Best Backyard Mosquito Controls in 2022 – Reviewed
When spring fades into summer and the thermostat begins to rise, the insect population is inevitably going to rise along with it. Flies, gnats, wasps, and bees are some of the more egregious of these insects, but there is one insect that beats them all, and that’s the mosquito. The mosquito is the pest that’s probably the most annoying insect, and the one that the consumer is most likely going to have to deal with—especially around wet pool areas.
Fortunately, consumers do have some tools that can be used to combat these pests. There’s an assortment of electronic, natural, and chemical repellents that can be used to either destroy the larvae that eventually grows into a mosquito or combats the mosquitoes themselves. We should know because we found some of the best backyard mosquito control products that consumers can use to turn their backyards into a mosquito-free zone.
Quick Summary of Best Backyard Mosquito Controls
Reviews
Best Overall: Wondercide Natural Mosquito & Insect Killer
When people are looking to remove mosquitoes from their backyard areas, they don’t want to play around. They want to use a product that will strike out at these pests aggressively and do it without mercy. That’s why so many people turn to this product. It’s designed to kill and repel not only mosquitoes but also a variety of other pests. Some of the pests that can be repelled and/or killed by this product include ants, roaches, scorpions, crickets, chiggers, gnats, and Japanese beetles. It’s a product that packs a pretty hefty punch and takes these pests out quickly and effectively.
Now some people may be wondering at this point in the review if this product is safe to use around kids and pets. And fortunately, we’re here to say that it most certainly is safe to use around them. That’s because this product doesn’t use harmful pesticides, artificial fragrance, or artificial colors. It just uses the power of good old-fashioned natural products, mostly cedar oil, to drive away pests. Each container is large enough to treat a 5,000 square foot area of space and is good for treating not only pool areas but backyards, patios, dog kennels, and gardens as well.
Another thing to like about this product is that it doesn’t harm bees and dragonflies while it’s killing off gnats and mosquitoes. That’s because the receptors that are targeted by this product aren’t found in bees or dragonflies, but they are found in gnats and mosquitoes. Thanks to this product, everyone can establish a no-mosquito zone around their home and do it without having to worry about if they’re killing off the bees.
- It effectively controls mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
- It’s safe to use around children & pets.
- None.
Best Mosquito Larvae Control: Summit Responsible Solutions Mosquito Bits
The problem with areas that are moist all of the time such as pool areas or areas that are a little bit swampy is that they can be an absolute breeding ground for mosquitoes and fungus gnats. That’s because these pests use moist areas to lay their larvae, so a great way to control these pests is by targeting their larvae directly. And that’s precisely what this product does. Once it’s applied, it kills off the mosquito and fungus gnat populations dramatically, although it might take a little bit of time before it does all of this work.
This is a product that’s easy to use, too. All the consumer has to do is follow the directions on the label and they will be able to bring their insect populations under control. Each of these containers can treat up to 5,000 square feet of space, so that’s usually more than enough for most people’s needs. This product’s label says it begins working within 24-hours, but consumers should still be ready for it to take a little bit of time to do its job. We found this product works best when combined with another form of mosquito control. For example, the consumer might want to use a mosquito pesticide that kills adult mosquitoes quickly, while they use this product to kill developing larvae.
- It reduces mosquito populations dramatically.
- It’s an environmentally-sound product.
- This product might take a while to fully work.
Best Passive Mosquito Repellent: Mosquito Guard Incense Repellent Sticks
The problem with most mosquito treatment products is that the consumer has to take the time out of their day to use the product. This means that they have to wear the appropriate safety gear and then they have to go around the area they want to treat to spread or spray the mosquito repellent and/or pesticide. And we do understand that not everyone has the time to do this, so we decided to look for a more passive mosquito repellent and what we discovered was this product called Mosquito Guard.
Mosquito Guard is a product that’s lit like an incense stick 10-minutes before the consumer wants to venture outside. The lit stick is then placed in a flower pot or other appropriate container and allowed to do its work. Insects such as mosquitoes hate the smell of this product, so they quickly flee the area. The best thing about this product is that it’s free of Deet or other harmful ingredients, but is instead made with natural ingredients such as citronella oil, rosemary oil, and lemongrass oil.
- They are a great natural repellent.
- This product is free of Deet & other pesticides.
- It won’t kill mosquitoes, it only repels them.
Best Lasting Mosquito Control: Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray
Anyone who is looking for an effective and long-lasting mosquito control solution for their backyard is probably going to want to take a good hard look at this product. That’s because it’s a product that can be used to treat 5,000 square-feet of the consumer’s yard and begins to work immediately at controlling mosquitoes. And once the area is treated, it will stay pest-free for up to 4-weeks, even after the area has been rained on several times. It’s capable of being so effective because it uses a powerful chemical pesticide. That means that it’s not suitable for people who are looking for a more natural mosquito solution, but it does mean that it’s extremely effective when used properly.
