The products in the Mosquito Control Kit - Heavy Population are easy to measure and apply and have quantities that treat most yards for at least one mosquito season. As with all pests, it is crucial to address the environmental conditions that support mosquito populations. While it is unrealistic to expect 100% control of all mosquitoes, taking the time to do a good Inspection  so that you can address both land and water conditions that favor mosquitoes will help you get the best results from your mosquito Treatment.

How to Apply the Mosquito Control Kit - Heavy Population

STEP 1 - SANITATION

Because mosquitoes need water to lay eggs and develop, finding and eliminating water sources is a crucial step in managing mosquito populations.

*Check for areas where rainwater collects such as bird baths, flowerpots, gutters, rain barrels, pool covers, animal drinking water receptacles, deep hollows in trees, standing puddles, and any other areas where water may collect. Minimize water collection and empty these containers as you are able, and treat other standing water with larvicides (see STEP 2).

*Keep trees and shrubs pruned and grasses short to reduce areas where moisture is retained and adult mosquitoes like to rest.

*Remove or reduce piles of yard debris to reduce harborage areas.

STEP 2 - LARVICIDE - BTI Mosquito Dunks

BTI Mosquito Dunks are a ready-to-use product containing Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (Bti), a natural toxin to mosquito larvae. Dunks will float, offering a sustained release of the active ingredient in water; subsequent wetting and drying will not reduce the effectiveness of the dunks.

Dunks are also approved for Organic Production by the EPA.

*Use 1 dunk to treat up to 100 square feet of water, regardless of depth.

*Use dunks to treat almost any containerized standing water such as bird baths, gutters, animal feeding troughs, small ponds, rain barrels, unused swimming pools or hot tubs, or almost anywhere else water is expected to collect for 24 hours or more. BTI briquets also can be used indoors in areas where that may flood, such as basements and elevator shafts.

*To secure dunks, anchor them with a string tied through the center hole or with a stake.

*For areas with very high larval populations or organic buildup such as algae growth, use up to 4 briquets per 100 square feet.

*For smaller areas such as bird baths, flower pots, and animal troughs, briquets may be broken apart into smaller pieces:

    *1 to 5 square feet: use ¼ dunk

    *5 to 25 square feet: use ½ dunk

*The active ingredient will continue to release for an average of 30 days.

*Bti is safe for use around fish, aquatic life, amphibians, other beneficial insects, and pets.

*Do not apply to finished human drinking water.

*Bti dunks can also be used in waste water treatment plants by placing dunks in a perforated basket such as a minnow basket. Suspend the basket in the waste water stream before the water enters the trickling filter.

*Store unused dunks in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.

STEP 3 - INSECTICIDE and IGR - Talstar P and Archer IGR

Talstar P and Archer IGR are liquid concentrates that must be diluted in water only and applied with pressurized equipment such as a Chapin Premier 1 Gallon Sprayer. A thorough application to mosquito resting areas will help to reduce biting adult populations both upon initial spraying and for weeks after the treatment. The addition of Archer IGR offers further control by preventing immature mosquitoes from developing fully.

*Dilute Talstar P at a rate of 1 oz. of concentrate per gallon of water or per 1,000 square feet of area to be treated.

*To measure Talstar P, squeeze the bottle to fill the small reservoir with the desired amount of concentrate. Remove only the cap on the small reservoir to dispense the pre-measured liquid. *To make dilution, add desired amount of water to spray tank, add Talstar P, then stir, shake, or agitate the tank to ensure proper mixing before spraying.

*Dilute Archer IGR at a rate of 1 oz. of concentrate per gallon of water or per 1,000 square feet.

*To measure Archer IGR, squeeze the bottle to fill the small reservoir with the desired amount of concentrate. Remove only the cap on the small reservoir to dispense the pre-measured liquid. Add Archer IGR to dilution after ensuring Talstar P is mixed thoroughly.

*Apply Talstar P/Archer IGR solution to adult mosquito resting areas, including ornamental plants such as dense brush, tall grasses, and especially the undersides of leaves on trees and bushes. Also treat resting areas on structures such as under eaves or other overhangs, under decks and porches, and in other moist, shady areas where mosquitoes may rest or breed.

*Apply when mosquitoes are most active for the best knockdown: spray early in the morning, in the early afternoon, or after sunset.

*Resist the urge to broadcast over the entire yard and home since this may also reduce populations of beneficial insects and predators.

*Do not make applications with this solution that may contaminate water sources such as ponds or streams where there is aquatic life present.

*Do not apply spray solution to edible plants.

*Keep pets and other people out of the treatment area until the application has dried, usually about an hour.

*Mix only the amount of solution you plan to apply within 24 hours. The active ingredient will degrade if left in solution, and the residue may damage your spray equipment.

*Repeat applications every 30-60 days as needed. The solution may be applied more frequently if heavy populations recur, but you must wait at least 7 days between applications.

*Store unused products in the original container in a temperate environment and out of direct sunlight. Store out of reach of children or pets for up to 3 years.

*For even faster applications, especially in larger areas, apply with a mist blower such as the Solo 451 Mist Blower. Dilution rates remain the same, however, power mist blowers will dispense product much more quickly and ensure more thorough coverage into dense foliage.