Picture this: a warm summer evening, twilight casting its golden glow, and the barbecue sizzling with tantalizing aromas. But as you settle into your comfy chair, you hear the dreaded buzzing sound of mosquitoes. Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll delve into the best mosquito sprays for yards so that you can reclaim your outdoor haven.
So, if you’ve had enough of swatting, scratching, running for cover, and mosquitoes ruining your outdoor experience, grab your refreshing drink of choice and come with us!
Top 7 Mosquito Sprays for Yards
Our list of the top mosquito sprays for yards of the year includes:
Best Mosquito Sprays for Yards – Our Top Picks
1. Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate
One product stands out as the overall best mosquito spray: Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate. This spray delivers outstanding effectiveness against a wide range of pesky insects that can turn your outdoor haven into an unwelcome habitat.
How does it work? Its potent formula acts as a barrier, swiftly eliminating these nuisance bugs and providing long-lasting protection. Simply attach the concentrate bottle to your garden hose, and you’re ready to unleash a defense that will keep 5,000 square feet of your yard bug-free for up to an impressive 12 weeks.
However, it’s important to note that this product also kills beneficial insects, including bees. So avoid spraying directly on flowering plants.
Specifications:
- Protection against: Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants, and more
- Size: 32 ounces
- Coverage: 5,000 square feet
- Active ingredient: 0.16% lambda-cyhalothrin
- Duration: Up to 12 weeks
- Safe for bees: No
Pros:
- Long-lasting protection
- Kills various insects besides mosquitoes
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Toxic to fish and beneficial insects
- Toxic if swallowed, so it’s best to keep pets off the grass for 24 hours after treatment
Where to buy:
2. Ortho BugClear Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes
As we journey through our list of the best mosquito repellent sprays for yards, one product emerges as a strong runner-up — the Ortho BugClear Insect Killer. True to its name, this exceptional insecticide harnesses the power of bifenthrin, a widely-used insecticide from the pyrethroid family, to kill mosquitoes.
Is it easy to apply? The Ortho Bug Clear insecticide is convenient and hassle-free, and there’s no need for diluting or mixing. Its user-friendly design allows you simply to connect a garden hose to the spray bottle, enabling effortless application. Within minutes, you’ll witness the powerful effects of this reliable solution as it starts killing insects on contact.
A single bottle of this product protects up to 5,300 square feet of your lawn and landscape, ensuring a mosquito-free zone for your outdoor enjoyment. It is also the most affordable product on our list.
Specifications:
- Protection against: Over 235 bugs, including mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, armyworms, spiders, cockroaches
- Size: 32 ounces
- Coverage: Between 1,400 and 5,300 square feet, depending on the usage
- Active ingredient: 0.3% bifenthrin, 0.075% zeta-cypermethrin
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Safe for bees: No
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Kills a list of 235 insects
- Can be applied to ornamentals, flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables, and fruit trees
Cons:
- Also kills beneficial insects like bees
- Can be toxic if swallowed or in contact with the skin
Where to buy:
3. Compare-N-Save Concentrate Indoor and Outdoor Insect Control
In our quest for the best mosquito sprays for yards, a solution that goes beyond outdoor protection is the Compare-N-Save Concentrate Insect Control. This remarkable product ensures the safeguarding of not just your yard but your entire home, offering a versatile defense against a wide array of bothersome insects.
How does it differ? A notable feature of this concentrate is its compatibility with other pesticides, particularly those targeting insect growth. By mixing Compare-N-Save Concentrate with other suitable insecticides, you can enhance its efficacy and customize your defense against specific pests. (Read and follow the product label for application and mixing guidelines.)
The beauty of this concentrated formula is that a single bottle can yield up to an impressive 176 gallons of spray, covering a large area of up to 176,000 square feet. With such ample coverage, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with long-lasting protection for up to three months.
Specifications:
- Protection against: Aphids, ants, armyworms, mosquitoes, mites, fleas, ticks, and more
- Size: 32 ounces
- Coverage: The entire bottle can cover up to 176,000 square feet when used at the recommended concentration
- Active ingredient: 7.9% bifenthrin
- Duration: Up to 12 weeks
- Safe for bees: No
Pros:
- Covers large areas of up to 176,000 square feet
- Can be mixed with other pesticides
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
Cons:
- Toxic to fish and beneficial insects, like bees
- Can’t be applied during rainy weather
Where to buy:
4. Syngenta Demand CS Insecticide
Next on our list is an outstanding solution trusted by professionals, the Syngenta Demand CS Insecticide. This product offers a versatile defense, catering to both indoor and outdoor settings, ensuring comprehensive protection against a wide range of insects.
What makes it stand out? Syngenta’s Demand CS has an innovative technology called iCap. It consists of tiny microcapsules that adhere to insects’ bodies upon contact, killing them. Additionally, larger microcapsules slowly release the active ingredient over time, ensuring extended and long-lasting protection against pests.
With Syngenta Demand CS, you can rest assured that you have a professional-grade defense at your disposal.
