People are so sick and tired of mosquitoes that they keep inventing new ways to kill them. Amateurs and experimenters recommend rubbing herbs all over the place, while the manufacturers keep producing new electronic devices. So many methods, tips, and products exist that we have decided to unravel a Gordian knot of them and clear the confusion once and for all.
| 1. Summit Mosquito Bits to Kill Larvae | |
| 2. Black Flag 32 Oz Propane Insect Fogger | |
| 3. Black Flag Fogging Insecticide | |
| 4. Flowtron Electronic Insect Killer | |
| 5. Dynatrap Mosquito Trap | |
| 6. Suspend Sc Insecticide | |
| 7. Spartan Mosquito Eradicator – Best Natural |
In order to kill mosquitoes smartly, let’s figure out what the modern treatments can and cannot do, and what purposes each of them serves. Here, we have listed ALL ways to get rid of mosquitoes ever invented by humans: from bacteria killing larvae to modern powerful propane traps.
The first thing you should start with is developing a plan of action. Here is the list of steps that you may find helpful: Devising a plan is half the battle. Much depends on its proper implementation, which requires a deeper understanding of the methods you use and what kind of products you should choose. That is why we suggest that you should keep on read our detailed guide covering all effective methods of eradicating both adult and larval mosquitoes.8 Steps On How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes
There are only a few killing methods approved by the scientists: repellents, traps, foggers, mosquito larvae killers and insecticides for adult mosquitoes. Let’s see when and how each of them is to be used.
All in all, if you live in a place with tons of bugs and have to deal with thousands of mosquitoes, be ready to combine all these treatments. Use repellents for personal protection, traps for catching the mosquitoes, and synthetic chemicals and bacteria which kill mosquito larvae and thus break the breeding cycle for reducing mosquito population.
| Type | How Does It Work? | Best Use |
| Repellents applied on skin | DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus. They conceal natural human odor making it unpleasant for mosquitoes. They do not kill but only repel mosquitoes. | Apply on the skin and/or clothes, according to the manual. Do not spray underneath the clothes! It is preferable to wash the repellents off at the end of the day. |
| Repellents applied on clothes | Permethrin. Kill and repel insects. | Apply only on clothes, bags, tents and other fabric. Can withstand up to six weeks of use (i.e. six washings). |
| Biological Larvicides to kill larvae | It contains a bacterium that will kill mosquitoes’ larvae and don’t let them breed. | Pour into standing water. |
| Chemical Larvicides | Insect Growth Regulator. Prevent mosquito larvae from becoming biting adults. | Pour into standing water. |
| Professional Insecticides | Pyrethrin, pyrethroids. Kills adult mosquitoes. | Spray the territory. |
| CO2 and Propane Traps | Attract with heat, light, smell, CO2 or H2O. Mosquitoes are attracted inside the trap where they die of dehydration. | Place in the yard or at home, depending on the trap type. Remove dead insects from the tray regularly. |
| Foggers | Kills adult mosquitoes and thus temporarily reduces insect population. | Operated by propane or electricity. Pour the fogging liquid down the fogger and spray the poisonous fog on the lot. Best applied late at night or early in the morning in calm weather. |
| Spartan Mosquito Eradicator | It is based on 3 natural ingredients — yeast, sucrose, and sodium chloride. Attracted to CO2, mosquitoes drink salty water and die in a while. | The best place is a tree with dense foliage as this is where mosquitoes typically gather. |
| Zappers | This indoor device is designed to lure flies, mosquitoes and other annoying insect pests to the grid where they will be immediately zapped. | Best performance in the darkness. |
Now that we have dealt with the larvae, let’s kill the adults. First, let’s take a look at the insecticides.
Foggers can be considered a weapon of mass destruction. Generating a poisonous fog is a relatively simple and effective method of combating mosquitoes in yard.
