Is the insecticide ok to spray around people and pets?
If the Skeeter Defeater Dispenser sprays while people or pets are present, what should I do?
This is the question we most often receive, understandably. In a nutshell, it's definitely ok for people and pets to be in an area that has been sprayed after all vapors, mists, and aerosols have dispersed and the spray has dried. It is not ok for people or pets to be present while the insecticide is actually being sprayed.
According to the EPA, no insecticide can be considered safe. The Skeeter
Defeater has been independently tested by a third party for toxicological
data. Based on this testing, the label carries a CAUTION signal word as
its hazards are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency in the
least harmful class. Because an insecticide is designed to kill insects
on contact, it clearly has toxic properties, so precautions should be
taken when using any insecticide. The botanical insecticide used in Skeeter
Defeater products is known as pyrethrin,
and has been used for many years in different insect control products
as well as flea and tick shampoos and lice shampoos.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To prevent exposure
to people and pets, turn the Dispenser to the Off or Remote Only mode
if people or pets are present during or near
dusk or dawn. To avoid exposure to outdoor pets, use only in Remote
mode if pets live outdoors. It's important to note that the Dispenser
will not spray automatically within 5 hours of its last spray. Also, it
is imperative that you follow the instructions for proper placement of
the Dispenser, which dictates you hang the Dispenser so the nozzle is
six feet off of the ground. This helps prevent direct sprays in the face
of children or pets especially. Should the Dispenser spray while people
or pets are present, please read the Cylinder
Refill Unit label for the proper procedures for skin, eye, and inhalation
first aid instructions.

How do I know when the Dispenser is about to spray?
The Indicator Light on the top of the
Spray Head will blink faster and faster for a span of six seconds before
the Dispenser sprays. This is the unit's way of letting you know it's
about to fire. It's important to not confuse this with the Indicator Light
flashing when you are almost out of insecticide. In this instance, the
Indicator Light will flash once every four seconds. Click here for more
info on the Indicator Light. Download:Manual_IndicatorLight

Where should I place my Skeeter Defeater Dispenser?
Place the Skeeter Defeater within the
300 square foot area where you want mosquito elimination. You should place
the Dispenser so the spray nozzle is 6 feet off the ground, either placed
on a ledge or hanging from a hook of some kind. Click here for more details
instructions on optimal ways to place your Skeeter Defeater Dispenser.
- Download: Manual_Placement

How much area does the Skeeter Defeater cover?
The insecticide sprayed from the Dispenser
covers up to 300 square feet. Regardless of which way the Dispenser is
pointed, the insecticide will spread 360 degrees around the unit over
a span of two to three hours. Interestingly, mosquitoes rarely go more
than 300 feet from where they're born during their 30-40 day life cycle.
Graphic: house-ill-skeeer
defeater

How big is 300 square feet?
300 square feet is a typical size of many
porches, patios, gazebos and decks. Technically speaking, it's 20 feet
by 15 feet. Graphic: house-ill-skeeer
defeater

I have a large yard. Is the Skeeter Defeater the right product for me?
The Skeeter Defeater Mosquito Defense Unit can be an excellent solution for any yard. However, it's important to realize covering your ENTIRE yard isn't always necessary for effective mosquito control.
First, the Skeeter Defeater is great for any yard because it effectively covers up to 300 square feet. Since mosquitoes rarely get more than 300 feet from their home, you can stategically place the Dispenser in the areas where you spend the most time. This will work as an excellent solution for your yard.
Second, if you have multiple areas of your yard that you want to cover, then you can certainly place more than one Dispenser in your yard. They will all spray at dusk and dawn automatically each day, plus a single remote control will cover all of them. This plan is excellent for a large yard scenario.
If you're convinced that you want most or all of your yard covered, then
we suggest an alternative solution for better results. The XMosquito Misting
System, also manufactured by Outdoor Solutions, Inc., is the most cost-effective
mosquito misting system available, and it incorporates similar DUSK/DAWN
sensors for automatic control at the perfect time every day. You can learn
more about them at their website.

What should I do when winds are high?
It is best to turn your Skeeter Defeater Dispenser off when winds are above five miles an hour. This is wise because a) high winds can drift your insecticide away from the area you wish to cover, and b) mosquitoes rarely come out when winds are above 5 mph because they have difficulty landing.