Specifications:
- Protection against: More than 30 insects, including mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and flies
- Size: 8 ounces
- Coverage: Around 20,000 square feet, considering 0.4 ounces of product per 1,000 square feet
- Active ingredient: 9.7% lambda-cyhalothrin
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Safe for bees: No
Pros:
- Unscented
- Doesn’t stain surfaces
- Long-lasting protection
Cons:
- Toxic to fish, bees, and other beneficial insects
- Contact with it while still wet can cause skin irritation
Where to buy:
5. Summit Mosquito and Gnat Barrier
The Summit Mosquito and Gnat Barrier is a great product that effectively eliminates ants, ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and gnats, resulting in a bug-free environment for your outdoor activities.
At the core of its effectiveness lies permethrin, a well-known insecticide utilized by outdoor enthusiasts, particularly campers who often treat clothing, camping gear, and mosquito nets. The inclusion of permethrin in the Summit Mosquito and Gnat Barrier makes it a reliable choice for those looking to fend off pests during summer.
Why isn’t it higher up on the list? The effects of this product only last for four weeks, which means it will need reapplication throughout the summer months. However, it offers ongoing protection and has a ready-to-use formula that safeguards an area of up to 10,000 square feet.
Specifications:
- Protection against: Ants, ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and gnats
- Size: 64 ounces
- Coverage: 10,000 square feet
- Active ingredient: 2.5% permethrin
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Safe for bees: No
Pros:
- Large coverage area
- Unscented
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- Toxic to pets when wet, especially cats
- Needs reapplication every month
- Kills beneficial insects, like bees
Where to buy:
Best Natural Mosquito Sprays for Yards – Our Top Picks
1. Wondercide – EcoTreat Ready-to-Use Outdoor Pest Control Spray
If you’re on the lookout for a natural, pet-safe, and family-friendly mosquito spray for your yard, Wondercide – EcoTreat Ready-to-Use Outdoor Pest Control Spray is the ultimate choice. This amazing product provides effective mosquito control without harming beneficial insects like bees, ensuring the well-being of your yard’s ecosystem.
Where can I apply it? Covering an area of up to 5,000 square feet, Wondercide – EcoTreat can be used on various outdoor spaces, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and even vegetable and flower gardens. And what’s best — you don’t even have to wait for it to dry before letting your kids or pets out to play!
On the flip side, Wondercide Pest Control Spray provides protection for only about 30 days, even less if there has been rain, which means you’ll have to reapply it more often. So monitor weather conditions to schedule your application accordingly.
Specifications:
- Protection against: Mosquitoes, ants, fleas, ticks, roaches, flies, scorpions, chiggers, gnats, and more
- Size: 32 ounces
- Coverage: 5,000 square feet
- Active ingredient: 12.63% cedarwood oil, 2.73% sesame oil
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Safe for bees: Yes
Pros:
- Safe for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
- Safe for pets and kids even when wet
- Easy to use
- Plant-based and environmentally-friendly
Cons:
- Must be reapplied more often
- Although rare, essential oils like cedarwood oil can cause skin irritation to more sensitive skin
Where to buy:
2. Mosquito Barrier Liquid Spray Repellent
For those seeking another natural and environmentally friendly mosquito spray, look no further than Mosquito Barrier Liquid Spray Repellent. This unique option harnesses the power of garlic, utilizing its natural pest-repelling properties to create a safe and effective solution for your yard.
How does it work? By using garlic juice, which contains sulfur, this spray creates an environment that insects find unappealing, causing them to stay away from your yard for nearly a month. Don’t worry, though; the smell of garlic becomes undetectable to humans within minutes, so your backyard won’t turn into an Italian restaurant!
However, Mosquito Barrier does require some preparation. It needs to be mixed with water and sometimes an oil like canola oil to ensure it coats the surface and lasts longer.
Specifications:
- Protection against: Mosquitos, ticks, fleas, gnats, deer, rabbits, geese, and grasshoppers
- Size: 32 ounces
- Coverage: The entire bottle can cover up to 54,450 square feet (1.25 acres) when used at the recommended concentration
- Active ingredient: 99.3% garlic, 0.5% citric acid
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Safe for bees: No
Pros:
- Repels insects without killing them
- Safe for kids and pets
- Repels geese
Cons:
- Although natural, it can be toxic to bees
- Needs preparation and mixing
- Doesn’t last long and will need reapplication more often
Where to buy:
Buyer’s Guide
We understand the frustration of wanting to banish mosquitoes from your yard but not knowing where to begin. That’s why we’ve crafted this simple and concise buyer’s guide to help make your decision easier. By considering a few key factors, you can select the perfect mosquito spray that suits your needs and transforms your outdoor space into a mosquito-free haven.
Active Ingredient
Various active ingredients are commonly used to combat these pesky insects. Let’s explore some of the most prevalent ones:
- Bifenthrin: A pyrethroid that affects insects’ nervous system when they eat or come in contact with it. Known for its long-lasting effects and for being broad-spectrum.
- Lambda-cyhalothrin: Another pyrethroid insecticide with neurotoxic properties. Provides a rapid knockdown effect upon contact. Follow instructions carefully, as it may have specific safety precautions.
