
Every now and then, I get asked to try something out. The latest was called the
Mosquito 86. I wasn't quite sure what it was they were going to be sending me, and never having heard of it I was a bit skeptical. I've tried some foggers in the past and haven't been real impressed, so how good could this thing be, right?
Well, that was my first mistake. The Mosquito 86 is not a fogger. Instead, it actually disperses a professional grade mosquito killing solution that applies directly to grass, shrubs, and trees. It sends out both fine aerosol droplets that float for a while and larger droplets that leave a barrier for longer term protection. In fact, it says it'll eliminate most mosquitos within 24 hours of first use and keep the yard mosquito and insect free for up to 3 weeks. Rainfall is where the "up to" comes in.

Not knowing exactly what was in the box, I was a bit eager to see what it had. There was a gas powered leaf blower (electric models are also available) and a strange attachment. They give you the standard nozzle for use as a leaf blower, but also a nozzle with a surgical hose running down it and a container for mixing up the secret recipe of mosquito killing agent. You mix a little of the solution that is included (refills available fairly inexpensive) and fill the rest of the container with water, fire up the leaf blower and away you go, killing mosquitos and other insects along the way.
Not having a real big yard myself and not much of a mosquito problem, I asked one of my co-workers to test it out at a big cook-out he was going to be at. I also figured he's usually pretty critical of things like this, so it'd be a good test for the Mosquito 86. He came back after the weekend and simply said it worked well. How well? Well enough that I haven't been able to get it back, that's how well.

Looking around their website some more, I found that they offer a universal kit with adapters to fit over 50 leaf blower models, so you don't have to spend the $200 for the complete kit if you already have something that'll work. They offer refills of the Agent E anywhere from an 8 oz bottle (you use 1.25 oz per application) to a "Summer Pack" with 4 8 oz bottles, and the prices are pretty reasonable.
If I can ever get my Mosquito 86 back, I'm excited to give it a try. I noticed it's also effective with wasps, which have taken a liking to our garage the past couple of summers. Now if they could just do something about the birds that keep attacking themselves in my car mirrors...
Labels: Hands On, Outdoor Power Equipment