Mosquito Spraying: A Guide to Different Application Methods for Communities and Yards
Mosquito control services use a variety of different application methods to control mosquitoes in communities, private backyards, public parks, and commercial properties. There is no one size fits all solution for keeping mosquito populations in check. Mosquito management programs improve quality of life and comfort when spending outdoors, but are most important for limiting transmission of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika, and various types of Encephalitis.
If you’re a resident of a community that provides mosquito control treatments, or you are looking to hire a service to reduce mosquito populations on your own property, it will be helpful to know the main types of control methods used, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each.
There are different types of mosquito control applications that are the most commonly used to reduce mosquito populations:
Each method offers unique advantages in different environments and is tailored to the specific needs of mosquito control programs.
Night-time mosquito control applications are commonly used for wide-area mosquito control, such as across an entire community or a very large commercial or private property. Both the EPA and CDC recognize a legitimate and compelling need for the prudent use of night-time spray treatments to control adult mosquitoes, especially to prevent the risk of mosquito-borne disease.
ULV equipment converts a liquid mosquito control product into an ultra-fine spray cloud comprised of microscopic droplets that are so small, more than 15 individual droplets could fit on the head of a pin. The small size of the droplets allows them to float through the air for a short period of time so they can come in contact with flying adult mosquitoes.
Ground ULV sprayers, like Clarke’s Pro-Mist Dura Electric ULV Sprayer, are mounted on trucks or ATVs, making them ideal for targeting specific neighborhoods or large properties. The Pro-Mist Dura is equipped with SmartFlow II technology, which provides precise application control and adaptability to varying terrains. This ensures consistent and accurate mosquito control while reducing environmental disruption. Ground ULV treatments are typically applied at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active, optimizing efficacy.
Aerial spraying is used for large-scale mosquito control, covering larger areas such as cities or agricultural lands. Fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters can quickly deliver ULV treatments over thousands of acres. This method is particularly effective after natural disasters like hurricanes, where mosquito populations surge due to standing water. Aerial spraying allows for broad coverage in areas inaccessible to ground equipment, ensuring swift mosquito population reduction.
Drone spraying is a cutting-edge alternative to traditional aerial and ground methods. Drones are highly maneuverable, capable of reaching hard-to-access areas, and are ideal for precise, localized treatments. Drones can be implemented into mosquito control programs, providing cost-effective and flexible options, especially for urban environments or challenging landscapes. They are also equipped with innovative technology, allowing for targeted mosquito control with real-time monitoring and data collection, reducing operational costs while improving precision.
The benefits of night-time mosquito spraying include:
The trade-offs for night-time mosquito spraying include:
Comparatively, there is another type of mosquito control treatment conducted during the day called a barrier application. Barrier treatments are the most common application method used for backyard mosquito control. Many barrier products contain the same active ingredients that are used for night-time spray treatments, but the dose rate and application method, and in some cases even the formulation design, are completely different.
Mosquito control products formulated for barrier control are designed to last in the treatment area for several days, if not weeks, depending on the product used and weather conditions. They work by controlling mosquitoes that land and rest on treated plants or hard surfaces. And because the product works on contact and needs to last for an extended period of time in a wide range of weather conditions, the dose rate required for mosquito control is much greater than what is used for night-time ULV applications.
When it comes to barrier applications, they are conducted using backpack spray systems that convert the liquid product into large droplets – 3 to 10x larger than a ULV droplet. The product is applied to vegetation (landscaped plants, foliage, tree lines, etc.) where adult mosquitoes like to rest during the daytime hours. Depending on the product used and the type of license the applicator holds, these products can also be used on hard surfaces around your property like foundation walls or fences. However, barrier products should not be applied on lawns, gardens, or any flowering plants.
The benefits of barrier treatments on vegetation for mosquito control include:
The trade-offs for barrier spraying for mosquitoes include:
If you liked this and are looking to learn more about mosquito control, check out some of these other articles:
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