- Permethrin: A synthetic pyrethroid widely used for mosquito control and often applied DIY to camping gear and clothing. Considered safe when used as directed, but toxic to cats and aquatic life.
- Cedarwood oil: Derived from cedar trees, known for its natural pest-repellent properties. Considered eco-friendly and safe for the environment. It may require reapplication more frequently compared to synthetic alternatives.
- Garlic juice: Utilizes the repelling properties of the sulfur in garlic to keep mosquitoes at bay. Requires proper mixing with water and potential additional oils for effectiveness. Although natural, it is toxic to bees.
Each of these active ingredients presents its own set of advantages and considerations. Assess factors such as effectiveness, safety, environmental impact, and personal preference to determine which option aligns best with your needs.
Ease of Use
When considering mosquito sprays for your yard, it’s essential to take into account the ease of application. Generally, there are two types of mosquito sprays available, each offering its own distinct advantages and considerations.
Concentrates typically require dilution with water at a determined concentration before use. Although they offer the advantage of covering a larger area with a single bottle, they are not as easy to apply and may require additional equipment, like foggers, pump sprayers, or misters.
Ready-to-use sprays, as the name suggests, are designed for immediate use with a convenient hose-end attachment. They eliminate the need for dilution or mixing, providing a hassle-free application. They are particularly advantageous for smaller yards or areas requiring quick treatment.
Coverage
Understanding the coverage of the mosquito spray for your yard is key. Usually, the product’s label specifies the area it can protect, allowing you to gauge its suitability for your yard size.
If you have a spacious yard or need to cover a substantial outdoor area, concentrated mosquito sprays are often the best choice. A single bottle of product can be mixed with water to provide protection for over an acre of land.
However, if you have a smaller yard, ready-to-spray bottles of 32 ounces will be sufficient. They come with a hose-end attachment that will allow you to apply them easily over a smaller area or reapply when needed.
Duration
It’s essential to evaluate how long the mosquito spray is going to protect your yard from pesky mosquitoes and other pests. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, you can choose between long-lasting options or ones that require more frequent reapplication.
- Long-lasting protection: If you seek continuous protection throughout the summer season without the need for frequent reapplication, consider products containing lambda-cyhalothrin or bifenthrin.
- Flexible Reapplication: If you don’t mind reapplying the spray periodically, products containing permethrin, or more natural approaches like cedarwood oil or garlic juice, will provide protection for up to four weeks.
Safety
When considering a mosquito spray for your yard, safety is of utmost importance. While all the products in our list are considered safe according to the EPA, it is crucial to follow the label instructions to ensure their safety and effective use.
Additionally, if you prioritize the safety of beneficial insects, like bees and other pollinators, consider cedarwood oil-based sprays. If cedarwood oil is not an option, here’s how you can avoid harming bees:
- Mow before applying the mosquito spray.
- Do not apply mosquito spray to blooming plants.
- Apply the mosquito spray at night.
Warning: To ensure the safety of children and pets, allow the sprayed area to dry completely before allowing them access. This prevents potential ingestion or contact with wet residues that may pose a risk.
FAQ About Mosquito Sprays for Yards
The best way to reduce and control the mosquito population in your yard is by eliminating sources of standing water that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Regularly inspect your yard and remove or empty items that can collect water, such as flower pots, buckets, bird baths, and clogged gutters.
Along with eliminating standing water, incorporating mosquito dunks into stagnant water that can’t be emptied can further reduce the mosquito population. Mosquito dunks contain larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Israelensis (Bti), which target mosquito larvae, preventing their development into adult mosquitoes and effectively reducing the population.
There are many things you can do to repel mosquitoes from your home and from your skin. After all, nobody likes mosquito bites!
• Use insect repellents on your skin: Consider applying mosquito repellents containing the active ingredients DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for effective personal protection against mosquitoes.
• Employ bug-repellent devices: Mosquito-repellent devices like Thermacell usually have internal heaters that can silently warm and activate the repellents inside, creating a zone of protection in strategic places. These devices emit substances such as allethrin or metofluthrin, which repel mosquitoes.
• Use mosquito traps: Place mosquito traps like bug zappers 25-50 feet away from areas where you spend time outdoors. These traps use light or heat (and sometimes an attractant) to attract mosquitoes, effectively luring them away from you and killing them instantly.
• Place natural mosquito repellents: Consider using natural mosquito repellents like citronella candles or incense. Mosquitoes dislike the scent of citronella, making these products effective in repelling them.
The best time of day to spray your yard for mosquitoes is during dawn and dusk. This is when mosquitoes are most active and actively seeking their next blood meal. By targeting these times, you have a higher chance of getting more mosquitoes and effectively reducing the mosquito population in your yard.
Call in the Pros
If you find yourself uncomfortable with applying chemicals or other products to deal with your mosquito problem, it’s worth considering the expertise of professionals. Bringing in a professional can provide numerous benefits, ensuring effective and efficient mosquito control for your property. Luckily, Pest Gnome connects you with top pest control experts in your area.
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