Contractor Tips Blog

Mar
12

Pyrethrum for Effective Mosquito Control

Posted in Insect Control

As winter winds down, we all look forward to the warm spring and summer days ahead.  With the return of warm weather is the return of outdoor entertaining.  Relaxing on the deck, outdoor barbeques, and having fun in your swimming pool are all great activities to look forward to, but unless we take action to control them, we can also look forward to biting, annoying mosquitoes.

Controlling mosquitoes should be an important part of your outdoor spring maintenance.  One of the best insecticides for controlling mosquitoes is pyrethrum.  This natural insecticide is an excellent choice for controlling mosquitoes in the residential setting.

Pyrethrum is derived from oils found in a type of chrysanthemum.  It is one of the most effective insecticides known and has very low toxicity for humans, pets, and other mammals when used according to label instructions.

Pyrethrum affects the central nervous system of mosquitoes and, in high enough concentrations, kills mosquitoes on contact.  In lower concentrations, pyrethrum causes beneficial changes in mosquito behavior.  It has a “flushing effect’ that brings the mosquito out into the open where it will be exposed to a lethal level of insecticide and also inhibits normal biting behavior.   In addition, it has a repellent effect that causes mosquitoes to attempt to leave the area of the chemicals.

One reason that pyrethrum is well suited to the residential setting is that it breaks down quickly in sunlight.  Because it degrades so quickly, it poses less of a hazard than other insecticides.  However, pyrethrum is still a powerful insecticide.  To maximize the effectiveness of pyrethrum and minimize the hazards of exposure for people, pets, other wildlife and beneficial insects, the best option is to let a mosquito extermination professional apply the pyrethrum or install a mosquito misting system.

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