How to Spray Insecticide for Mosquitoes

Eliminate mosquitoes with a few simple techniques.

Mosquitoes are insects in the fly order Diptera. The females of some mosquito species feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Mosquitoes rely on cues from potential hosts on which to feed such as heat, movement, body scent and exhaled carbon dioxide. Insecticides are effective against killing mosquitoes and from preventing them from coming back. If you discover mosquitoes in your yard, treat them immediately before an infestation occurs.

Things You'll Need

• Larvicide
• Garden sprayer

Instructions

1. Kill mosquito larvae with an insecticidal larvicide product. Pour a few drops into temporary standing water like ornamental ponds, rain puddles and ditches around your home.

2. Pour an insecticide containing pyrethoid in your garden sprayer. Pyrethoid provides effective protection against mosquitoes by attacking the insect's nervous system, causing death.

3. Spray the pyrethoid insecticide on shrubs, under decks and other shaded areas of your yard. You may need to reapply periodically for complete mosquito control.

4. Eliminate any unnecessary standing water on your property. This is important because mosquitoes depend on standing water to breed. Drain old buckets, tires, cans or anything that can hold water.

5. Remove tall grass, weeds and overgrowth from your yard. Mosquitoes like to rest in these protected areas during the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read and follow the directions carefully on the label when using insecticides.

• Wear a face mask to protect yourself from inhaling the harmful chemicals when spraying insecticide.

References

• Avoid Mosquito Bites: Insecticides
• University of Kentucky: Mosquitoes: Practical Advice for Homeowners

Resources

• Miami Dade: Insecticides Used in Mosquito Control