The Indicator Light on my Dispenser didn't inform me that I was about to run out of insecticide. What should I do?
The internal counter found in the Dispenser counts sprays since the last powering on of the unit. Therefore, if you turn off the power of the Dispenser and then turn it back on without changing the CRU, the counter will be set to zero. In this instance, the Indicator Light would not blink at the right time to let you know your CRU is almost empty.

How does the DUSK/DAWN® sensor work?
The DUSK/DAWN Sensor uses patent-pending technology that measures sunlight and knows exactly when it is dusk and dawn each day. Since these are the peak hours for mosquito activity, this automatic feature makes the Skeeter Defeater Automatic Dispenser a very special product.
The sensor is very sensitive, so it's important that you place the Dispenser in an area where it can receive direct sunlight throughout the day for proper measurements. Placing the unit in a shaded area may confuse the unit as to knowing exactly when it's dusk or dawn. The sensor measures the light over a ten-minute span to account for any cloud coverage or other elements that may affect the lighting the unit receives. The Dispenser leverages a 5-hour lockout that prevents the Dispenser from spraying automatically more than once every 5 hours (although you can still use the remote control to manually fire the Dispenser at any time).

Does the Skeeter Defeater Dispenser only spray at dusk and dawn? Why doesn't is spray more often?
Via the remote control, you can spray the Skeeter Defeater Dispenser anytime you wish, from indoors up to 50 feet away. When set to the "DUSK/DAWN+Remote" power setting, the Dispenser will spray only once at dusk and once at dawn, plus anytime you engage the remote control.
Tests have shown that the Dispenser works effectively when firing just twice a day. The insecticide lasts for two to three hours after spraying before disintegrating. Because mosquitoes rarely come out in the open until dusk or dawn, spraying the contact insecticide precisely at these moments when they are most exposed is extremely effective. In addition, the daily automatic application provides much more consistent mosquito management over only spraying other products only when you're present.

My Skeeter Defeater Dispenser is spraying at times other than dusk and dawn. How do I fix it?
Here are some troubleshooting tips you can try:Make sure the Dispenser is in an area where it receives direct sunlight. If it's placed in a shaded area, or if there have been times of extended cloud coverage, this will definitely affect its ability to measure the sunlight.Be sure you are someone else is not accidentally pressing the remote control.Call our support line at 888.895.BUZZ (2899), or email us at support@skeeterdefeater.com. If we can't figure out the problem, we'll send you a replacement Dispenser that works properly.

What tips do you have on making my Skeeter Defeater unit work best?
Download these tips and facts to optimize
the use of your Skeeter Defeater Automatic Dispenser. Download:
Manual_Tips

I lost my Instruction Manual. How can I get another one?
You can download the most recent instruction
manual by clicking here. Download: Skeeter
Defeater Instruction Manual, 2.08

How long do the batteries last?
The batteries typically last at least two months when used regularly. It's a good rule of thumb to change your batteries (4 AAs) every 2 months, or every other time you replace the CRU.

My Cylinder Refill Unit doesn't fit into my Dispenser. What should I do?
Here are some troubleshooting tips you
can try:Be sure you've removed the spray button from the top of the CRU.
This is for hand applications only and is not necessary for use with the
Skeeter Defeater Dispenser.Be sure you've properly installed the CRU.
Click here for step by step instructions.Call our support line at 888.895.BUZZ
(2899), or email us at support@skeeterdefeater.com. We'll walk you through
it, and if we can't figure it out together, we'll send you a replacement.
- Download: Manual_UnderstandingCRU

The Dispenser sprays when I install a CRU. What is the best way to do this?
The Spray Head of the Dispenser fits
very tightly onto the top of the CRU and locks into place when pressing
it into place. If it is placed just a little bit inaccurately, it can
cause the aerosol to spray through the Dispenser. It's important to point
the nozzle away from you during installation. It's also best to use one
hand to press down on the Spray Head, which helps in guiding the CRU into
the Spray Head more effectively. Click here for detailed instructions.
Graphic: connect
top

Why is there a spray button on my Cylinder Refill Unit?
The Cylinder Refill Unit (CRU) is designed
to work with the Skeeter Defeater Dispenser, or as a standalone aerosol
insecticide that you can operate by hand. The spray nozzle is necessary
for standalone use, but should be removed before installing the CRU into
the Skeeter Defeater Dispenser. Graphic: remove
sprayhead

