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You are here: NPIC Home Page Pest Control Information Mosquitoes Automatic Misting Systems

Automatic Misting Systems

Automatic misting systems include plumbing around the perimeter of a home or yard, to deliver an insecticide mist at scheduled time intervals. There is no data showing their effectiveness in preventing disease transmission. The EPA does not expect risks of concern for people if label directions are followed.

The American Mosquito Control Association has several concerns with automatic misting systems, including potential pesticide resistance, non-target impacts to fish and pollinators, and increased risk of human pesticide exposures. If you choose to install a system, keep these tips in mind.

• Avoid direct contact with sprays by keeping people and animals away from the spray zone. Keep outdoor pets away from the treated area.
• Avoid touching plants or objects in the treated area.
• Avoid releasing the mist too frequently. Overuse could cause unacceptable risks.
• Be vigilant about the maintenance of your misting system.
• Keep in mind that insecticides are toxic to insects, including bees and other pollinators.
• Note that many insecticides are toxic to fish and aquatic life, including pyrethrins and pyrethoids.

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Additional Resources:

• Mosquito Misting Systems - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Position Statement on Mosquito Misting Systems - American Mosquito Control Association
• Mosquito Control Using Outdoor Automated Misting Systems – Oregon State University Extension

Related Topics:

What are pests?

What are pesticides?

Please read our disclaimer | Contact us | About NPIC | En español

NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions. NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (cooperative agreement #X8-83947901). The information in this publication does not in any way replace or supersede the restrictions, precautions, directions, or other information on the pesticide label or any other regulatory requirements, nor does it necessarily reflect the position of the U.S. EPA.