Best Mosquito Spray for Yards – Decks – Patios

Best Mosquito Spray for Yards, Decks, and Patios

What mosquito spray should you use?

You want a spray that is effective in killing and repelling mosquitoes, but you also want a mosquito spray that is safe for your yard, pets, and family.

We look at the best mosquito spray to use in your yard for various applicators including:

  • Mosquito Foggers
  • ULV Mosquito Sprayers
  • Aerosol Mosquito Sprays
  • Lawn Hose Mosquito Sprays

Best Mosquito Spray for Yards, Decks, and Patios

The list below contains the best overall mosquito sprays based on effectiveness and safety.

If you already have a mosquito fogger or ULV sprayer, then you can look at our recommended sprays for those devices.

If you don’t have a mosquito sprayer, then you can check out our guide on the best mosquito sprayers or simply buy an aerosol or lawn hose attachment spray.

The best mosquito spray for your yard will depend on where you plan to use it.

If you’re going to be spraying a large area, then the best choice would be a fogger or ULV machine. Both of these applicators can cover up larger areas with ease and are targeted towards killing mosquitoes faster than any other method available.

If your yard is small or if it’s best to use a different method like an aerosol spray or lawn hose attachment, then the best choice would be one of those methods instead.

5 Best Mosquito Sprays

The mosquito spray reviews below should give you information to make an informed decision on the best mosquito spray to buy for your needs.

Mosquito Magician ULV Spray

Type: ULV Sprayer

Mosquito Magician Natural Mosquito Killer and Insect Repellent Concentrate - Makes 32 Gallons of Spray for Your Yard and Patio - 1 Gallon

Mosquito Magician ULV Spray is a natural and organic mosquito repellent spray that has been proven to work.

It includes ingredients like Citronella, Cedarwood, and Lemongrass which create a barrier against mosquitoes while also keeping other biting insects off of your outdoor space for up to two weeks.

This is the mosquito spray that I used in my yard this year. It performs surprisingly well for an all-natural product that is considered an EPA 25 B product.

What is EPA 25 B?

EPA 25 B is the EPA’s rating for pesticide products that are considered “not likely to cause unreasonable adverse effects on people or the environment.”

The Mosquito Magician ULV Spray is an insecticide that can be applied to plants, grasses, and landscapes (all the places mosquitos hide) until it just becomes wet. This product can treat 128,000 square feet of space with one container.

Key Features:

EPA 25B – This is an EPA 25B product that is 100% safe and natural way to control mosquitoes without the use of harmful chemicals.

2 Week Effectiveness – The Mosquito Magician ULV Spray is a long-lasting and powerful mosquito repellant. It is rated to last for two weeks before having to reapply, but I have found that it is effective for even longer periods.

98% Kill Rate – Mosquito Magician ULV Spray is a laboratory tested product that kills 98% of all mosquitoes in one application. It has been proven to be effective on other insects, too.

Concentrated Formula – Mosquito Magician is a concentrated product that mixes 6 oz of concentrate to 1 gallon of water. 128,000 square feet can be treated per container so it will easily last the entire mosquito season for normal yards.

PROS


  • It’s made with natural ingredients and promotes a healthy environment.
  • The product is affordable and easy to use.
  • The product has a long life with a large coverage area.
  • It is safe for the animals and humans around the area.

CONS


  • The product is expensive compared to some other treatments.
  • Need to apply every 2-3 weeks for maximum protection.
  • A garlic smell for about an hour after application.
Amazon Price

Overall, Mosquito Magician is a natural product that has many benefits, including it is safe for the environment, effective, and easy to use. The downside of this product is how expensive it can be, but it is worth the money.

This is a product I will use again next year.

Black Flag Mosquito Fogger Insecticide

Type: Mosquito Fogger

Black Flag 190255 32Oz Insect Fogger Fuel, 32 Ounce

Black Flag Mosquito Fogger Insecticide is a non-aerosol, no mixing required mosquito fog that kills and repels mosquitoes and biting flies. It works for up to six hours after application.

Black Flag Mosquito Fogger Insecticide can be used with Black Flag branded thermal foggers and other branded thermal foggers such as Burgess, Cutter, and Repel.

The Black Flag Mosquito Fogger Insecticide is a fogging device that kills mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other household pests. The easy-to-use product releases a fog up to 7x finer than mist and the fog floats and penetrates deep into the landscape without harming humans or pets.

Black Flag Mosquito Fogger Insecticide is a product that kills mosquitoes and biting flies for up to six hours. It takes just a few minutes to treat an average size backyard with one application. Just fog your yard at dusk before the mosquitoes emerge from their hiding places.

Key Features:

Fast Acting – The Black Flag Mosquito Fogger Insecticide immediately kills mosquitoes and continues to repel for 6 hours after application.

