There’s no two ways around it – mosquitoes can completely ruin your time outside. These flying insects are annoying and carry diseases. The same goes for ticks. A few years back I had a tick on my stomach, my son’s head, and one almost killed my elderly dog (non-lyme disease). And we’ve lost count of how many painful and itchy mosquito bites. Since then, I vowed to do whatever it took to knock these critters and flying pests down for good.
When it comes to enjoying your yard, and more importantly the health of you and your family, do not settle for anything less. I’ve personally been spraying a mosquito killer for the better part of five years – personally and professionally – and have used all of these products. I first used Bifen which worked but didn’t last nearly as long as when I started mixing Demand CS or Suspend Polyzone AND an Insect Growth Regulator. Spraying these mosquito killers (while using a Dynatrap or bug zapper for good measure) you’ll be armed with the best mosquito repellent and killer ever.
Below is a list of the best DIY tick and mosquito killer products that you can spray and apply to your yard for a fraction of the cost of the pro services. These are the same exact insecticides that I use, so why not do it yourself, at your convenience (while keeping an eye on the weather) and save money in the process? Most of these can also be used indoors, too! Couple it with a bug zapper for optimum results.
Related Post: How to get rid of mosquitoes
Archer IGR
For optimal results, Syngenta Archer Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) product must be applied with one of these other mosquito killer insecticides listed below. This, and any IGR insecticide, will prevent the insects from maturing and reproducing, but will not necessarily kill adult mosquitoes – some consider it to be like the birth control of insecticides. You must apply lambda-Cyhalothrin, Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin, Bifenthrin or other similar products to knock down and kill mosquitoes while preventing future mosquito population.
When Archer IGR is combined with one of these insecticides, all life-cycles of mosquitoes are controlled from active adults to mosquito larvae and unhatched eggs, resulting in fewer pests every year… choose this and any one of the following products for exceptional results. Take back your yard today!
I’m using Archer tank-mixed with Demand CS with exceptional results this year. You can also find other IGR products such as Tekko Pro.
Application rates for mosquitoes
- Pint (16 oz.) bottle yields 8 gallons of finished solution.
- 1.0 fl. oz./gal. of water – 0.01% (1,500 sq. ft.)
Compare prices on Do My Own, Amazon, and DIY Pest. Also, try NyGuard IGR for a great alternative.
Demand CS
I switched from Bifen to Suspend Polyzone (below) and now to Demand CS and may never look back. This also comes highly recommended by many professionals, has over 300 5 star product reviews on Do My Own, and receives plenty of praise on YouTube. Tank mixed with Archer IGR, and used in conjunction with my DynaTrap, I’ve literally seen just one mosquito in my yard all year and zero ticks.
When combined with IGR, Demand CS will significantly reduce the mosquito population for the long term, while providing 90 days of long-lasting coverage for you and your family. Now in the middle of July, I’ve only sprayed twice to date, so the residual efficacy of this mosquito killer is true. As explained in the video below, Syngenta uses iCAP technology in Demand CS which adheres to pests’ waxy cuticles as they travel through treated areas.
Also labeled to kill armyworms.
Application rates for mosquitoes
- Quart (32 oz.) bottle yields 40-160 gallons of finished solution
- 0.2 fl. oz. (6mL)/gal. of water – 0.015% – light infestation
- 0.4 fl. oz. (12 mL)/gal. of water – 0.03% – moderate infestation
- 0.8 fl. oz. (24 mL)/gal. of water – 0.06% – severe infestations
Compare prices on Do My Own, Amazon, and DIY Pest.
Bayer Suspend Polyzone
Suspend Polyzone is an excellent tick, mosquito and insect killer. Polyzone is the newer upgraded version of their Suspend SC insecticide. This new product’s technology has a polymer layer that extends the efficacy and residue during rain and inclement weather. Suspend Polyzone is odorless and will last up to 90 days outdoors.
The active ingredient is Deltamethrin (Delta Dust) and in my experience, provides much better coverage than the next product. It’s odorless, did not stain, and worked great in my yard last year. It’s a broad-spectrum insecticide that is labeled for over 60 insects, both indoors and outdoors. It also helped with an ant infestation in my front window sill, both inside and out.
Like Demand CS, this product can and should be mixed with IGR for optimum coverage and control.
Application rates for mosquitoes
- Pint (16 oz.) bottle yields 10-21 gallons of finished solution.
- 0.75 fl. oz./gal. of water – 0.03% – light-moderate infestation
- 1.5 fl. oz./gal. of water – 0.06% – severe infestation
Compare prices on Do My Own, Amazon, and DIY Pest.
Talstar Pro Insecticide
Bifenthrin is one of the more economical insecticides on the market and covers over 70 labeled insects for both indoors and outdoors, including ticks and mosquitoes. Talstar Pro, by FMC, contains 7.9% Bifen and is the most commonly used insecticide for insects amongst professionals due to the low cost per application, its effectiveness, and being easily tank-mixed with IGR.
I personally spray this around my outdoor windows and foundations at a maintenance rate for ants. This is safe to use indoors, too, which I use if ants are present. It’s a broad-spectrum herbicide that controls the most common pests in your lawn and garden.
Cons: efficacy does not last as long as Suspend Polyzone or Demand CS. For best results, this should be sprayed around the perimeter of your yard every 3-4 weeks. Also targets armyworms.
Application rates for mosquitoes
- Quart (32 oz.) bottle yields +32 gallons of finished solution
- 0.33 fl. oz./gal. of water – 0.07% – low maintenance rate
- 1.0 fl. oz./gal. of water – 0.22% – recommended rates
Compare prices on Do My Own, and DIY Pest. Try Talak 7.9% as another great alternative.
Essentria IC3 Insecticide
Last on our list of best mosquito killer is Essentria IC3 from Zoecon. This is the best organic option, containing Geraniol, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil. This product needs to be applied every 30 days for outdoor use. For mosquitoes, use 1-3 oz. per gallon of water. Also targets armyworm.
Note: the odor is very strong. I add about 1-2 oz per four gallons as a repellent, along with IGR and Bifen. If you use the max 3 oz. per gallon, I would suggest wearing a mask.
Gallon (128 oz.) bottle yields ~42 gallons of finished solution at suggested rates.
How To Spray & Kill Mosquitoes
While a backpack fogger is an ideal method of spraying mosquito killer, a backpack sprayer will also work. I use the pink fan tip on my My4Sons backpack sprayer with great results. Spray a good 10′ into the wooded area from the border of your yard, and about 10′ on the grass for ticks. Coat leaves from trees, shrubs, bushes, grass, debris on the ground of the woods, and anywhere mosquitoes hide during the day (shaded, cooler areas). Depending on which product you use will dictate the frequency in which you spray mosquito killer.
For even greater results, add a Dynatrap mosquito trap / bug zapper to your yard. This mosquito trap uses ultraviolet light to attract the mosquitos and bugs, and sucks them into the basket below where they dehydrate and die off. Simply replace the UV light once a year (it comes with 2 extra) and empty the bottom of the unit as needed. This one covers a half-acre – or roughly 20,000 square feet – and beats any citronella candles to repel mosquitoes. They can also be found at big box stores like Home Depot.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs (mosquito larvae) in standing water. Be sure to empty or drain any still water – be it in buckets or kid’s toys. They don’t need a lot of water – even a tablespoon will work!
