Randy, I can't find any information either.....and that's a huge problem for me. I suggest that you call your local franchisee and obtain specific information about the active ingredients.

Many of these companies use a pyrethrin derivative, and claim that it is perfectly safe for the environment, for you and your children, and pets. Not so!

If they won't give you the active ingredient in their magic solution, I'd have enormous reservations about using them.

I'm with you.

On their website it mentions 99.97% organic, but I'm interested what makes up the total shoot him, as you say.

Ill give them them a ring on Monday and report back my findings.

Keep in mind also that any poisons, organic or synthetic, that would control mosquitoes will also kill off the predators of those mosquitoes. Some reports out of Florida indicate that the mosquitoes there have developed immunities to some of the insecticides used to control them, meaning those are no longer effective.

kimmq is kimmsr

I'd like to avoid this, which is why I am researching. I was in hopes that something more on the green side would simply repel them from the property and not blanket kill all pests (good or bad).

That's why you need to call the company. Tell them that you are not interested in any broad spectrum pesticide even if organic. I'd question any claims about a repellent, but would be greatly interested in any new technology that they may have.

They may not be able to design a program streamlined for you, but it doesn't hurt to ask. You're the boss.

I have my first response from a green company in the area = Arkadia - Eco Pest Control.

"We use essential oils. Peppermint and rosemary to be exact, It is green so you do not have to worry about any chemicals on your yard or around your family."

Just ask to have a copy of the MSDS (material safety data sheet), which by law must be made available to customers.

A definition of chemical from Wikipedia, "A chemical substance is a form of matter that has constant chemical composition and characteristic properties."

According to that those essential oils would be chemicals. There are people that will have an allergic reaction to those oils. When used in scented candles they will cause me to have breathing difficulties.

kimmq is kimmsr

I'm sorry that you have those allergies, kimmsr. But essential oils can be very effective at repelling mosquitoes and an excellent option for someone who wants to avoid strong chemicals or broadspectrum pesticides.

My personal repellent is herbal, since I cannot use DEET. It works quite well for both my husband and myself.

Any company that claims to be able to treat your yard to protect your son against mosquitoes is lying. Change the environment to make it less attractive to them.

Here's the basics:

1. they fly most often late afternoon and early morning.

2. they like to rest on vegetation

3. The females look for still to stagnant water to lay eggs in.

4. They will invade your house.

So, put them together and you have the real simple basics of DIY mosquito control

1. Don't send the child out to play between late afternoon to early morning. Consider getting a screened camping canopy for him, or screen in a porch or gazebo.

2. Keep the dense bushes and shrubbery trimmed away from your doors and his play area.

3. Have you AND you neighbors check and clean gutters and your yards for ANY standing water and dump it. A bit in an old flowerpot saucer is enough for mosquitoes.
   Brazil is having success with mosquito traps - just a tempting sheltered bit of water that the homeowner dumps onto the street once a week and refills, killing any eggs and larvae. I did it with a bucket of water in the shrubs, dumped every week. That and a serious purge of any possible water collecting areas.

4. Check all your screens for holes and repair them. Install screen doors, and even a screen porch with snug-fitting screens.

I've seen claims that certain plants can repel mozzies if you burn them. Yes, but you have to stand in the smoke. That sprinkling of rosemary on the BBQ coals won't protect your child unless they are on the grill, in the smoke. Variety of plant doesn't matter: We used to set smudge fires of dried cow dung when fishing, and stand in the smoke cloud to fish.

I've seen claims that certain essential oils fragrances can repel mosquitoes. Yes, but smearing a toddler with those things is asking for skin problems. EOs are not harmless, and some (lavender in a bath product) have caused boy toddlers to grow boobs because they are strongly phytoestrogenic. We used to smear our exposed skin with crushed "horsemint" (a big wild mint) to repel mosquitoes, but it had to be reapplied every half hour or so.

There are mosquito traps - the are basically a propane burner and rely on warmth and CO2 to attract the mosquitoes ... these ARE reasonably effective to protect a small area, like a restaurant patio. Placed away from the play area, it will help.

I'm going to give Arkadia a test run to see how effective it is. Obviously the sales associate told me it gets better over time, but not sure if that's just motive to get me into their semi-monthly payment plan ;)