blower.
https://m.stihlusa.com/products/sprayers/backpack-sprayers/sr430/?rev=BVSpotlights

Mix solution of water and bifen.
Bifen Bifenthrin 96 Oz Same as Talstar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046DN72K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8BsPDb96ZTH4S

spray lot/yard/eves/sidewalk/garage door/trees/etc every 4-8 weeks, depending on rain

Got this setup fee years ago after it was recommended on Texags. ~$600 investment, still using same jug of pesticides.

Spray takes back 95% of them from my experience. No bug spray needed.

Pale Rider said:

---

Do it yourself

Get a stihl backpack blower.
https://m.stihlusa.com/products/sprayers/backpack-sprayers/sr430/?rev=BVSpotlights

Mix solution of water and bifen.
Bifen Bifenthrin 96 Oz Same as Talstar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046DN72K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8BsPDb96ZTH4S

spray lot/yard/eves/sidewalk/garage door/trees/etc every 4-8 weeks, depending on rain

Got this setup fee years ago after it was recommended on Texags. ~$600 investment, still using same jug of pesticides.

Spray takes back 95% of them from my experience. No bug spray needed.

---

This is the right approach. There are other oil based pesticides as well that will give you some longer residual. And I would roll it out whenever you plan on being outside.

https://www.domyown.com/pyrocide-100-pyrethrum-p-1042.html

Pale Rider said:

---

Do it yourself

Get a stihl backpack blower.
https://m.stihlusa.com/products/sprayers/backpack-sprayers/sr430/?rev=BVSpotlights

Mix solution of water and bifen.
Bifen Bifenthrin 96 Oz Same as Talstar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046DN72K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8BsPDb96ZTH4S

spray lot/yard/eves/sidewalk/garage door/trees/etc every 4-8 weeks, depending on rain

Got this setup fee years ago after it was recommended on Texags. ~$600 investment, still using same jug of pesticides.

Spray takes back 95% of them from my experience. No bug spray needed.

---

Very cool. Unless someone else has a better idea this is what I'll do. Do I need to wear long sleeves or any other safety equipment?

You could basically start a mosquito business with this approach.

Pro tip. Add a growth regulator and a splash of vinegar to the mix. Bad ph of water will drastically cut down how long your juice is going to be effective for.


Depending on the area, a big fan can often work. Don't have to blow fast, but tiny aggressive mosquitos are not strong flyers.

- if you're using a fogger, it's very likely you may be covered in whatever is being sprayed. Those foggers also tend to leak/ splash down your back after they are not so new anymore.

But you want to blow the fog into bushes , under decks , underside of branches etc.. around door ways and in Shaded places. When doors open, mosquitos like to be there by the door just waiting to fly in..

I spent several thousand on a mister system for my backyard. It went off several times a day and I spent ~$100 for refill concentrate every month or two. Did not dent the mosquito population one bit. Very disappointing, and now it just sits there. No use throwing good money after bad. I use Cutter and the wife uses some powder scented stuff in a light blue spray bottle (can't think of the brand) whenever we want to sit outside. Maybe that backpack thing will work better, but don't waste your money on a mister. The mosquitos won't be impressed with the money you spent, but you'll sure feel like a chump.

Thanks for the tips

when I bought this house 5 years ago it came with an ancient version from mistaway.

Mistaway

For $75 I got it running and absolutely love it.

I buy a 6 pack of Pyranha 1-10 PX Permethrin every 18 months.

not 100%, but it's worth every penny.

Systems work.........too well at times.

It kills all insects so expect to never see dragon flies, bees, butterflies, etc.

TX AG 88 said:

---

I spent several thousand on a mister system for my backyard. It went off several times a day and I spent ~$100 for refill concentrate every month or two. Did not dent the mosquito population one bit. Very disappointing, and now it just sits there. No use throwing good money after bad. I use Cutter and the wife uses some powder scented stuff in a light blue spray bottle (can't think of the brand) whenever we want to sit outside. Maybe that backpack thing will work better, but don't waste your money on a mister. The mosquitos won't be impressed with the money you spent, but you'll sure feel like a chump.

---

Are you buying the chemical from the misting company? Permethrin works and is cheap. Somebody is/was getting rich off of you. If the system still sprays, you should be able to get results for pretty cheap.

Quote:

---

Permethrin works and is cheap.

---

I buy a 6 pack every 18 months, but I would not call it cheap...

Gilligan said:

---

Quote:

---

Permethrin works and is cheap.

---

I buy a 6 pack every 18 months, but I would not call it cheap...

---

Try buying a higher concentration and mixing your own oil/water to get down to desired spray concentration. You are more than likely paying a premium convenience fee for buying RTU.