How Much Does an Outdoor Misting System Cost?
Typical Range:
$1,944 - $3,553
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 95 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
How We Get This Data
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.
- When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.
- We compile the data and report costs back to you.
•
•
•
•
Updated October 5, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.Homeowners nationwide pay an average of $2,740 for an outdoor misting system. Project prices typically range from $1,944 and $3,553. The units themselves cost between $350 and $3,000, and installation prices run from $200 to $1,000.
Misting System Cost Calculator
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
| National Average | $2,740 |
| Typical Range | $1,944 - $3,553 |
| Low End - High End | $500 - $5,000 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 95 HomeAdvisor members.
Mosquito Misting System Costs
Mosquito misting systems typically cost between $350 and $3,000. Automatic systems cost between $550 and $3,800, including installation. The system itself costs between $350 and $2,800, with $200 to $1,000 allotted for labor. Remote systems cost $550 to $4,000, with the system price at $350 to $3,000, and the remaining $200 to $1,000 for installation.
Automatic systems spray on a preset schedule for when mosquitoes are most likely to be active. You can set remote systems to an automated schedule but can also use a remote control that lets you spray as and when needed.
Standard misting systems contain up to 30 nozzles, but larger properties or those with more mosquito hot zones may require additional nozzles, which cost between $5 and $20 each.
While they require little interference or maintenance, misting systems occasionally do break down, so you'll also need to budget for the cost of outdoor misting system repair. The money you save on one-off mosquito treatment costs offsets these potential costs; once you have a mister installed, you won't need separate treatments.
| Type | Price Range (All-in) | Average Price (All-In) |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic | $550 – $3,800 | $2,175 |
| Remote | $550 – $4,000 | $2,275 |
Ready to Install? Call Misting System Pros
What Is a Mosquito Misting System?
Mosquito misting systems spray fine mists of pesticides over a specific area to kill mosquitoes and other flying pests. The nozzle system installs wherever the mosquitos cause the most issues, whether around the house, on the lawn, or on the deck. The nozzles eject the mist when activated by remote control or automatic schedule.
Some homeowners choose to install tubing and nozzles for a mosquito mister around the perimeter of their outdoor living space to minimize pesticide use and create a mosquito-killing barrier around their yard. While it's possible to install a mosquito mister at any time, you'll likely get a better price if you install it during a landscaping project as part of your landscape installation costs.
Tankless vs. Drum Mosquito Mister Costs
Mosquito misters require a place to store insecticide inside them. Here are two popular types:
Tankless models feature a small container to store insecticide concentrate. They are more expensive, require more frequent refills but blend more seamlessly with the landscape.
Drum-based units have technicians pre-mix chemical and water in a large reservoir. These are typically less expensive and need fewer refills.
Mosquito Insecticide Prices
Every mosquito misting system requires insecticide refills from time to time, whether you have a drum or tankless storage unit, so be sure to budget for this as part of your outdoor living space costs. Standard synthetic insecticides cost $70 to $150 per half-gallon refill. Organic and natural insecticide alternatives cost a little more, at $80 to $200 per half-gallon.
Organic insecticides degrade faster than synthetic ones and cost a bit more. However, they're safer for your pets and family and better for the environment. Additionally, it's possible to find natural products that don't harm beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators. A common and affordable broad-spectrum natural insecticide is pyrethrin, derived from chrysanthemum flowers.
Whichever route you choose, make sure the product is safe for pets, children, and wildlife. And, if you grow your own fruit and vegetables, make sure the insecticide you're using is deemed safe for use around food.
Top Mosquito Control Brands
Mosquito misting systems vary in price by brand as well as type. Budget-friendly portable options from popular brands start at $550, while high-end natural control systems from other brands can cost up to $4,000. Take a look at some of the top brands and see how their typical pricing compares.
| Brand | Price Range (All-in) | Average Price (All-in) |
|---|---|---|
| Remington | $550 – $1,500 | $1,025 |
| Pynamite | $1,950 – $3,300 | $2,625 |
| MistAway | $1,400 – $4,000 | $2,700 |
| MosquitoNix | $2,000 – $4,000 | $3,000 |
Other Types of Misting Systems
Aside from mosquito control, there are a number of other types of misting systems, including a luxurious cooling system and a plant misting system for outdoor or greenhouse use.
