Mosquito 86

Mosquitoes are a constant problem in our garden during the summer months so when I was asked to review the Mosquito 86 Kit, I decided to give it a try. At first my major concern about using such a product was the hazards it might impose on other beneficial insects in the garden as well as birds and pets. After all, the "Mosquito Killer Agent E" sounds rather ominous.

"Agent E" is actually Permethrin which is a member of a pesticide class called pyrethroids, which are similar to the natural insecticide pyrethrum present in chrysanthemum plants. It is effective against a broad range of pests, such as external parasites and flying insects. Permethrin and other pyrethroids work by over-stimulating the nervous system of insects, causing the insect to die.

The solution is dispensed by a leaf blower. The leaf blower comes with two tube attachments, one specially designed for using the solution and the other as a general leaf blowing device. Either tube can be used for the leaf blower. The Agent E liquid is mixed (one ounce to 1 1/2 gallon of water) into a backpack which is connected to the leaf blower tube with a transparent tubing. After the tubing has been attached, you can flip a switch on or off to disperse the solution after the leaf blower has been started.

I am woefully inadequate when it comes to machinery and I first cringed when I saw that they sent me a gas-powered leaf blower (electrical ones are availabe on the website). I found it very easy to hook up, however, and it was also easy to crank. I used it sparingly and only applied it around the foundation of our house and around the patio. The directions say to hold the leaf blower at waist level and spray back and forth as you walk around your property. (There is a helpful video on the website that demonstrates all this). Spraying should be done once a week unless it has rained.

I've used this twice and I must say that after sitting outside a few hours after the application, I didn't notice any mosquitoes. I was still concerned about safety issues but Health and Safety page on the website makes me feel a bit better. One thing I don't like is that this will also kill bees so I would be hesitant about using it earlier in the season. The concentration is said to be too low to harm pets or other wildlife, including birds and fish. It will not harm your plants either. As for the environment, permethrin is moderately persistent in soil and sediment, but is readily broken down by soil microorganisms and also by sunlight. In surface water, permethrin is rapidly (within hours) absorbed onto organic matter in the water and sediment, resulting in very low concentrations of permethrin in water.

So, there you have it, a leafblower which doubles as a mosquito killer. I would recommend it with caution. It works and if we are going to be sitting outside with guests, I would use it beforehand. I probably won't be spraying every week especially when bees are active. They are just too important for my garden and the environment. You can read more about the Mosquito 86 kits on their website.

Mosquito 86