Best Mosquito Spray for Yard (Can Fogger)
After looking at several different aerosol fogger cans, we have found that the best mosquito spray for the yard is the EcoSmart 33129 Organic Mosquito Fogger. This product uses organic, natural ingredients like lemongrass oil.
This oil will kill mosquitoes on contact and can help protect people from nasty bites and the diseases they can bring.
Unlike some other foggers, the EcoSmart option is safe to have around kids and pets, easy to use, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective, making it the best in our books.
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a full review of the EcoSmart 33129, see the Product Reviews section below.
Runner-Up Best Mosquito Spray Fog Can
Our runner-up mosquito spray is, pleasantly, another environmentally friendly option called the Cutter Natural Fogger Insect Repellent. It doesn’t last as long as the EcoSmart aerosol can, and shouldn’t be sprayed directly on plants. These aspects are why we positioned it as a runner-up.
However, it beats out the other products on our list because the bottle doesn’t clog, the spray is inexpensive, and it lasts as long as it claims, unlike others that tend to fade quickly.
No products found.
For more information on the Cutter Natural, see the Product Reviews section below.
Budget Pick: Mosquito Spray Fog Can
Finally, we threw in a budget pick for those who want to enjoy the outdoors but don’t want to constantly be spending significant money to avoid mosquitoes. Out of the sprays reviewed, the most economical option was the Cutter 65704 Backyard Bug Control Outdoor Fogger.
Two full bottles cost the same as one in some of the other brands, and each of these and contains the same amount of spray, making the Cutter 65704 Fogger a great budget-friendly option.
It’s also effective, covers a large area, and works on other pests like ants. However, it’s not a natural product.
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more information on the Cutter 65704, see the Product Reviews section below.
Mosquito Aerosol Spray Can Buyer’s Tips
There are a few different types of mosquito sprays on the market: general pesticides, propane/electric fogger machines, aerosol foggers, and traditional body-sprays. This article focuses on aerosol foggers, which are simple aerosol cans that spray mosquito-killing fog.
Mosquito Control Aerosol Spray Foggers vs. Insect Fogger Machines
Mosquito foggers come in two basic formats. The first format is the aerosol spray fogger, which is a typical aerosol spray can that is sprayed by pushing the button, like hairspray from the 1980s. The second format is the propane or electric insect fogger machine, which is a powered machine that uses liquid insecticide to produce a fog.
These fogger machines require an initial purchase of the machine, but the per-treatment costs are significantly lower than the individual cans. If you find that you’re spraying your yard frequently, it’s almost certainly better to purchase one of the fogger machines, rather than continually purchasing aerosol cans.
However, if you don’t find that you need to treat for mosquitoes and biting flies constantly, it may make more sense to simply use an aerosol can.
Mosquito Management
Before you dive in with insecticide sprays, it’s a good idea to take a few standard actions to avoid mosquito breeding. Most importantly, remove any standing water you can find on your property, as this will help keep mosquitoes from breeding. Even a small amount of water in a cup can be a mosquito breeding ground!
Also, consider some mosquito repellent plants, and try some burning some eucalyptus oil.
For a comprehensive guide to mosquito control, see our article on how to keep mosquitoes away at night.
Insecticide Types
The aerosol spray foggers can be classified in two general bins: “natural” insecticides and “industrial chemical” insecticides. Generally, the natural sprays use some sort of lemongrass and/or eucalyptus to treat for mosquitoes. Eucalyptus oil is our favorite mosquito control oil and generally works better than citronella in candles and torches.
For those foggers that use industrial chemicals like Tetramethrin, Pralethrin, and Cyfluthrin are used to control the mosquitoes. These are powerful synthetic insecticides, and you’ll need to be careful that children and pets are not exposed to the fog.
How to Use an Aerosol Fogger
The aerosol foggers will make an area free from mosquito presence for 3-8 hours, depending on the fogger. If you’re having a barbeque, family gathering, or other evening events, you should be pretty well mosquito-free for much of the typical duration of a party, especially if you pick the longer-lasting options.
You’ll need to spray your fogger prior to anyone arriving, and typically the fog will dissipate in about 5 minutes. Do not inhale or otherwise stay in the presence of the fog while it’s working.
Alert Neighbors to Your Spraying
It’s generally a good idea to let your neighbors know that you’ll be spraying a fogging insecticide if they will potentially be able to see the fog. They may mistake the fog for smoke, and call the fire department, so be sure to let them know what you’re doing.
Also, be respectful of their pets and kids, as well!
Mosquito Spray Reviews
In this section, we’ll look at each of the spray fogger options in detail. We’ll start with a comparison table to get oriented, and then move into the individual products. We’ll conclude with our favorites.
