The technology of misting systems has brought automation to residential mosquito control.

As another mosquito, fly and gnat season is in full swing, the timing is right to talk about it. The mosquito is a persistent source of not only annoyance but also disease for south Florida residents. Don’t assume this threat’s a thing of the past: Mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus and viral encephalitis are very much with us today. And the irritation of slapping the flying pests or scratching the inevitable bites is a daily occurrence.

While preventive measures like being diligent about removing standing water sources on your property are recommended by pest control companies, direct action with strong, noxious insecticides has always been problematic. The goal is to enjoy your outdoor premises — not turn them into toxic no-access zones. Misting systems automatically release the more gentle, all-natural pyrethrin on a twice-daily schedule at dawn and dusk — the times when mosquitoes are most prevalent and vulnerable.

Pyrethrin is derived from chrysanthemum flowers and has been shown to be continuously effective in low concentrations for both exterminating and repelling mosquitoes. The substance biodegrades quickly and leaves no toxic residue behind. As an added plus, pyrethrin repels flies and gnats as well.

Installed by a pest control professional, misting systems are composed of a central controller with a pump and reservoir, plastic mist lines and nozzles with risers to position misters strategically all around your outdoor premises.

The system can be operated manually with the push of a button any time misting is desired. Regular misting at dawn and dusk is actuated by a light sensor that activates the system at the precise low level of light when mosquitoes are naturally most active. The technology can also incorporate motion sensors to override a programmed misting when residents are outside, as well as sensors to detect wind and rain.

Serving south Florida homeowners since 1975, Haggerty Services offers comprehensive pest control and prevention for residents of Palm Beach and Broward County. Contact us today for more information about misting systems to automatically rid your property of mosquitoes, flies and gnats this summer.