Eric holds a degree in Pest Control Technology from the University of Florida and carries all five Florida pest control license categories: General Household Pest, Rodent, Lawn & Ornamental, Wood Destroying Organisms, and Public Health (License JB313837). He personally developed Mosquito Shield's proprietary Mosquito Protection Blend and has been treating South Florida properties for over a decade. When he is not in the field, he is behind every piece of content on this site.
Almost every new customer asks this before signing up, and it's worth answering precisely. If you're going to have someone spray your yard every few weeks, you need to know what's in the product and whether your kids and pets are safe.
The Short Answer
Yes — when applied by a licensed professional and allowed to dry (about 15 minutes), our barrier spray poses no re-entry risk for people or animals once dry. The primary active ingredients in our Mosquito Protection Blend are plant-derived. We do not use neonicotinoids, which are the pesticide class most associated with harm to bees and under scrutiny for broader effects.
What's Actually in Our Spray
Our Mosquito Protection Blend (MPB) is a proprietary formula used by Mosquito Shield franchises nationwide. It contains five natural plant extracts plus a small amount of control product:
Disrupts mosquito scent receptors; masks the CO₂ and lactic acid signals that attract them to humans
Long-lasting repellency; remains effective after repeated rain exposure
Targets mosquito respiratory systems on contact; widely used in organic pest control
Repels both mosquitoes and biting midges; also acts as a larvicide in standing water
Disrupts mating cycles; repellent on contact for multiple flying insect species
Kills on contact and provides residual effectiveness. We use the minimum effective amount — significantly less than what many competitors apply
What "Safe Once Dry" Actually Means
When a pest control product is said to be "safe once dry," here's what's happening chemically: the active ingredients bond to the plant surfaces they were sprayed on (leaves, grass, fence lines). While wet, they're concentrated and easily transferred. Once dry — typically within 15 minutes in South Florida's heat — they're bound to surfaces and much less available for skin contact or ingestion.
This is why we say "spray today, play today." After our technician leaves, wait 15–30 minutes and let the yard dry. Then your kids can run around, your dog can sniff the fence, and normal yard life resumes.
We do not spray kids' toys, pet water dishes, bird baths, or vegetable gardens. We target the vegetation — fence lines, shrubs, ground cover — where mosquitoes rest.
What We Don't Use — and Why It Matters
No Neonicotinoids
Neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam) are linked to honey bee colony collapse and are banned or restricted in several countries. We don't use them. Period.
No Organophosphates
Organophosphates (malathion, chlorpyrifos) are older-generation pesticides with more significant mammalian toxicity profiles. Our formula relies primarily on plant-based ingredients rather than synthetic organophosphates.
Minimal Synthetic Volume
The small amount of control product we use is well below the volume applied by many conventional pest control operators. Less is more when the natural ingredients are doing most of the work.
Comparing Our Formula to Competitors
| Factor | Mosquito Shield | Typical Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ingredients | 5 plant-based extracts | Synthetic pyrethroids |
| Neonicotinoids | Never used | Sometimes used |
| Spray frequency | Weekly or biweekly | Monthly (or less) |
| Bee-safe certified | Yes | Varies |
| Dry time | ~15 minutes | 30–60+ minutes |
| Rain protection | RainShield technology | Standard (may need reapplication) |
Common Questions
Is mosquito barrier spray safe for dogs and cats?+
Our MPB formula uses plant-derived active ingredients — Citronella, Rosemary, Castor Oil, Geraniol, and Peppermint — that are safe for pets once dry. We use a small amount of permethrin-class control product in our formula. Pets should stay off treated areas for about 15 minutes while the product dries. Once dry, it is bound to plant surfaces and not easily ingested. We treat vegetation and fence lines, not pet food bowls or water dishes.
How long should we stay inside after spraying?+
We recommend 15–30 minutes. Our 'spray today, play today' guideline reflects that the product needs only about 15 minutes to dry and set. You don't need to stay inside for hours. We'll notify you when treatment is complete so you know exactly when it's safe to go out.
Do you use neonicotinoids?+
No. Neonicotinoids are a class of pesticides that have been linked to harm in bee populations. We specifically exclude them from our formula. Our MPB blend is designed to be effective against mosquitoes and biting insects while protecting pollinators like honey bees. This is one of our core differentiators.
Are the ingredients EPA-registered?+
Yes. Our active ingredients are EPA-registered for use in residential pest control. We are a licensed pest control operator in Florida (License JB313837) and operate in full compliance with state and federal pesticide use regulations. The formula we use is the same proprietary blend used by Mosquito Shield franchises nationwide.
What if my child has chemical sensitivities?+
Customers with known chemical sensitivities or allergies should review the product label with us before starting service. Most sensitive individuals tolerate the formula without issue once dry, but we want you informed. Our natural-forward formula is considerably less synthetic-chemical-heavy than conventional pesticides used by some competitors.