Black Flag 32 Oz Propane Insect Fogger is a bestseller. Why is it so popular? Because of its price, obviously. Upon reading the feedback, we realized that you get value for money. This is not a perfect gadget; it’s a solid and cheap device. It’s also quite powerful, as the fog jet can reach 10 ft.
By Amazon.com
Last update on 2023-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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This product is only for outdoor use for treating large areas! Its active ingredient is 3-Phenoxybenzyl which is Permethrin (from Pyrethroids class). It kills mosquitoes and biting flies, creates a barrier and lasts up to 6 hours. Make sure you wear a protective mask and treat your place only when it’s not windy! For more details about foggers, refer to our review of the 5 best mosquito foggers.
Last update on 2023-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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This innovative product is manufactured by the American company headquartered in Mississippi. The reason for its enormous popularity is that the solution is based on the knowledge of mosquito biology and, at the same time, is absolutely safe. In addition, the product is easy to use as the only thing you need to do is fill the container with water.
How does it work? The solution contains 3 natural ingredients — sodium chloride, sucrose, and yeast. The latter ferments, emitting CO2 which serves as the most powerful attractant for bloodsuckers. When a mosquito gets inside the container, it will not be able to resist the lure of water and will most likely feed on it. The liquid will be salty because sodium chloride dissolves in the water. After digesting the solution, the mosquito will die in a short period of time.
The ability of yeast to attract bloodsuckers has been scientifically proven. For example, researchers at Portland State University have conducted a study and found out that “a yeast-sugar-water mixture has been shown to generate sufficient CO2 for mosquito attraction.” And although incandescent or LED light traps catch a greater number of these pests, the yeast-based solutions have the advantage of being cost-effective as you will not have to spend extra money on batteries.
The product’s manufacturer warns that it is crucial to locate the tube in the right place to make it work. Let’s start with the fact that Eradicator is a good barrier solution that can cover up to one acre of land. So how to create a barrier? Hang the tubes along the property line at intervals of no more than 180 feet and within the edge of the woods.
The best place is a tree with dense foliage as this is where mosquitoes typically gather. If there is no any, choose a shady and humid area in the yard. Hang the item 6 feet above the ground and close to the tree trunk. If there is a pond, swimming pool or any other water feature, place the product closer to it as these are common breeding sites for mosquitoes. If you do everything right, mosquitoes will be eradicated in about 2 weeks.
Spartan Mosquito Eradicator: Check the current price
When it comes to CO2 traps, there are propane-powered units that are more effective than the yeast-based systems. Well, it does not take long to work out why an automated device is capable of generating more carbon dioxide than the natural fermentation process. Still, these units are not safe enough as propane is a substance that brings the risk of explosion or fire. Whereas Spartan Mosquito Eradicator is a trouble-free option of CO2 traps because the only “fuel” it needs is water.
The specialists recommend using Organophosphate (malathion): Pyrethrin, Pyrethroids as adulticides. They kill the mosquitoes and create a barrier around your place.
This is both indoor and outdoor insecticide. Its active ingredient is a Pyrethroid, Deltamethrin. The product that is manufactured by a pharmaceutical giant Bayer and is considered to be a professional insecticide. This multifunctional item is effective against 50 types of pests. Various pests require various dosages, listed on the label or the manufacturer’s website.
In general, consumers are satisfied with the insecticide, but their opinions vary regarding the insecticidal barrier against different pests. The ones fighting against other pest insects note that the residual effect lasts for up to a month, while those killing mosquitoes complain that the effect lasts for only a few days. We still think that even a few days of rest without mosquitoes is an acceptable result!
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It’s possible to kill mosquito larvae either with biological or chemical means. Since mosquitoes lay their larvae in water, and you probably have some still water at your place (be it a pond or a rainwater tank), this will be the place for applying some special live bacteria. You should apply them as early as possible at the beginning of April and continue the process until the end of summer.
The State University of New Jersey’s scientists recommend using products containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which destroy the stomach lining of the mosquito larva.
