How Does Mosquito Treatment Work?

There are a lot of different ways to go about mosquito control, from basic repellents to custom barrier systems. So, how do mosquito treatments work, and how can you tell which type is going to be most effective? Here’s an overview of the best mosquito removal methods, how they function, and how to pick the right one for your property.

Types of Mosquito Treatments

Since these pests are challenging to get rid of, most mosquito treatments use a blend of several different control methods that provide more protection by working together. In a treatment plan, you may see one or multiple of the methods outlined below.

Mosquito Barrier Systems

As the name implies, a barrier system is designed to prevent mosquitoes from encroaching on your property. They typically consist of spray nozzles connected to insecticides that not only kill existing insects, but disrupt the breeding process to prevent future outbreaks. These nozzles often come with timers and are located in strategic areas around your property to target areas with the highest volume of insects. Barrier systems offer a number of benefits, including:

• Controlled, targeted, and customized treatment
• Ongoing protection by preventing mosquito reproduction
• Prolonged treatment that can last for up to two months
• Easy ability to re-treat as needed

Mosquito Repellents

If you look up how to get rid of mosquitoes on the Internet, you’ll probably find a lot of people talking about mosquito repellents. Some of the most common mosquito repellents include:

• Citronella
• Lavender
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Basil plants
• Peppermint oil
• Geraniums

While mosquito repellents can be a helpful addition to your treatment plan, they don’t constitute a thorough treatment on your own. If you’re already dealing with an infestation, a repellent—even one with as much clinical success as citronella—will do little to keep the insects at bay. That’s why it’s best to pair a repellent with a professional treatment plan.

Spraying for Mosquitoes

Similar to a barrier treatment, spraying for mosquitoes relies on insecticides that both kill insects on-contact and disrupt the life cycle. However, instead of being placed in a perimeter barrier, they’re applied directly by a pest control professional. While spraying doesn’t offer the ongoing protection of a barrier system, it is highly targeted and minimizes the risk of any spray being carried away by the wind.

Integrated Pest Management

As with any pest that is notoriously difficult to get rid of, Allied Termite & Pest Control strongly recommends an integrated approach to get rid of mosquitoes. Integrated pest management, or IPM, uses a custom combination of treatment methods based on your needs in addition to long-term preventative measures.

By making a few adjustments to your space, such as removing sources of standing water or tidying up your landscaping, professionals can deter mosquitoes from settling into your property to begin with. This will make it harder for existing insects to survive on your property and deter future infestations.

How Effective is Mosquito Treatment?

When performed by a qualified professional, mosquito treatments are highly effective. These treatments are designed to both get rid of any mosquitoes that are currently on your property and reduce your risk of experiencing a re-infestation. Experts follow these steps to deliver dependable results:

• Thorough inspection of your property to identify vulnerabilities
• Customized treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs
• Careful application of sprays, barrier systems, and other treatment methods
• Aftercare tips and follow-ups to ensure the infestation is truly gone

How Long Does Mosquito Treatment Work?

Though each type of treatment is different, professional mosquito control generally lasts for one or two months. However, particularly dense infestations or the size of your property can have a pretty big impact on how long the treatment works. If you have a lot of insects, a very large property, or weather that may wash away the insecticides, you may need more frequent visits.

Do I Need More Than One Mosquito Treatment?

Since it’s very difficult to remove pests in an outdoor environment, most mosquito infestations need a couple of treatments for you to see really drastic results. Especially if it’s the spring or summer when these pests are most active, you’ll want to re-up on professional treatment to prevent any lingering mosquitoes from breeding.

How Often Should I Treat My Yard For Mosquitoes?

It’s a good idea to get a professional mosquito treatment at least once per year in the very early spring. Doing so at this time of year will keep the populations from getting out of control later on in the summer. Because the insecticides also start degrading after a month or two, you also may want to invest in a follow-up visit 4-6 weeks after the initial one for continued protection.

In between professional services, we also recommend taking action on your own. The more you do to prevent mosquitoes throughout the year, the easier it will be to keep your space pest-free. A few things you can do on your own include:

• Tip over containers that accumulate water
• Add tadpoles or algae to decorative ponds
• Trim your grass or shrubbery

Benefits of Professional Mosquito Control

Opting for professional mosquito control services offers several advantages over DIY methods. Trained professionals know how to accurately assess the source of your infestation, and they’ve got advanced tools to implement solutions that are both highly effective and eco-conscious. Moreover, licensed exterminators often provide aftercare tips and ongoing monitoring to ensure you receive the best results possible.