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Upon first hearing about the application of misting for mosquito control, the first question most people ask is, “Does it work?” The second question is inevitably, “Is it safe?” That is why before you get serious about whether or not to purchase a MistAway system, it is important that you understand what the insecticide is, what it is not, and how to safely use it in your system.
Derived From Flowers
 The active ingredient in the insecticide used in MistAway systems is comprised of a family of chemicals called pyrethrins, which are derived from the extract of chrysanthemum flowers (pyrethrum). Though its origin sounds natural, it is not correct to think of pyrethrin-based insecticides as either “natural” or “organic” because, in addition to being highly refined, they usually contain a man-made synergist. A synergist is an additive that enables the insecticide to be more effective than it would otherwise be.
Pyrethrins act as contact poisons, affecting the nervous system of insects. So, they rid the property of mosquitoes and other annoying insects primarily by killing rather than repelling them. Pyrethrins are not species selective and their contact will also kill beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Fortunately, these insects tend to be active during times when most mosquitoes are not. Pyrethrins are rapidly degraded by sunlight or by rain, leaving the yard free of residual active ingredients. Because some plants exhibit sensitivity to direct application of some pyrethrin-based insecticides, nozzles should be placed where they do not mist directly on those plants.
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