These are three identical products containing the same active ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (BTI). It’s a bacterium that kills insects and is thus a fully biological insect population regulator. The only thing that is different about the products is their configuration, which can be dunk donuts, granules, and pouches.
They are the Best Sellers in the Insect & Pest Repellent category on and are time-proven: 90% of positive reviews and over 10 years of presence of the larvicide market are the figures which speak for themselves.These biological mosquito control products kill mosquitoes’ larvae and don’t let them breed for up to 30 days. This method is 100% natural, organic and environment-friendly.
Let’s see how live bacteria act against mosquitoes with the help of Mosquito Bits . The manufacturer claims that all existing mosquito larvae will be killed within 24 hours which means they won’t be able to breed. In real life, killing of mosquitoes occurs much faster. Here is the feedback from a customer on Mosquito Bits: “My son and I tested this out on a 5-gallon bucket brimming with twitchy mosquito larvae. We put maybe half a teaspoon of bits in: all the larvae were dead within three hours.”
According to customers, the granules should be changed regularly, once in 7-12 days in accordance with the dosage proportion of 1 tsp per 25 sq. ft.
Mosquito Bits: Check the current price
You have to put the product into a pond, birdbath, flower pot, storm drains, drainage ditches, and barrels storing rainwater, puddles or other sources of standing water, including the stumps of trees and drains on the roof, etc. This won’t be enough, though. In order for an insecticide containing BTI to work most effectively, you have to bear in mind several important points:
Last update on 2023-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Experience shows that BTI is really safe, both for pets and wild animals, as many users let their dogs drink from the pond where the bits were poured, as the active ingredient has no effect on dogs, cats , rabbits, squirrels and other animals inhabiting the area.
Many users consider the bacteria to be a 2-in-1 product which can be used both as a means of express-killing of the larvae and as a preventive measure. For the latter purpose, large reserves of standing water should be treated with bacteria before the mosquito season is open, ie in April.
By What America Buys Last update on 2023-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Insect Growth Regulators are considered to be an alternative to the bacteria. Methoprene is a safe Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) recommended by the specialists of the California Department of Public Health . The scientists claim that just like BTI, this IGR is safe to use in human drinking water sources.
Altosid Pro-G Mosquito Larvicide is one of them. Unlike similar items, this isn’t a concentrate liquid IGR, but a granule larvicide. The manufacturer promises that it will “prevent mosquitoes from becoming breeding, biting adults.” A pack contains 2.6 lbs of granules, which will be enough to treat up to 5 455 sq ft. Even if you use them frugally, you’ll be able to see the effect within 24 hours. Even the users coming from the Floridian mosquito kingdom praise its effectiveness (“just remember to spread it monthly and don’t forget the gutters!”)
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There is another powerful Pyriproxyfen based IGR. Its active ingredient is used in Africa for maintaining control over the mosquitoes which carry dengue fever and malaria. The IGR is also available online and considered low in toxicity for humans and other mammals. Scientists prefer to the use of Pyriproxyfen in the water supply in Brazil.
Pyriproxyfen can be 40 times more powerful than Methoprene with regard to certain types of mosquitoes. One ounce of the IGR concentrate is to be dissolved in one gallon of water which means that 4 oz will be enough for treating 6,000 sq ft. I.G. Regulator, 4 oz by Martin.
Remember that mosquito larvae can appear anywhere, regardless of whether there is a pond or a pool. Any kind of standing water, even a small puddle, can support a population. So be sure that gutters are draining properly, empty flower pots and check drainage ditches.
Last update on 2023-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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As a result, we have compiled a chart listing all the abovementioned effective synthetic and biological mosquito insecticides.
If you don’t feel like dealing with foggers and insecticides, try using traps. There are different kinds of mosquito traps: propane, CO2 and H2O ones.
