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Pest Management Priducts Division of CSPA
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Consumer
Control
ecause community controls cannot reduce mosquito populations to zero,
people may need to protect themselves as well, particularly on evening
outings. Consumers have a wide variety of products available for
personal mosquito control, probably more than for any other type of
insect.
These include indoor aerosol products for control of mosquitoes that do
enter the residence and outdoor foggers to spray the patio area and
areas near the patio for mosquito control. There are arrays of personal
repellents for mosquito control that can be applied directly to the
exposed skin or the clothing. At this time, it appears that chemical
based mosquito control products are the most effective, while the
mechanical and bug zapping devices are not very effective in controlling
mosquitoes. The following focuses on flying insect killer aerosols,
outdoor foggers, house and garden type products, and personal
repellents.
Indoor Control - Flying insect space sprays can
be used indoors for control of mosquitoes that come inside. Aerosols and
pump sprays are effective.
Outdoor Area Control - Outdoor foggers, house and
garden products, and flying insect space sprays can be used on the
patio, and in the yard and environs for effective control against
mosquitoes. These products appear to be much more effective in
controlling mosquitoes spatially than mechanical devices such as bug
zappers.
Repellents - Repellents can protect humans from
mosquito bites from one to five hours, depending on the amount of
perspiration and rubbing of skin and abundance of mosquitoes. Personal
mosquito repellents can be applied directly to the exposed skin and/or
to clothing, depending on label instructions. Other repellents for
outdoor use, space repellents, include candles and torches.
Seasonal Use - Use insect repellents from April
through October, until the first frost.
The Right Product - Use an appropriate repellent
for the type of activity and location. Aerosol and pump spray products
allow broad and even application of repellent on both clothing and skin.
Liquid, cream, lotion and stick products allow consumers to apply insect
repellents in exact locations where protection is desired. Match the
concentration of repellent to the duration of outdoor exposure. Brief
outdoor activities require the lowest concentration, while activities
that keep people outside longer require higher concentrations. Lower
concentration repellent products are appropriate for most situations
when exposure to biting insects is limited.
