Updated On

October 26, 2023

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    Unlike, bed bugs or termites, mosquitoes are actually a bug you have a decent chance of controlling without the help of a professional exterminator.

    The goal of this article is to go through our top picks and best mosquito killers.

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    Let’s start off by saying that mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous ANIMALS that exist. Yes, you read that right, ANIMALS.

    When you think of a dangerous animal, I’m sure your mind goes to sharks, alligators, snakes, and spiders. But alas… the annoying mosquitoes earn the top spot killing upwards of 1,000,000 people around the world each year.

    Mosquitoes themselves aren’t THAT bad, but their ability to CARRY diseases and spread them around with a high degree of effectiveness makes them dangerous. More specifically it’s their ability to spread blood-borne diseases due to their constant biting.

    Let me put it this way, where bed bugs are gross, mosquitoes are dangerous. Mosquitoes are capable of infecting humans with a number of infamous diseases such as:

    • Malaria: Among the worst diseases mosquitoes can transmit, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2015 that Malaria alone has killed approximately 438,000+ (source). Malaria is mostly a non-issue in the USA with the biggest impact coming within the Sub Saharan desert.
    • Zika: Affecting mostly tropical areas (e.g, Mexico, Florida, Africa, India, etc), the WHO has reported that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities and that Zika virus is a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome where the immune system attacks the nervous system. (source)
    • Yellow Fever: Of the diseases that are spread by mosquitoes some of the most progress has been made to combat yellow fever. Its name comes from the yellow color (Jaundice) it creates in some of the people it infects. If you’re traveling abroad, ensure you get vaccinated and you should be in good shape.
    • Dengue: Aside from yellow fever, another tropical borne diseases is dengue or “Dengue Fever” where patients affected are diagnosed with temperatures of 104 degrees as well as headaches and pressure behind the eyes. In 2015, the first vaccine to combat Dengue was created (source).
    • West Nile Virus: Became popular around 1999 affecting the U.S.A. Mosquitoes transfer the disease from infected birds to unsuspecting humans. (source).

    The only REAL way to combat mosquitoes in your yard is by preventing them from infesting areas. That is removing and reducing breeding grounds, and making it difficult for them to reproduce.

    Unfortunately, that’s not as easy as it sounds. Mosquitoes are capable of leaving eggs in areas as small as a water filled bottle cap on the ground…

    Did You Know

    In 2015, The World Health Organization reported 438,000 deaths from malaria alone!

    That being said… Let’s get into our top picks for mosquito killers. After our research analysis, we’ve determined these products to be the best mosquito killers money can buy.


    Your Mosquito Killing Options

    Like the name implies, mosquito traps lure unsuspecting mosquitoes into device that effectively captures the bugs.

    Most traps produce chemicals that trick mosquitoes into thinking that their is a food source.

    Some traps use water to kill mosquitoes others trap them inside a compartment where they die.

    Repellents don’t really KILL any mosquitoes, but rather mask your natural producing odors making you invisible and a little less likely to receive a mosquito bite. Most mosquito repellents use some kind of special ingredient that gives it the “kick”. In the 1950’s that “kick” was DEET.

    Now a days you have various alternatives such as Picaridin, IR3535, and a few others. A good mosquito repellent protects you from not only mosquitoes but other biting insects (think gnats, chiggers, etc) as well as lasts a long time.

    Aside from mosquito sprayers, foggers might be one of your best chances to eliminate a lot of mosquitoes for an extended period of time.

    Just make sure your family and pets are clear of the area when applying the insecticide and you’ll be in good shape.

    When you really want to kill the mosquitoes around your home, foggers are okay, but mosquito sprayers are where you can really do some damage to the population.

    This is because most of the tools are built for effective disbursement insecticides for longer lasting mosquito elimination.

    Need to clear your yard from nasty mosquitoes quickly? Then you’re probably in need for an effective mosquito zapper. 


    Best Mosquito Traps

    When trying to figure out how to stop mosquitoes from biting you, a trap is a must-have tool to deploy around your house. See what our top picks are below.

    Mega-Catch Pro 900

    Why it’s the best:  For most people, if you are going to make an attempt at reducing the mosquito population of any significant area, you are going to need a combination of a trap and CO2 attractant. Mosquitoes are attracted to CO2, and a CO2 attractant releases higher concentrations of CO2 than we do, and the mosquito trap does the rest with heat and lights.

    Pair this with the Mosquito Magnet Octenol, and you have one potent mosquito trap. 

    Flowtron Electric Insect Killer

    Why it’s the best: Where would you be without the blue glow of the Flowtron in your backyard? This is your tried and true mosquito killer. Just set it in your backyard and hear the zaps loud and clear. The only downside by putting one of these out is that you’re likely to attract many more insects than just mosquitoes. Sometimes you might even get a bat by accident, which is semi-ironic because bats eat mosquitoes. 


    Best Mosquito Repellents

    Where would the world be if mosquito repellents didn’t exist? With thousands of variations and brands, what are the best? Take a look at our top picks below to find out.

    Picaridin Insect Repellent

    Why it’s the best: A good alternative to DEET, Picaridin is a popular repellent solution that has ranked above its competitors! One of the great things about this particular product is that its odorless and repels pretty much most other bugs. 

    Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard

    Why it’s the best: This is a mosquito repellent with IR3535 as the active ingredient. This product doubles as a moisturizing lotion AND a sunscreen. You really can’t go wrong here, highly recommended and smells great!


    Best Mosquito Foggers

    Perhaps the most unheard of mosquito killing method, a fogger can be one of the most potent ways to annihilate a population quickly. Our top fogger picks are listed below.

    3 in 1 Cardinal Fogger

    Why it’s the best:  If you are in need of a fogger, you most likely live somewhere with enough land that you need to be able to fog a large area, and quickly. The Cardinal is a gas-operated backpack fogger. It can also be used as an air duster and leaf blower, allowing you to save money on having to buy two other devices. Additionally, it reduces the amount of storage space required to house them. On top of that, it comes with a 1-year factory warranty..


    Best Mosquito Sprayers

    Petra Electric Fogger Atomizer Backpack Sprayer

    Why it’s the best: As an alternative to the Cardinal, the Petra is a “mist blower” and can spray up to 15ft. It can carry up to 4 gallons and has comfortable, thick straps for easy wear. 

    Think you might need professional help with your mosquito problem? Use the form below to connect with local pest control pros:

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    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Ed Spicer

    Ed Spicer

    Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management.

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