CO2 traps are an intermediary between compact home traps and giant propane ones. When humans breathe out they release CO2 – and this attracts mosquitoes. So these traps emit CO2 and thus attract the mosquitoes. Some of the models can even function without gas bottles as CO2 is released from metal with photocatalysis.
When choosing from dozens of various outdoor mosquito traps, many people opt for CO2 traps. They are durable and do not require mandatory chemical bait or additional supplies such as gas tanks. Dynatrap is one of the best selling CO2 traps.
This trap offers good value for money and covers sufficient area (1 acre). It attracts mosquitoes with the light of two UV bulbs and emitted CO2 mimicking human breathing. You don’t need any gas tanks because the gas is generated on UV bulb and titan dioxide surface contact. A powerful fan sucks all mosquitoes flying nearby down the trap. The retaining container has an automatic door preventing the insects from flying out. The users claim that the warm bulb light attracts not only midges and mosquitoes but also moths and other insects.
The trap is powered through an outlet and if the supplied seven-foot cord is too short, you can use an extension. The device is supplied with two spare bulbs, with a service life of about four months. After that time, they should be replaced (by the way, they cost only $16 (2-pack). A stand with a hook is not supplied, but you can buy one separately.
If you use the device outdoors, hang it at least four feet from the ground and thirty feet from your house and people. Also remember to remove dead insects from the container, especially in summer when bloodsuckers’ activity peaks.
The manufacturer claims that the device can be used both indoors and outdoors, but this is not quite true. There is a disclaimer in the manual saying that it works only for large rooms (because of emitting CO2).
Remember that wherever you use it, make sure there are no people around the working trap because the carbon dioxide humans exhale as well as their body heat both attract mosquitoes stronger than the trap. The users have also observed this phenomenon.
Dynatrap DT2000XL: Check the current price
Propane traps are the most effective and most expensive traps. They can cope with any mosquito attack as they kill thousands of them and consequently reduce their population considerably. They work 24/7. The idea of propane traps is that they turn propane to CO2, heat, and moisture. When the mosquitoes fly by, they get sucked into the trap (like a vacuum cleaner would suck them in). Within 24 hours, the insects die of dehydration, and all you have to do is clean up the tray.
If you’re looking for more outdoor traps – read our article “What is the best and the most effective mosquito trap: Propane, Ultra Violet, CO2 or H2O Trap?”. We have devoted a full-scale review to all the modern traps.
Traps that use water (H2O) will suit those with allergies and don’t cost much. They are hypoallergenic, don’t require any attractants and can function both at home or at a plant. Their effectiveness, though, is lower than that of propane traps.
If you are looking for a low cost option, check out the H2O trap Bug Zapper & Insect Fly Trap. It promises to remove mosquitoes, flies, midges and other annoying flying insects. The trap attracts them with a water tray and UV bulb light.
The fan sucks all mosquitos flying close enough inside. It can be used not only outside, but also anywhere indoors as it is completely safe. A four-legged stand for hanging the device is also supplied.
Heat-traps heat the air above the average temperature and thus attract mosquitoes. Their main benefit is their coverage area (up to 2 acres), and the main drawback is its premium price and large dimensions. This is a good choice for industrial plants and for farmers.
So, we have shared how to kill larvae and get rid of adult mosquitoes outside. The main idea is to secure the perimeter of your place so that no creature can fly into your house! Now, let’s fight those mosquitos who still have been able to get inside.
Here are the 7 best ways to get rid of mosquitoes in your house recommended by entomologists.
1. Use Swatter Zappers: just push the button. This is a very popular product and is listed in the top 20 best-selling products in the Bug Zappers category; you’ll find 9 swatters made by different manufacturers! Read a detailed review about Fly Swatters here.