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. EcoSmart 33129 Organic Mosquito Fogger
Basic Features
- Organic
- Uses Natural Ingredients (Geraniol: 3.0%, Rosemary oil: 2.0%, Peppermint oil: 0.4%, Other ingredients: 94.6%)
- Effective Against Mosquitoes
- Can Be Sprayed on Shrubs and Bushes
- Safe Around Children and Pets
- Environmentally Friendly
Dimensions and Specs
- 14 oz. Container
- Lasts 6-8 Hours
- Contains Lemongrass Oil
- Covers 2,500 sq. ft.
The Details
The EcoSmart 33129 Organic Mosquito Fogger (EcoSmart Fogger) is a classic organic pesticide which primarily uses natural ingredients like lemongrass oil to repel and kill mosquitoes. It also works on some other biting or stinging insects without harming beneficial ones like bees.
Unlike most other foggers which need to be sprayed directly in the air, the EcoSmart Fogger can be targeted towards grass, bushes, and shrubs for extra protection. Spraying should be done 4-6 ft. away from the object in question, and be sure the wind isn’t blowing the spray back at you.
Because it uses natural ingredients, this fogger is safe to have around humans and animals. However, you should still be careful with it.
The Ecosmart bottles are generally 14oz aerosol spray cans, which typically will cover about 2,500 sf. Each spray should last 6-8 hours.
The Bottom Line
The EcoSmart Fogger takes first place on this list for being an excellent combination of price, effectiveness, and quality. The ingredients are safe to use and won’t damage the environment, which is a major concern for most people when hanging out in their yards or camping.
After all, nobody wants dead plants.
The product is also reasonably inexpensive, easy to use, and lasts a long time, making it the number one choice for any occasion.
- Now there is an organic insecticide that is safe to use around children &...
- Kills and repels not just mosquitoes but other bothersome flying insects...
- To create barriers to open areas, simply direct spray toward bushes, shrubs...
- EcoSMART is 100% organic so you can feel confident using this completely...
- Take chemicals out of your lawn, garden, and home equation with EcoSMARTs...
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. OFF! Outdoor Fogger
Basic Features
- Effective Against Mosquitoes
- Effective Against Biting Flies
- Kills Mosquitoes on Contact
- Contains Pesticides
- For Use in Dry Environments
Dimensions and Specs
- 16 oz. Bottle
- Covers a 30 ft. x 30 ft. Area
- Lasts 6 Hours
- Active Ingredient: Prallethrin
- Active Ingredient: Cyfluthrin
- Comes in a Pressurized Aerosol
The Details
Many people recognize the OFF! Brand as being one of the top manufacturers in the pesticide and bug spray market. Their aerosol fogger comes in 16 oz. pressurized cans and can cover a maximum area of 30 ft. x 30 ft. The spray should last roughly 6 hours and is effective at killing mosquitoes, biting flies, and other winged menaces on contact.
This fogger does contain pesticides, namely Prallethrin and Cyfluthrin. It should be used in a dry outdoor environment and cannot be directly sprayed towards plants or other surfaces like patio furniture.
It lasts a reasonable amount of time, making it a good choice for individuals who want to spend time on their porch or in their backyard. Users should wait at least 5 minutes after spraying before enjoying the outdoors.
The Bottom Line
The OFF! Outdoor Fogger isn’t a bad product, but neither is it great. Many users report having trouble spraying the aerosol as the can seems to clog easily.
The product also doesn’t last as long as stated on the container, which can be when you have guests coming over and not enough fogger for the yard.
For these reasons, it’s not the top of our list like EcoSmart and Cutter Natural, which have the added benefit of being less toxic and safer to use.
- Outdoor bug fogger that repels insects for up to 6 hours
- This bug repellent works against flies, mosquitoes, non-biting gnats, small...
- Mosquito fogger that covers an area up to 30 ft x 30 ft
- Use this mosquito spray for the yard to pretreat for outdoor fun
- Take back your oudoor space and keep living life your way
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Cutter Natural Fogger Insect Repellent
Basic Features
- Uses Natural Ingredients
- Smells Like Lemon
- Safe Around Children and Pets
- Kills Mosquitoes on Contact
- Environmentally Friendly
Dimensions and Specs
- 14 oz. Bottle
- Lasts 3-4 Hours
- Active Ingredient: Lemongrass Oil
- Applied as a Fog
The Details
The Cutter Natural Fogger Insect Repellent is a natural alternative to traditional pesticide foggers and uses healthy, organic ingredients that are safe to use around children and pets.
Like the EcoSmart fogger, the main active ingredient to this can fogger is lemongrass oil. The lemongrass oil gives the product an interesting lemon scent. It can kill mosquitoes on contact.
The Cutter Natural cans are 14 oz. and should create a fog that lasts for 3-4 hours, which is a bit of a negative, as 3-4 hours is often a little on the short side. Many cookouts and evening patio gatherings will last longer than 3 hours, but typically don’t last 8 hours.
The fogger comes in a pressurized aerosol spray can and is typically sold as single bottles or in packs of 3.
The Bottom Line
The Cutter Natural Fogger Insect Repellent is a good, natural fogger that can be used around families without damage. For this reason, it’s environmental safety, and ease of use, it takes the second slot on our list.
