Installing Your Own DIY Mosquito Misting System
DIY Mosquito Misting Systems
Many homeowners that consider a mosquito misting system for their back yard go straight to the professionals. While these companies can do a great job installing misting systems, the price tag can often bring sticker shock. What may seem like a simple installation could cost anywhere between $3,000-$5,000 upon completion.
The cost of these professional installations can often be broken down into 40% parts, 40% labor, and 20% overhead.
For what amounts to an afternoon's worth of work, many homeowners have realized that they are entirely capable of installing these systems themselves, and cutting their installation costs significantly.
Here at Mosquito Mister, we want to empower you with the parts and knowledge to install your own mosquito misting system, while avoiding the expensive installation.
How Do I Install My Own Mosquito Misting System?
The installation process can be as simple or as difficult as you make it. Consider the area you want to protect, and the areas in your yard that may provide a habitat or breeding zone for mosquitos. We typically recommend covering the entire perimeter of your back yard, and then focusing on areas where you like to spend time.
In a few simple steps, we can plan, design, and install a back yard mosquito misting system in as little as an afternoon.
Define the area you want to cover. Focus on the perimeter and patio areas of your yard. Tubing and nozzles can be affixed with our tubing clamps to most materials, like wood, plastic, metal, etc. Additionally, you can use zip ties to attach the tubing to wrought iron fences or other areas that may be difficult to screw the clamp into.
There is also the option to use our garden risers, which are staked into the ground with the tubing buried a few inches under ground.
Once you have defined the area you want to cover, you can begin taking measurements. We recommend placing nozzles roughly 8 feet apart for maximum coverage, so by measuring the area and diving the linear feet by 8, you now have your nozzle count.
A simple looped system is your best bet, creating a full perimeter of protection around your back yard.
Keep in mind where you will be putting your misting unit. Most people will place these by their air-conditioning or pool equipment, since you will need access to a standard 110v 3 prong outlet, and a hose bib within 50 feet or so so that you can fill the tank.
Gathering Materials
Now that you have your measurements, you have an idea of what you will need. Every system is comprised of the misting unit itself, nylon tubing, and nozzles and fittings. All of the fittings are push-to-connect, meaning that they are easily assembled.
As for tools, all you will need is a power drill, a basic tool kit, and a step ladder.
Keeping in mind that you will need one nozzle for every 8 feet, you can now calculate how many nozzles and how many feet of tubing you will need. The tubing will need to be attached to whatever surface it is mounted on about every 2-3 feet, so from here you can determine the number of tubing clamps or zip ties you will need.
Your parts list should include:
The misting unit
Tubing
Nozzles
Clamps/Zip ties
Misc. fittings (We recommend 5 straight union connectors for new installs, as well as few T union connectors)
Our 30 nozzle DIY system kit will contain everything needed for a standard sized back yard.
Additionally, our support team is always happy to assist you with any installation or design questions by filling out a contact form HERE.
Installing the Tubing and Nozzle Circuit
This may seem like the most intimidating part, but there is no need to worry: All of the tubing and connections are push-to-connect, making assembly and installation fairly simple.
Starting with the misting unit itself, begin by positioning the unit where you want it, ensuring there is an available electrical plug.
Plug in your 1/4 inch tubing to system, and begin running it towards your fist nozzle, being sure to clamp/zip tie it to whatever surface you are mounting it on every few feet. Once you have reached the planned location of the fist nozzle, cut the tubing with a clean, straight cut and firmly insert the tubing into one side of the complete nozzle assembly. Be careful not to place the tubing clamps or zip ties too close to where the tubing is inserted into the nozzle, to avoid issues as the tubing slightly expands and contracts with the weather.
Firmly plug in your remaining tubing into the other side of the nozzle assembly, and continue on to the next nozzle. Each nozzle will be connected in the same manor as the first one, continuing all along the area you had planned previously. after every nozzle, take a step back and review your work, making sure the tubing is held firmly with no sagging.
Finish off the tubing and nozzle circuit by either adding a plug to the last nozzle, or continuing with the tubing back to the beginning to complete a closed loop with a T union connector.
Setting Up Your New Mosquito System
Now that the hard work is done, all that is left is to set up your system and test it. Begin by filling the system about half way with water. Once that is complete, plug the system in, set the duration to 30 seconds, and test your installation with the "Mist Now" button. Set the system pressure by adjusting the needle valve on the far right hand side of the pressure manifold until you see the pressure rise to about 180 PSI.
Now it is time to test your tubing and nozzle network. Press the mist now button again, or set the system to test mode, and walk the length of the system to ensure that the nozzles are spraying and that you have no leaks. If you encounter a leak, turn the system of and make sure that the fittings are firmly connected.
Once that is done, you can set your spray times and duration. We recommend 3 spray cycles each day, for 30 seconds each cycle. By timing these cycles for dawn, dusk, and early evening, we can target mosquitos when they are most active, and avoid targeting pollinators.
Now you are ready to enjoy your back yard, and fight back against mosquitos!