A mosquito misting system, sometimes referred to as an automated misting system, is a landscape installation used on residential or commercial properties to mechanically deliver pesticide to flower beds, lawns, or other target areas. These systems work through spray application, whereby nozzles placed around the premises are digitally programmed to release a fine mist of pesticide formula at preset intervals. The pesticide is sent to the nozzles from a pump through tubing.

Automated misting systems come in a variety of brands and models and there are three main differences between the systems currently available on the market.

1)      Tankless vs drum-based

Traditionally, mosquito misting systems have been drum-based. Drum-based systems have a tank (a drum) that must be filled with pesticide formula. A typical drum might hold 55 gallons of pesticide formula and has to be refilled a couple of times per year. Each fresh batch of pesticide formula has to be manually mixed beforehand. Newer, tankless systems use snap-in refill cartridges and the unit automatically mixes the precise dose of misting formula for you. Tankless systems cost a few hundred dollars more than drum-based systems; however, compared to drum-based systems, they use an average of 40% less pesticide per year saving you money in the long-run.

2)      Stationary vs portable

Some automated misting systems are portable, which others require fixed installation.  With portable systems, the misting unit is self-contained, lightweight, and battery-operated so it can be easily transported to different sites. Portable systems save time and money since there is no need to run tubing or install nozzles or risers. With stationary systems on the other hand, the master unit (the pump) is heavier and larger, and tubing and nozzles have to be installed. The unit is also electric-powered so it must remain close to an electric socket.

3)      Battery-powered vs motor-powered vs electric-powered

With electric-powered mosquito misting systems, the pump needs to be plugged into an electric outlet. Battery-operated and motor-powered systems on the other hand do not require an electric outlet.