Become a real insect hunter with this device! The Zap-It! Bug Zapper looks like an ordinary yellow tennis racket with a black handle, but in reality, it is a killer able to electrocute bloodsuckers. The idea is simple; any small insects found within the “working area” of this device will be electrocuted by 3000V. You just need to hit a special button. One hit leads to electrocution of a dozen mosquitoes. This gets very exciting but you’ll have to use the racket a lot in order to kill tons of mosquitoes.
Zap-It Bug Zapper is safe enough to be used by children (naturally, under adult supervision). First, it doesn’t use any attractants, aerosols or other chemical compounds. Second, the device is protected by a triple net to save you from an electric shock. Third, there is a sensor that lights when the device is on.
This swatter zapper requires a USB-powered rechargeable battery. The users note that recharging takes less time than they expected: “I charged mine on and off. I was not totally watching it but I believe it was fully charged in 5 minutes.” Others claim it took them 15-30 minutes. In any case, charging this swatter is faster than charging your phone. This bug zapper can always protect you against bites.
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2. Use UV indoor traps.
They are aimed at killing mosquitoes indoors, but there are universal items both for indoors & outdoors. Such insect zappiers are powered either via an outlet or a USB port. They attract bloodsuckers with the UV bulb light and suck them down the trap where they die. Certain products have sticky surfaces that grip insects tightly.
To remove insects with traps, you needn’t use ultra-expensive devices. Many UV traps are quite affordable and proven. Non-toxic UV Mosquito Trap works, for instance, like a vacuum cleaner with a lamp and is suitable for indoor use.
The trap attracts the mosquitoes with a lamp light and its powerful 2000 rpm airflow fan sucks the insects inside the device where they die of dehydration. It also saves your money as the light sensor is automated. It turns the trap on at night and switches it off at the crack of dawn providing best results and cost-saving!
By Antiope Corp
Last update on 2023-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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You will find more bug zappers in our review of the Best Insect Zappers.
3. Use Mosquito Netting to Protect Your House and Kids from Mosquitoes.
Mosquito nets have long been used for windows only. Progress has reached them too, Magnetic Screen Door, Full Frame Velcro Nirvana is an example of magnet traps. This screen door combines insect Velcro and special magnets. This is a very popular product, it is a #1 Best Seller in the Screen Doors category on and it has over 2600 customer reviews.
Judging by the rating of this product, customers love this item. They claim that installing this screen door with the help of the video manual will take less than half an hour and it can be used for the whole summer. Negative reviews that we found touched upon the fact that one customer’s dog loved to bite this screen, and at another customer’s place, this screen doesn’t stay put without additional mounting.
By Upper Echelon Products
Last update on 2023-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Jumbo Mosquito Net for Bed, Queen Size is a net that can protect the largest bed from mosquitoes. This mosquito bed netting looks good. Obviously, you won’t be able to hang such a canopy over your bed if you live in an apartment, but if you live in a rural area or travel south, this device will suit you perfectly.
4. Use indoor bug zappers.
In the 1990s, the scientists carried out some experiments, and a few studies have shown that zappers are very poor at killing mosquito females (the biting sex). They claim that the majority of the insects zapped are useful species, such as aquatic insects, which serve as food for fish.
But on the other hand, if no other mosquito killer for home is available, the customers remain satisfied with zappers and claim that the help to kill not only all types of flying insects but also the mosquitoes. Below, you will read about two popular units for using indoors.
This is a spy movie device that will leave no chance for mosquitoes. It is a bug zapper camouflaged as a light bulb! ZappLight Bug Zapper attracts the mosquitoes and electrocutes them without any chemical bait, additional outlets, and increased electricity consumption! The light bulb has three modes: light and zapper, light only, and zapper only. The latter is convenient at night. Turn the switch twice to activate it.
The manufacturer claims that this device can work for a very long time, up to 25000 hours (about three years). It can be used with any fitting suitable for its E26 / E27 lamp base. Feel free to use it anywhere indoors including cafes, stores, hotels, warehouses, garages as well as outdoors in the patio, backyard or on the roof. Since the device is completely safe, it is suitable even for schools and hospitals. It is portable and in order to clean it, all you have to do is turn the light off, unscrew the light bulb and shake the zapper over the trash bin.