- It treats up to 5,000 square feet.
- It’s extremely effective at eliminating mosquitoes.
- It’s a chemical pesticide.
- Caution must be exercised when using around pets or kids.
Backyard Mosquito Control Guide
No one likes to flying pests having around the BBQ or down by the pool so buying a backyard mosquito control is a must for those sticky summer nights. For some people, they can ruin a perfectly pleasant day and for others, they can make you seriously ill.
To protect your family and ensure that you don’t end up scratching your legs to relieve the pain, we have created the following backyard mosquito control guide. By the end of it, you will be able to make an informed decision on this important purchase.
What To Look For In Backyard Mosquito ControlÂ
Fast Acting Protection
There are different methods for a backyard mosquito control and some work a lot faster than others. If you are noticing the mozzies start to circle then you want a product that can deter and kill them before they get to you.
A spray is a good method in this case but it is not as ideal for continual protection. Sometimes it can be beneficial to use more than one method such as an electric zapper as well as a spray.
Easy To Use
There are different ways of keeping mosquitoes away from your backyard and some are easier than others. Lighting a candle or spraying is as easy as it sounds but to kill the mosquitoes a lot of people use traps.
They take longer to set up but are low maintenance and effective.
Effectiveness
A backyard mosquito control is only as good as it is effective. The best products either kill or repel to a high standard and most products will give you an indication as to what percentage of mosquitoes they will keep you safe from.
Safety
Because a lot of mosquito control uses DEET, you need to act with caution. It is not a good idea to use it continually as it can lead to skin irritation.
Most products are safe to use but it is best to read the safety instructions and guidelines for each product before you purchase.
Scent
Many repellants require the use of a strong smell to keep unwanted mozzies away. Still, it doesn’t always have to be unpleasant. Petroleum-based products might have a stronger smell than others but the likes of citronella can be quite pleasant when you are at a comfortable distance.Â
Non-Toxic Ingredients
It is best to find a backyard mosquito control that is as close to natural as possible. There are plant-based products that are effective at repelling pests without the use of harsh chemicals. Ingredients such as lemongrass oil, citronella, and rosemary are popular in these types of products.
Different Types of Backyard Mosquito Control
Some of the following are more effective than others so it is good to gain knowledge of the various options before you make a decision.
Traps
These are highly effective and lure the mosquitoes in by releasing a mild stream of moisture, carbon dioxide, and heat that attracts them inside and kills them. This is usually via a sticky net inside and there is a level of maintenance involved. Not only do you need to change the propane tank when it runs out but also the sticky pads when they get full.
Dunks
These are not harmful to other wildlife and kill mosquito larvae and tend to last around a month per dunk. They should be used in areas that you have water such as a birdbath or a pond and usually offer wide coverage.Â
You might find a little residue left behind so be mindful of this and empty any excess before refilling the water.
Nets
These are useful to a point as they stop mosquitos from getting near but they do not kill the pests. Not everyone wants a net taking up their outdoor space but they are effective at preventing bites when used properly. They keep other insects out and are usually available in a variety of styles.Â
Candles
These are a good option as you can leave them to work their magic as you enjoy your evening. Some contain citronella whilst others use DEET as the active ingredient to keep mosquitoes away.Â
Sprays
These are some of the most popular options for backyard mosquito control as they are easy to use. The problem is that it won’t kill them without human interaction so it doesn’t eliminate the mozzies you don’t see. A lot of them contain DEET which is an effective deterrent but can cause skin irritation when used too often.
Misting System
Depending on what type of product you opt for, you might buy a misting system that is to be used with or without a tank. Using a combination of chemicals, they either provide a constant fine mist or spray intermittently.Â
Although they use chemicals, these are not harmful to humans if you go for a quality product, making them safe. However, they can kill other insects as well so be mindful and don’t leave them on constantly.Â
Zappers
These attract mosquitoes using their warm glow but kills them upon impact. These aren’t always ideal as they also kill other insects and moths and beetles. These tend to be popular food for a lot of birds so by using a zapper, you might be taking food from other animals.Â
What Health Risks Do Mosquitoes Pose?
Although they might not be as fearsome as a shark, mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest, causing millions of deaths around the world every year. They carry a multitude of health risks but these are dependant on where you live in the world. It is common knowledge that they can carry and cause the transmission of malaria in some parts of the world.Â
If you reside in the United States then you might be more concerned about encephalitis dengue fever, and West Nile virus. You may have experienced a fever or headache that was caused by a mosquito and anyone with pets will also be keen to get rid of them.
A mosquito can give a dog heartworm disease which can also be fatal.