Safe – It is safe for pets and humans to enter the area that was fogged as soon as the fog disperses. This usually takes around 5 minutes and it doesn’t leave any offensive odors. In fact, it is nearly odorless.

PROS


  • Safe and harmless to humans and animals
  • Effective when used correctly – follow instructions
  • Great value and one of the lowest-priced products on the list
  • Great product for parties

CONS


  • Does not last long term
  • The wind blows away the fog from the intended area

Overall, this is a great product for parties and other events. It is perfect for clearing your backyard from mosquitoes for the evening so you and your guests can enjoy the outdoors. Just remember that this isn’t a long-term treatment, and is only useful the day you fog the area.

Riptide Water Based ULV

Type: ULV Sprayer

MGK 747826 Riptide Water Based ULV

Riptide Water Based ULV insecticide is a professional strength product that is often used in large misting systems in commercial applications.

It is a ULV pesticide that can be used for controlling and killing insects, spiders, roaches, ants, and other pests. It has an active ingredient of pyrethrins at 5% with Piperonyl at 25%.

Riptide Water Based ULV is a safe, effective product to use in places such as closets and sheds. However, It can also be used on outdoor surfaces such as patios or lawns.

Key Features:

Effective – Riptide water based ULV is an insecticide that uses active ingredients (Pyrethrins and Piperonyl) that are known for being extremely effective in killing mosquitoes.

Versatile – Riptide Water-Based ULV is an effective solution for controlling a wide range of insects. This product can be used to control stored product pests, cockroaches, biting insects, crawling insects, and mosquitos.

PROS


  • Kills and repels mosquitoes for up to 6 hours
  • Works well in ULV sprayers
  • Lasts a long time; doesn’t need to be re-purchased often
  • Uses extremely effective ingredients

CONS


  • Too expensive for some people
  • Lack of instructions for use
Amazon Price

Overall, if you are looking for commercial grade mosquito spray then Riptide is a great choice. Riptide Water-Based ULV is an effective product for controlling a wide range of insects. Apply it to your backyard with a ULV sprayer and you will see a reduction in mosquitos.

OFF! Outdoor Fogger

Type: Aerosol Mosquito Spray

OFF! Outdoor Insect & Mosquito Repellent Fogger, Kills & Repels Insects in an up to 900 sq, ft, area, 16 oz.

This bug repellent is the easiest of all solutions and works well for the temporary relief of mosquitoes and other insect pests in your yard.

The OFF Outdoor Fogger works against flies, mosquitoes, non-biting gnats, small flying moths, and wasps. It also repels multi-colored Asian lady beetles. With this outdoor fogger, it’s easy to prepare your backyard for a mosquito free evening.

Key Features:

Simple To Use – It features an easy-to-use twist and snap-off tab before spraying which helps prevent accidental use. Simply spray about 4-6 feet from the area you want to treat and allow the spray to drift over the area and settle. This isn’t a spray for your skin.

Repels Mulitple Insects – Effective against flies, mosquitoes, non-biting gnats, small flying moths, wasps, and multi-colored Asian lady beetles.

Good Coverage – Covers up to 30 feet x 30 feet (900 square feet). This is a good size to give you coverage over a deck or patio. Simply buy a 3-pack at a discounted rate if you want to cover a larger area. The spray will be effective for about 6 hours.

PROS


  • This bug fogger can kill insects for 6 hours.
  • This bug fogger repels insects in an up to 900 square feet area.
  • Mosquitoes, flies, gnats are all killed by this product.
  • Simple to use (pull safety tab and spray into areas you want to treat).

CONS


  • Limited area of coverage.
  • Limited time span (6 hours).
Amazon Price

Overall, this product is really helpful if you want an easy and quick solution to your mosquito problems. The coverage area isn’t too big, but it’s still effective for a deck or patio. You’ll get 6 hours of protection which is enough time to enjoy any outdoor activities you want.

If you are looking for whole yard coverage or a solution that lasts multiple days then you should look at the other solutions.

Wondercide Natural Hose Spray

Type: Hose Mosquito Spray

Wondercide - EcoTreat Ready-to-Use Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils - Mosquito and Insect Repellent, Treatment, and Killer - Plant-Based - Safe for Pets, Plants, Kids - 32 oz

Wondercide Natural Hose Spray is a product that attaches to the garden hose and allows for maximum coverage without having to be re-entered into sprayed areas. Additionally, it does not require drying or any other complications.

This product says flea and tick, but it is also effective for mosquitoes. Wondercide Natural Hose Spray is a chemical-free, natural product designed for your family and pets.

Key Features:

Large Treatment Area – Wondercide Natural Hose Spray is a water-based, non-toxic product that can be used to treat up to 5,000 square feet of area.

