© 2012 Merry Acres Landscape & Lawn Maintenance
Implementation by SPINEN
Mosquito Misting > Incesticide FAQ's
P.O. Box 3549 • Albany, GA 31706 • 229-435-1737
What insecticide is used in the misting system?
The active ingredient in the mist we most commonly use comes from a natural insecticide that is actually a class of organic compounds called pyrethrins. These pyrethrins are the primary component of the flowers of the pyrethrum plant, better known as the chrysanthemum, which is a member of the daisy family.*
As a botanical extract of a particular variety of dried chrysanthemums that are usually cultivated in parts of Eastern Africa, pyrethrin popularity has lead to the increase of chrysanthemum crops in other regions such as Brazil, India, Australia, and, to a smaller degree, in Japan.
The potency of pyrethrins (for which we use as a mist ingredient) is harvested from plant oils found in the microscopic oil glands around the seed casings of the chrysanthemum. These oils serve as a natural deterrent for the plant to guard against insects that could feast on its leaves, so it is a logical human use against our insect onslaughts. One final note is that even though pyrethins are derived from a natural or organic source, they are highly refined and contain a man-made synergist which heightens their effectiveness.
*The words pyrethrin and pyrethrum are often used interchangeably since one is a derivative of the other.
How do the pyrethrums work?
Physiologically, the pyrethrins inhibit the mosquito's desire to bite. They also repel mosquitoes when they enter an area that contains trace amounts of the mist. When the mosquito comes in contact with the mist, it immediately exhibits erratic flight and behavior, followed by paralysis, and finally death. With the addition of piperonyl butoxide or PBO (a synergist which has little or no insecticidal action by itself), the effects of the pyrethrins are multiplied. That's because the PBO works to block or deactivate any detoxifying enzymes in the insects' immune systems. Though not an insecticidal in itself, PBO dramatically improves the kill and, like pyrethrins, biodegrades quickly in sunlight.
How effective are they in controlling other bothersome insects?
Pyrethrins act as contact poisonings, immediately affecting the nervous system of the insect. Therefore, they effectively control yards that have large populations of not only mosquitoes, but also other pesky bugs, primarily by killing them. In trace amounts, the chemical will also act as a repellent, helping to keep mosquitoes that are on the fringes of a treated yard from even entering the parameters.
What other bothersome bugs will the mist control?
The insecticide will help control ticks, lice, fleas, spiders, gnats, no-see-ums, ants, centipedes, etc. An added benefit is that by controlling outside insects better, you can, to a degree, reduce and keep at bay the migration of outdoor insects into your home.