The Best Mosquito Killer
Pest Strategies
One of the best ways to prevent mosquito bites is to target and kill mosquitoes directly. That’s why Pest Strategies researched the best mosquito killers on Amazon. Continue reading to discover our top picks and make an informed purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A755Q3O
Wondercide Pest Control Spray Concentrate
What We Like: If mosquitoes are tormenting your yard, but you don’t want to use a toxic, chemical-laden solution, consider this yard spray. When it’s used as directed, this spray is as powerful as the insecticide permethrin without the toxicity. It sprays up to 10,000 square feet, which is more than enough to thoroughly treat your yard one or multiple times. There’s also no wait time for its knockdown effect to begin — it starts working its magic within minutes after it’s applied.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PFQYZ8F
Summit Mosquito Dunks
What We Like: It’s well-known that standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes as well as other bothersome insects. With this pack, all you have to do is gently toss a dunk on the water’s surface to treat up to 100 square feet, regardless of water depth. The insecticides used in the dunks are only toxic to mosquitoes, disrupting their life cycle. Consider throwing a dunk in rain barrels, bird baths, tree holes, gutters, and other areas where water collects around your yard.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004R9VW
Flowtron Electronic Insect Killer
What We Like: Combining warm, ambient lighting with the killing power of a high-voltage electric grid, this outdoor zapper is worth adding to your arsenal of mosquito killers. The UV light attracts mosquitoes and other flying bugs, and the electric grid kills them on contact without the use of chemicals. Arriving with a top-mounted hanging hook, this zapper is easy to situate in your backyard to provide around-the-clock mosquito control using just pennies a day in electricity costs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001AUF8G
Summit Mosquito Bits
What We Like: Your backyard oasis full of growing plants and water features shouldn’t be overrun by mosquitoes. This hefty bag of mosquito bits uses a similar formula as mosquito dunks. However, they can be spread over soil, dirt, or anywhere else in your backyard instead of just placed on water. The bits can be used around people, pets, plants, fish, and livestock to target the larvae of mosquitoes that transmit Zika and West Nile virus.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GN4JZL8
ZAP IT! Bug Zapper Racket
What We Like: Traditional fly swatters are useful in certain situations, but when it comes to pesky, fast-maneuvering insects like mosquitoes, an electric grid makes it much easier to instantly kill them. The 4,000-volt power grid on each zapper racket knocks down flying insects with a single swing. The battery is also designed to last up to 10,000 individual zaps on a single charge.
Buying Guide
Most, if not all, of us can agree that mosquitoes are unwanted, bothersome pests that should be eliminated at all costs. Our buying guide below informs you of your mosquito-killing options to help you make a purchasing decision.
- Type: Mosquito killers and repellents come in several forms, with the most common being:
- Zapper: Electric zappers have a few advantages over other forms of mosquito killers — namely, using no toxic chemicals, requiring little oversight, and being effective against any flying insect. You’ll find freestanding, hanging, and racket bug zappers.
- Dunk: Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, so if you have a pond, bird bath, fountain, or other water feature in your backyard, consider adding a few mosquito dunks to it. Mosquito dunks are small, donut-shaped rings that float on the surface of water, releasing a bacteria that’s only toxic to mosquito larvae to prevent them from reproducing.
- Spray: Yard sprays are a common and effective mosquito killer. They’re available with a variety of active ingredients that form a barrier around your home to minimize the number of mosquitoes that are able to get through. A spray bottle, hose attachment, or fogger machine may be necessary to apply this spray.
- Ingredients: As with most pest control products, there are chemical-based options as well as more natural, non-toxic options available. Insecticides are commonly found in dunks and sprays, though some sprays use essential oils. Effectiveness varies among active ingredients, so mixing and matching different products will yield the best results.
- Duration: How long a mosquito killer remains effective depends on what type it is. Electric zappers continue to work for months or even years as long as they have power. Mosquito dunks, sprays, and other products that require application or placement usually last between half a month and a month.
- Effective range: The effective range is in how large of an area the killer works. This can be measured in acres, square feet, or meters. If you want to ward off mosquitoes outdoors, look for a product with a large estimated range. Conversely, a small zapper or spray bottle doesn’t need as large of a range if you’re using it indoors.
Do Mosquitoes Bite Dogs?
Not unlike humans, mosquitoes target dogs as a source of blood. In fact, dogs can get quite a few mosquito bites despite their comparatively thicker hair.
Although your pup can’t verbalize that they’ve been bitten, there are a few signs to look out for:
- Repeated scratching when they don’t have fleas
- Continuously rubbing their nose and ears against the ground or carpet
- Visible red welts, akin to mosquito bites on humans
In most cases, mosquito bites don’t warrant a trip to the vet. However, it’s possible for your dog to contract mosquito-borne illnesses just like humans. If they exhibit any of these behaviors, take them to the vet immediately:
- Constant coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Lack of energy
- Refusal to play or run
- No appetite or sudden, unexplained weight loss
Treating Canine Mosquito Bites
Though using a mosquito killer serves as an ideal first layer of defense against mosquito bites, there are also products that you can safely apply directly to your dog. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t use human insect repellents or killers on dogs, as chemicals that are harmless to humans can be toxic to them.
Essential oils, such as tea tree oil, lavender, and lemon eucalyptus, are safe and effective in preventing and managing canine mosquito bites. You’ll also come across anti-bacterial creams and ointments formulated specifically for dogs.
FAQs
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Are bug zappers an effective way to kill mosquitoes?
Yes. Although bug zappers won’t provide you with a direct shield against mosquito bites, a carefully placed one can limit the number of these blood-sucking pests in the area.
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What’s the difference between a mosquito repellent and a mosquito killer?
Mosquito repellents are designed to keep mosquitoes at bay, while mosquito killers work to directly target and kill them. Repellents typically use non-toxic ingredients and come in the form of skin sprays, bracelets or other wearable items, and candles.
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What time of year are mosquitoes most active?
Mosquitoes are most active during the warmer months of the year — typically April through October in the Northern Hemisphere. However, due to their relatively fast life cycle, mosquitoes can hatch and become a nuisance in just days if there’s a warm spell during the winter. Unless there’s visible frost or snow on the ground, mosquitoes are always a possibility.
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Are mosquito yard sprays safe to use around pets and children?
Generally, yes. Modern pesticides have come a long way in terms of their effectiveness and safety. All mosquito killers, including yard sprays, must conform to countless regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency before they’re available to consumers. Despite this, we still recommend storing any yard sprays or other mosquito killer products in a closed-off area away from children and pets.
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What’s a mosquito coil?
A mosquito coil is a special type of mosquito-repelling solution made from dried pyrethrum powder. The coil, taking a spiral shape, burns slowly when it’s lit, releasing smoke that creates a protective barrier against mosquitoes and other flying insects. Mosquito coils are designed for outdoor use only and are commonly used in places with a tropical or subtropical climate.
Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.