Mosquito Killer Frequently Asked Questions

Dispenser Information

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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.

DUSK/DAWN® Sensor

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).

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.

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.

General Information

Download these tips and facts to optimize the use of your Skeeter Defeater Automatic Dispenser. Download: Manual_Tips

You can download the most recent instruction manual by clicking here. Download: Skeeter Defeater Instruction Manual, 2.08

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.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Insecticide/CRU

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.

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.

Installation and Setup

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.

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

Mosquito Info

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.

Remote Control

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.

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.

Very General

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