Kills and Deters – The product kills mosquitos and other pests in the treatment area and also prevents the area from becoming infested with mosquitoes or other insects.

Mosquito, Flea, and Tick – Wondercide Natural Hose Spray is a great option for those who need to kill fleas and ticks as well as mosquitos in their yard. Its effective, natural, and safe-for-skin formula kills the pests quickly with no harsh chemicals or toxins that might cause harm to your pet.

Easy to Use – Wondercide Natural Hose Spray attaches directly to your hose, making it super simple to use. This product also allows you to spray and play without having to wait for drying or reentry into sprayed areas.

All Natural Product – Wondercide Natural Hose Spray is a plant-based spray that contains natural essential oils. This product is safe for beneficial insects and animals, as well as environmentally friendly.

PROS


  • The product is easy to use.
  • It smells better than other natural repellents.
  • Mosquito repellent works well.
  • Also kills fleas and ticks.

CONS


  • Carpenter bees might be attracted to the product.
  • Not as effective as some other products.
  • Requires consistent reapplication for effectiveness.
Amazon Price

If you have pets, this is a great option to consider. It not only kills and repels mosquitos but it is also designed to be effective against fleas and ticks.

Overall, if you’re looking for a simple (hose attachment), natural, organic way to repel mosquitos from yards and patios without posing any risk to your family or pets, try Wondercide Natural Hose Spray

Types of Yard Mosquito Sprays

There are several different types of mosquito sprays and applicators that you can use in your yard.

This includes Mosquito Fogger Sprays, ULV Mosquito Sprays, Aerosol Mosquito Yard Sprays, and Hose or hand-held mosquito sprays.

The best type of mosquito spray will depend on the size and location you need to cover in order to be effective. Additionally, budget restrictions or other factors could affect which product you choose.

Check out our complete list of ways to keep mosquitos out of your yard.

Thermal Mosquito Foggers

Thermal foggers use a heating element to generate a cloud of fog out of your chosen insecticide.

As the thermal mosquito fogger releases the chemical-rich vapor, it immediately kills mosquitos and other flying insects such as gnats and flies. The insecticide is released as low humidity droplets which provide maximum coverage for any type of area or yard area.

Thermal mosquito foggers are best for large, open areas and yards. This type of mosquito spray also does not require drying time or re-entering sprayed areas which provide for an easy way to kill mosquitos and other pests in your yard

ULV Mosquito Fogger / Misters

ULV mosquito misters use a low volume of water to eliminate mosquitos and other insects from your yard.

This type of insecticide fogger is best for those who have low-lying bushes or tall grasses, as it is best deployed at ground level and can be adjusted to suit these areas.

best mosquito fogger
Battery Powered ULV Mosquito Sprayer

If you’re living in an area that is densely populated by mosquitos and want a relatively inexpensive option, ULV mosquito misters are likely the best choice for you.

Aerosol Mosquito Yard Sprays

The aerosol mosquito surface spray is another effective and easy way to eliminate mosquitoes and other pests like fleas, ticks, and spiders from your yard, patio, and deck.

This type of insecticide spray is best for those who need to cover a smaller area.

These sprays typically have a limited amount of chemical-based mosquito repellent which can be applied directly to surfaces like decks, patios, walkways, and other areas where mosquitos might breed or congregate.

If you need a quick and easy solution today, then this is probably your best option.

Hose Mosquito Sprays

If you need to eliminate mosquitos from a large lawn area, then a hose-based mosquito spray is a good option.

These mosquito sprays work by attaching the product to the end of your hose and spraying your yard and bushes with the solution.

Hose-based sprays are great if you need a larger coverage area but you don’t want to invest in a mosquito fogger or ULV sprayer.

What are the ingredients of mosquito spray?

There are many different mosquito sprays on the market.

I split products into two large categories:

  • Mosquito sprays that use insecticides
  • Mosquito sprays that use natural ingredients

Many mosquito spray manufacturers are beginning to label their products as “organic” or even going so far as creating a line of organic mosquito sprays.

However, not all mosquito-repelling ingredients in these natural insecticides are actually environmentally friendly and safe for humans and pets. Choose your products carefully to avoid potentially harmful ingredients.

Mosquito Sprays that Use Insecticides

Insecticides kill mosquitos with the use of manmade chemicals. These chemicals are effective, but they can also pose a risk to the environment, animals, and humans.

The most common mosquito insecticides are synthetic pyrethroids, which are best at killing mosquitos. Mosquito sprays that use insecticides typically have an active ingredient list that contains the word “cypermethrin” or “deltamethrin.”

These chemicals are typically good for yard mosquito control because they kill adult mosquitoes and larvae.