What is pyrethrin?
Pyrethrin is a botanical insecticide
that kills mosquitoes and other flying insects on contact. The Skeeter
Defeater contact insecticide contains pyrethrin. For more information,
click here. Link: What
it Sprays

Is pyrethrin organic or natural?
Pyrethrin is derived from the chrysanthemum
flower. There are several forms currently manufactured for commercial
use, including synthetics known as pyrethroids. However, pyrethrin, as
it's used with the Skeeter Defeater unit, is a botanical insecticide.
But because it is an insecticide (insect killer) and not simply a repellent,
it cannot be considered "organic" or "natural" according to EPA standards.
According to these regulations, pest control that is organic or natural
can only repel insects, not kill them. For more information on pyrethrin,
visit here.Link: What it
Sprays

How long does a single Cylinder Refill Unit last?
The Cylinder Refill Unit (CRU) contains
66 sprays of contact insecticide. Set to automatic dusk/dawn spraying,
each CRU contains enough insecticide to last 33 days. Obviously, should
you spray more often than twice a day using your remote control, the CRU
will not last this long. The Indicator Light on the Dispenser will blink
once every four seconds once your unit has sprayed 54 times since last
installing a CRU. This is its way of telling you that you're almost out
of insecticide. You can reorder a CRU where you purchased your Skeeter
Defeater Dispenser, or by clicking here to buy online. Link:
CRU Replacement

Where can I get more Cylinder Refill Units?
You can purchase more CRUs where you
originally purchased your Skeeter Defeater products, or online by clicking
here. You can also call us at 888.895.BUZZ, or click here for an updated
list of retail outlets carrying Skeeter Defeater products. Link:
Buy CRU's

What's the difference between pyrethrin, pyrethrum and pyrethroid?
Pyrethrum is the overall name of insecticides derived from the chrsysanthemum family of flowers. Pyrethrins are the organic compounds from these flowers that serve as neurotoxins that attack the nervous systems of flying insects. Pyrethroids are synthetic (man-made or altered) forms of pyrethrin that enhance the toxicity and effects of the insecticide. The most popular form is known as permethrin. The Skeeter Defeater contact insecticide contains pyrethrin, a botanical insecticide.

My Cylinder Refill Unit didn't last 66 sprays. What should I do?
Here are some troubleshooting tips you can try: 1) Make sure the batteries are still charged. Fire the Dispenser using your remote control. If the Dispenser does notattempt to spray (even though the can may be empty), then you need to change your batteries. 2) Call our support line at 888.895.BUZZ (2899), or email us at support@skeeterdefeater.com. If we can't figure out the problem, we'll send you a replacement CRU that works properly.

Does the insecticide kill insects other than mosquitoes?
Yes, pyrethrin has an effect on all insects, especially flying insects. Some insects are big enough that exposure may not kill them on contact, but it will still affect them.

Will other aerosol cans work with the Skeeter Defeater Dispenser?
No. The Cylinder Refill Unit is designed to work exclusively with the Skeeter Defeater Dispenser; no other aerosol containers will fit into the Spray Head and work properly.

How do I install the batteries on the Dispenser?
Installing the batteries on the Skeeter
Defeater Dispenser is a simple process but requires a little attention
to ensure proper connection of the batteries. For step by step instructions
and graphics, click here. Download: Manual_BatteryInstallation

How long do mosquitoes live?
While every species is different, the most common types found in the United States live about 30 days. Mosquitoes spend about the first ten to 14 days of that in the water developing from egg to adult.

How far away can the remote control be from the Dispenser and still work?
You can use the remote control from up to 50 feet away. It also works from indoors, which makes operation of the Skeeter Defeater very simple.

Why does it take so long for the Skeeter Defeater to receive the signal from the Remote Control?
In order to conserve battery power, the Dispenser only powers on every six seconds to check for a signal from the remote control. Therefore, it may take up to 10 seconds for a signal from the remote to initiate the Dispenser spray sequence.

What are the details of the Skeeter Defeater warranty?
Click here for the full details of the
Skeeter Defeater warranty. Download: Manual_Warranty