NFT: Spraying for mosquitos and ticks

I found that there is not enough research available to determine negative side affects associated with the use of the chemicals.

I have a young daughter. That was enough for me to stop considering the service.

but rather choose to do it myself. I have a little over an acre here in Florida, and needless to say, there are plenty of bugs. I treat all my areas with Triazicide about every 8 weeks. They say the product lasts for 90 days (3 months of protection), but the shit in Florida is real. Putting the Triazicide down takes care of the ants, fleas, ticks, etc. For the Mosquitoes, I fog my property frequently. From now until October, I'll fog every 3 - 4 days in the early morning. During the dry season, I might fog every month.

is that stuff organic and/or safe for kids and dogs?

In comment 13478737 B in ALB said:

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is that stuff organic and/or safe for kids and dogs?

I wouldn't advocate your children or dogs eating the dirt, but once dry (soaked into the soil), it is fine for pets. I don't have children to experiment with.

likes to roll around in the grass and dirt because he's an asshole.

Actually, it's to mask his smell because there is a family of rabbits in our woods that he routinely hunts and chases.

It's really something to see. He rolls around in the grass and dirt (and sometimes our lab's poop, unfortunately), then figures out how to be downwind and he goes on the prowl. It's amazing to watch. He's gone for a good hour+, then just comes back when he feels like it, scratching at our back door.

Definitely need something safe for all our mutts.

In comment 13478739 Diver_Down said:

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In comment 13478737 B in ALB said: Quote: is that stuff organic and/or safe for kids and dogs? I wouldn't advocate your children or dogs eating the dirt, but once dry (soaked into the soil), it is fine for pets. I don't have children to experiment with.

My response above is about the Triazicide. The fog shit isn't not safe to breathe in. I have a ridiculous respirator/goggles and cover all exposed skin. It will kill flying insects. Once dissipated, it is totally fine. The fog is the same shit that the fogging trucks run at night.

I think it's the same as all the services use. I don't spray my grass but around the house, bushes, trees, etc.

treats for ticks. It was another $100 or so for them to treat for ticks. No idea what they use, but once it's washed in it's safe for kids and pets.

Mass EPA treats for mosquitoes through the Central Mass mosquito control program, it's "free" to citizens. they come with a big truck and spray the front and back yards. Windows need to be closed and it's not "safe" per se until it dries.

Does NY have something similar? Below is their advice on ticks, they do not currently treat for ticks.
Link - ( New Window )

Have used citronella oils mixed in a hose end sprayer with good results. Sprayed the yard. Only lasts a couple of days. Whole foods sells something along those lines

In comment 13478761 mattlawson said:

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I think it's the same as all the services use. I don't spray my grass but around the house, bushes, trees, etc.

Same here, but I use the generic form and DIY (it's called bifethrin IIRC). Keep the grass short and eliminate any sources of standing water and you should be good.

Get one (or two). In about 3 months all mosquitoes will be gone

Mosquitoes are flying insects, the way to control their local propagation is to eliminate all standing water, but if the neighbors don't do the same it won't make a difference.

It is possible you have some young ticks from a mother that fell off a deer or something, deoends in where you are from...clusters of ticks more common in the south.

In comment 13478818 ImThatGuy said:

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Get one (or two). In about 3 months all mosquitoes will be gone

We have small wetlands by us and a family of bats burrowed above our garage. Wish we had more.

they dont get em all

We hired the mosquito squad and chose the organic version, which he said is the only one allows in NJ. It acts as a repellant and doesn't actually kill mosquitos. They have to come every 2 weeks and theguy said the repellantbis made of cedar wood oil. No idea if it will make a difference I will let you guys know after the season.

Posted an add on here that could keep mosquitos away from a certain area. I forget the name of it. I remember reading the add, it was good for camping too. Does anyone remember the product?

and there are ticks. In fact, I picked one off of the back of my leg yesterday morning. It already embedded itself. I do not spray enough but when I do, I use this stuff in the link below. I put it in one of those small sprayers that you attach to your hose.
Tick / Bug Treatment - ( New Window )

In comment 13479052 afann said:

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Posted an add on here that could keep mosquitos away from a certain area. I forget the name of it. I remember reading the add, it was good for camping too. Does anyone remember the product?

Thermocell?

In NJ, mosquito control is handled on the county level. In Mercer County there is a online form you can fill out and the county will come to your property and test for larval counts and spray if needed (also treat any public land nearby). The Mercer County group has been extremely responsive to our requests. Last few times we have filled out the form we have had the testers on our property within 24 hours and they sprayed within 48 hours.