Pyrethroid

Pyrethroid insecticides are synthetic, manmade chemicals that mimic the effect of natural pyrethrins derived from chrysanthemum flowers. These chemicals disrupt the nervous systems of mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests.

Pyrethroids such as permethrin and deltamethrin are best at killing adult mosquitoes and larvae. They can be used to spray on yards or for fogging.

Permethrin / Deltamethrin

Permethrin is best known for killing ticks and chiggers. However, it also kills adult mosquitos and larvae. Permethrin is effective when applied to yards and decks.

Similar to permethrin, deltamethrin is known for killing adult mosquitos and larvae. Deltamethrin can be sprayed onto the outside of homes or fogged indoors using a ULV fogger.

Picaridin

Picaridin is a synthetic chemical best at killing adult mosquitos and ticks. This product is best for those who want an insecticide that can be used on skin without the risk of adverse reactions from DEET or other chemicals in mosquito sprays.

Mosquito Sprays that Use Natural Ingredients

The best natural mosquito sprays for yards and patios use natural ingredients that are EPA-approved.

Here are some common natural insect repellants to deter mosquitos from your yard.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil (Oleoresin)

Lemon Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of several species of Eucalyptus plants. Lemon Eucalyptus oil is a natural insect repellent. It can even be applied to the skin to deter mosquitos from biting you.

Lemon Eucalyptus oil is effective in deterring mosquitos for two reasons. This includes the smell and the active compounds.

The smell of lemon eucalyptus oil can deter mosquitos from an area and keep them from finding humans to bite. The active compounds, however, are what have made this insect repellent so effective when used deterrents.

Here are two primary compounds found in Lemon Eucalyptus Oil:

  • Limonene
  • Citronellal

Limonene is the main compound found in lemon eucalyptus oil. Limonene works best as an insecticide by disrupting the olfactory system of insects, resulting in mosquitos not being able to sense individuals nearby.

Citronellal is another compound found in lemon eucalyptus oil. Citronella is the common ingredient found in citronella oils and candles.

When using lemon eucalyptus oil for best mosquito sprays in yards and patios, look for products that have at least 30% limonene content. This ensures its effectiveness against mosquitos when used as an insecticide.

Lemon eucalyptus oil can be best sprayed onto surfaces like decks, patios, and bushes for best results.

Cedar Oil

Cedar oil is another good natural mosquito repellent.

Containing botanical oils derived from cedar trees, this natural product can be sprayed on bushes or shrubs in your yard to kill and deter mosquitos.

Cedar oil contains the active compound of cedrene, which is what makes it effective against mosquitos. Cedrene in cedar oil works when the compound is released into the air. The smell of cedar oil stops mosquitos from finding humans to bite.

Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon Nardus)

Citronella oil comes from a grass plant, Cymbopogon Nardus (citronella).

This natural insect repellent has been used for years as one of the best mosquito sprays to deter mosquitos outdoors.

The active compound that makes citronella best for mosquito sprays is called citronellal. This compound can be found in lemon eucalyptus oil as well, and it works best to stop the mosquitos from sensing people nearby.

Rosemary Oil Extracts

Rosemary oil comes from the Rosmarinus officinalis plant.

More than just an ingredient for cookery, rosemary can also be useful to repel mosquitos.

Rosemary oil is best used as a natural ingredient to deter mosquitos. It has a strong smell that causes mosquitos to fly away when they can’t find humans to bite.

FAQs about mosquito yard sprays

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the best mosquito sprays for yards, decks, and patios.

Can I use my yard spray indoors?

Mosquito sprays should only be used outdoors to treat outdoor areas like your deck or patio. Spraying inside homes can cause health problems due to the chemicals that are released into the air when being applied. Always follow the guidance on the product label.

When is the best time of day to spray for mosquitoes?

Mosquitos are most active at dusk and dawn. To best repel mosquitos, spray mosquito sprays in the early evening when the wind is calm.

Will citronella oil candles repel mosquitos?

Citronella candles may not be the best insect repellent for your yard, but they provide some protection. The best mosquito sprays are those that contain active compounds like limonene which can stop mosquitos from smelling human odor.

Are mosquito repellents safe for pets?

Many natural products are safe to use around pets. However, some mosquito sprays may contain ingredients that are not safe for household animals like dogs or cats. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to best apply the product around pets.

Conclusion – Best Mosquito Sprays

Overall, I prefer to use natural mosquito sprays for my yard because they are healthier and safer to use around pets.

I have found that natural mosquito sprays work just as well as their chemical counterparts.

The best mosquito sprays have natural ingredients like citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, cedar oil extract, and rosemary extracts.

The product that I prefer is Mosquito Magician Natural Mosquito Killer and Insect Repellent Concentrate.

One jug of this repellant will easily last a full season for yards 1/2 acre or smaller.

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