The main reason the Cutter Repellent isn’t the top of the list is that it doesn’t last as long as the other products on this list, and doesn’t work on as many insects and pests.
However, for peace of mind for families, it’s still a great product — a natural fogger at a reasonable price! Just pay attention to the duration of use.
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4. Cutter 65704 Backyard Bug Control Outdoor Fogger
Basic Features
- Works on Contact
- Kills Mosquitoes and Flying Insects
- Works on Ants
- Applied as Fog or Directly to Non-Porous Surfaces
- For Use in Dry Environments
- Contains Pesticides
Dimensions and Specs
- Active Ingredient: Tetramethrin
- Active Ingredient: Phenothrin
- Pressurized Aerosol
- 16 oz. Bottle
- Lasts 8 Hours
The Details
The Cutter 65704 Backyard Bug Control Outdoor Fogger (Cutter 65704 Fogger) is a high-quality aerosol fogger which is used to kill mosquitoes, biting flies, and other annoying flying insects or other pests that make it difficult to enjoy time outside.
The two active pesticide poisons are tetramethrin and phenothrin, which will kill mosquitoes and other pests on contact. The fogger also works on ants, which is a big plus for those with ant issues as well!
Cutter’s 65704 foggers can be sprayed directly on non-porous surfaces such as metal furniture legs. Many types of ants (though unfortunately not fire ants) will die on contact.
People who use the Cutter 65704 Fogger should otherwise spray it directly into the air. Each bottle contains 16 oz. of pressurized fogger fluid and a treatment will typically last about 8 hours.
Users should wait for the fog to dissipate at least 5 minutes before stepping into the area. It can be used for most outdoor activities, including camping. It should be used in dry environments and not immediately after it rains.
The Bottom Line
The Cutter 65704 Fogger is an excellent outdoor fogger with few drawbacks. The fact that it can kill some types of ants is an added plus for people in climates filled with different pests.
It’s also one of the least expensive foggers currently on the market, making it a great budget choice for those watching their pennies.
The only reason it’s not closer to the top is that it can be difficult to spray, and interacts poorly with water and humid environments.
- KILLS MOSQUITOES ON CONTACT: Spray areas infested with annoying flying...
- PERFECT FOR BACKYARDS, DECKS, PATIOS AND PICNIC AREAS: Enjoy your outdoor...
- ALSO KILLS OTHER ANNOYING FLYING INSECTS: Kills gnats, flies, wasps, flying...
- COVERAGE: Each can treats up to 1,200 cu ft (an area 8 feet x 10 feet x 15...
- REAPPLY AS NEEDED: Treat as necessary, but no more than once per day.
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Coleman Outdoor Yard Fogger Mosquito Repellent
Basic Features
- Kills Mosquitoes
- Kills Other Flying Insects
- Environmental Use
- For Use in Dry Environments
- Works on Contact
- Contains Pesticides
Dimensions and Specs
- Active Ingredient: Tetramethrin
- 16 oz. Bottle
- Pressurized Aerosol
- Lasts 8 Hours
The Details
The Coleman Outdoor Yard Fogger Mosquito Repellent (Coleman Repellent) is a traditional aerosol spray used to clear the environment of mosquitoes, biting flies, and other stinging pests and insects that can destroy a day camping or out in the yard.
The main ingredient is tetramethrin, a pesticide that kills bugs on contact — similar to the Cutter 65704 cans above.
This fogger should be sprayed directly into the air, and users should avoiding aiming the aerosol at plants and natural wildlife.
The Coleman repellent comes in an aerosol can of 16 oz. The repellent should last for 8 continuous hours and is safe to use in dry environments. Do not spray near or on water, or in fog or mist.
As always, users should wait at least 5 minutes for the fog to dissipate before enjoying the outdoors.
The Bottom Line
In general, the Coleman fogger is not worth the money. Although Coleman is a well-known brand, many users discover that they need to spray the entire can for it to have a true, long-lasting effect.
And a lot of people are not willing to pay so much each time they need to use a repellent. For this reason, it’s not as good as any of the top three picks, which are a better value and more reliable.
- One 16 oz can of Coleman Outdoor Camp and Yard Fogger
- Insect fogger creates an area repellent for outdoor spaces to add extra...
- Fogger insecticide kills insects on contact
- Effective for mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus as well as flies,...
- Perfect for camping supplies or for use in backyards, picnic areas and...
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
It was not the intent of this review to choose the organic or natural mosquito foggers, so it was a surprise when the top two slots ended up going to EcoSmart and Cutter Natural. The two environmentally-friendly options topped the list, which is great.
Their quality is excellent, and the foggers are easy to use and safe to have around living organisms (except mosquitoes!)
Combined with reasonable prices, all of these factors mean EcoSmart is our top choice and Cutter Natural comes in second.
For those on a budget, the regular Cutter 65704 with traditional pesticides is a great choice because it’s inexpensive, simple, and covers a large surface area.
Good luck, and don’t let the mosquitoes bite.
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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