Mosquito Misting Treatment Formula

The Safety of Mosquito Misting Treatment Formulations

Natural pyrethrins and synthetic permethrin are the most common formulations used in misting-based mosquito treatment. They are also important ingredients in insect control products commonly found in most homes, like household aerosols and pet shampoos.

While they are low in toxicity to people and pets, it is not a good idea to come into close or frequent direct contact with the mist. Inhalation can cause respiratory problems (coughing, wheezing, etc.) and skin contact can cause a rash or itching. That's why on every Mist Away Mosquito Misting System, you'll see a Caution sign that reads "Do not mist in the presence of people, pets or food."

The U.S. EPA has published its findings of a review of pyrethrin and permethrin a used in automated residential mosquito misting systems:

• "Based on its assessment, using toxicity data and exposure estimates, EPA does not expect risks of concern to humans when these chemicals are used in outdoor residential systems according to labeling specific for use in these systems. However, excessive use or accidents may pose risks. No pesticide should be regarded as 100% risk free."
  

Formulations Used in Mosquito Mist Systems

Botanical - Pyrethrin

The active ingredient in the formulations most commonly used in outdoor insect control and automated mosquito mist systems is called pyrethrin, which is derived from the extract of a certain variety of chrysanthemum flowers.  Though pyrethrin comes from flowers, it is not completely correct to think of it as either “natural” or “organic” because it is highly refined and contains a man-made “synergist” that increases its effectiveness.  When applied in a mist, pyrethrin flushes mosquitoes from foliage where they harbor and then impairs their nervous system.  Shortly after application, the pyrethrin is rapidly degraded by sunlight, and leaves the yard free of residue.

Pyrethrin's Synthetic Cousin - Permethrin

Scientists have developed a synthetic variant of pyrethrin, called permethrin, that has most of the same characteristics as pyrethrin.  An important difference is that the man-made permethrin is not as readily destroyed by sunlight and leaves a longer lasting residue.  This can be desirable if the mosquito activity is very high or in an application – like an outdoor restaurant - where the mosquito mist system should not run during the dusk cycle because people are around.

The most common permethrin formulation used in MistAway's mosquito misting systems is Sector.