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For those who don’t want to deal with light bulbs, there exists a compact zapper. This small and very popular device for indoor use is powered by electricity. It attracts insects with its light and electrocutes mosquitoes and small flying gnats. Such a device can cover up to 300 square feet, but the less area you use it on, the better. The device doesn’t consume much energy and can be left on 24/7. You will yield the best results at night when there are no other sources of light. It is non-toxic and does not use any harmful bait so it can be used even in hospitals and schools.
The users rate zappers highly. Their reviews are illustrated with photos of this zapper with a metal tray full of mosquitoes. This result is obtained after only one week of use.
The manufacturer warns that you must be extra careful when cleaning the zapper and you should do this only after unplugging from the outlet. Since it accumulates static electricity, touch the metal grille with a screwdriver to remove the charge first. After that, you can remove the lid and shake off the insects into the trap with a small brush or a piece of cloth. Just like any other electric device, don’t let your children play with it.
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5. Use fans. Scientists also recommend “sitting in front of a fan as it will help you keep mosquitoes away” . Wow, just wow.
6. Get rid of any standing water at home. The scientists believe that female mosquitoes can lay eggs even in water left under the flower pot. A long neglected flower vase can become a real springboard for mosquito breeding, to say nothing of the wet basements! Eliminate all such sources of still water and then get on with fighting the remaining mosquitoes.
7.Vacuum clean. We are positive you have already thought of taking your vacuum cleaner and chasing the blood-sucking insects Ghostbusters style. Now is the time to make some noise! Mind the ceiling, walls, and behind the curtains as these are the places where mosquitoes can hide.
To sum up, let’s summarize our investigation and list all 7 methods which will surely help you get rid of mosquitoes. We’ll start with the simplest mosquitoes repellents and finish with the most hardcore ones, used by the professionals.
Also read: Mosquito Magnet Review , Best Mosquito Repellent Bracelets , Best Thermacell Mosquito Repellents , Best Citronella Candles .
Need to hire an exterminator? Find the best licensed professionals in your area.
Attention! The scientists claim that, with time, mosquitoes become resistant to the pesticides used against them. Most likely you’ll never find out what kind of chemicals were used for treating mosquitoes by your neighbors or by the previous homeowners, so if a product doesn’t work, it is not necessarily ineffective; perhaps the mosquitoes have simply gotten used to it.
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View Comments
I enjoyed reading this article. It is very informative. I will follow these tips for sure.
Wow!! This article has everything! Thanks for posting it. A lot of good products to look into. It seriously cutout research time by a couple of hours to have it all here.
Check out this product man you can use it to market your services. Best mosquito killer>
I use Pest Venator Bug Zapper Light Bulb against mosquitoes. I think this is a great solution when there are children in the house.
How does garlic sprays add up to adult mosquito sprays?
How to kill mosquitoes in the room without using any sprays? It seems like bug zapper is the best option. Anything else?
As far as I understand, this is the best way to get rid of mosquitoes in yard. I use it when I hang out in my backyard with my friends. Of course we chill until late night when these insects crawl out.
There are different ways to get rid of mosquitoes, as you’ve read in the article. Fogger is one of them and when it comes to its performance I can definitely say that thing helps get rid of these insects perfectly, I’ve used it myself. Who cares if the effect is temporary, at least you will be able to spend a few hours outdoors without being bitten.
Well it’s hard to judge which spray is the best one as all of them are more or less effective, I think we should pay more attention to the issue of how to eliminate mosquitoes with other products. I’ve always wanted to try a fogger, but I have zero experience so I’d like to know more on the subject.
Guys, please share your experience and opinions, which spray to kill mosquitoes work best? I think it must be Suspend Sc Insecticide, I used it many times.