Are Mr. Mister Mosquito Control Chemicals Safe?

We are often asked if the chemicals we use in our mosquito control sprays and misting systems are safe to children and pets. This is a reasonable question because many of our clients have children – and with children can come a variety of pets. Not all mosquito control chemicals or mosquito repellent sprays are child or pet friendly.

Here at Mr. Mister, we are well aware of the concerns of our customer and take safety very much into account. Our engineers and service personnel have the same concerns as you about this, and they would certainly be very apprehensive working with us were their own health concerns not addressed to their satisfaction.

In fact, Mr. Mister uses only mosquito repellents and chemicals that are safe to you and your family – and our employees! You need have no concerns regarding this, although we do stress that it is not advised to expose babies of under two months to mosquito control sprays or mists. Although our systems are of low toxicity to people and to pets, very young children may experience discomfort if exposed to them during application. Once applied, wait 30 minutes and it is safe for your kids to play in your yard.

What Chemicals Are Used In Mr. Mister Mosquito Control?

Let’s look at our ClearZone^TM mosquito treatment first. The main spray chemical we use is based upon permethrin, which is a synthetic form of the natural pyrethrum that is extracted from the African daisy, a species of chrysanthemum. We use this to spray all the areas where mosquitoes can be expected to breed and hide when not active. These include areas such as deep grass, shrubs, around the foundations of your home and any outbuildings, around drains and downpipes, etc.

This chemical is absorbed into the body at a rate one-twentieth of that of DEET – 5% of the DEET rate of absorption. Permethrin is significantly safer to use than DEET, and is used in shampoos, pet protection and to impregnate outdoor clothing.

All of the substances used in Mr. Mister mosquito control systems are EPA approved. Your family and pets will be safe to return outdoors a half-hour after application of the treatment. We use a 0.3% solution of permethrin in water which is free of oils and does not stain clothing or anything else it is sprayed on. It is so safe that it is used in Africa to impregnate mosquito netting for children under 2 years old.

Mr. Mister Natural Mosquito Sprays

We also offer 100% natural pyrethrum mosquito sprays. You will need a quote for these since their prices and availability can vary. They are effective, but require a more frequent application. We recommend a fresh application every two weeks.

Why Not Use DEET?

Mr. Mister does not used DEET due to the question about their safety – particularly with children and small animals. We have no reason to use DEET because we have safer chemicals available. Some studies have shown DEET to be safe for use, while others have a raised a question mark. Why take a chance on your safety when have alternative mosquito control sprays and mists that are safer?

Rather than DEET, we use Picaridin which is a synthetic insecticide safer in our opinion than DEET. Developed in 2005 by Bayer, it is not related to DEET in any way, is of significantly lower toxicity then DEET but is equally effective to it in mosquito mists and sprays without dissolving plastics and causing stains as DEET does. However, unless you prefer Picaridin, we would normally use permethrin.

Are Mr. Mister Mosquito Control Chemicals Safe: Summary

Mr. Mister takes your safety very seriously. We would never use DEET, but instead use the much less toxic permethrin or picaridin. We understand how all of the insecticides we use work to control mosquitoes, and choose the correct one to suit your needs – but keeping safety to you, your family and your pets very much in mind.

If need more information on the safety of mosquito control systems, or have any other questions to answer, click here for our Contact Form

Alternatively, call (404) 941-0720 or Click Here for a Quote.