Mist Cooling System Costs
Mist cooling systems cost $190 to $675 to install, depending on their complexity and the size of the area you are cooling. Because they require electrical connections and water, you should hire a professional.
| Square Footage | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 | $190 |
| 100 – 200 | $225 |
| 200 – 300 | $280 |
| 300 – 400 | $370 |
| 400 – 500 | $450 |
| 500 or more | $675 |
Get a Quote from Outdoor Misting Pros
Water Sprayer for Outdoor Greenhouses & Plants
Greenhouse irrigation systems can cost as little as $150 or more than $1,000 depending on size and complexity. This type of mister may be more affordable when installed as part of the cost to build a greenhouse.
After investing in a greenhouse, decide which type of system you need. Regardless of the type, you'll need to prepare the soil (or floor) and install drainage. Too much water can harm plants, and standing water can create slipping hazards.
| System | Complexity | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Application | Easiest & least expensive | Basic drip tube system with tubes on the ground near a plant's base Movable irrigation tubes connected to garden hose Add timer to control soil saturation |
| Container Irrigation | Moderate difficulty & expense | Requires main, overhead PVC pipe to connect water supply with hose & adapter Microtubes extend from pipe & supply each container with water |
| Perimeter Piping | Most difficult & expensive | Install piping & sprayers along greenhouse table edges Requires multiple PVC joints & connections Allows you to water different tables with unique amounts and at different times |
Get a Quote from Local Misting System Pros
Misting System Installation Cost Factors
While each brand has its pricing, and different system types carry different costs, several elements influence the cost of misting system installation.
Labor
Professionals typically charge a flat rate for labor for mosquito misting installation, typically between $200 and $1,000, depending on the system’s size and the job’s complexity. For a standard 30-nozzle system and a relatively simple installation, expect to pay $400 to $700. By the hour, this equates to $50 to $100.
Size
The materials you'll need will depend on the size of the area. The larger the area, the more tubes and spray heads you'll need. In most systems, both are placed at least 8 feet above the ground. Most installations try to hide the tubing as much as possible.
High Water Pressure
Compressors with higher pressure range from $800 to $1,000, while smaller, less pressurized ones range from $60 to $150. The larger the coverage area and the higher the tubing and spray heads are hung, the higher the pressure needed to deliver the cooling spray. So, the size and power of the compressor needed to deliver the water into the air affects the overall price of your system.
Commercial Systems
Commercial misters typically require custom quotes from a manufacturer or licensed distributor. These units are great for livestock, military locations, film sets, oil fields, and outdoor events.
DIY Misting System Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Design and installation is a job best left to a local pest control company. Because the project requires plumbing and electrical skills and extensive knowledge of the technology, it’s not a job homeowners can or should do themselves.
A professional will install your unit according to codes and regulations. Professional installation and maintenance will also ensure your warranty remains valid and prevent costly repairs to your misting system.
How to Install a Misting System
Installation takes multiple steps and various skills and equipment.
Measure tubing from the pump or unit to the endpoint and determine how many tube sections you'll need.
Hang lines approximately 8 feet above the ground.
Join pipes and create a seal with a crimper.
Install pressure tubing using clips to prevent movement.
Insert tubing into compression coupling and remove any excess.
Turn on the water and start the pump to bleed air and debris from the misting lines.
Monitor the system for a short time to ensure it's working properly.
Talk to Misting System Installers Near You
FAQs
Do you have to drill holes to install a misting system?
Yes, you may need to drill holes to install a misting system. For example, mounting the brackets to support supply lines or elevated nozzles requires holes in the mounting surface. Thankfully, most professionals can minimize the number and visibility of holes they drill when they install your system. If you're concerned about unnecessary holes, talk to your contractor before they start work.
Is a mosquito misting system worth it?
If you live in an area with a significant mosquito problem, installing a mosquito misting system is worth it. It’s especially worthwhile if you've already exhausted other options, such as barrier treatments, mosquito repellant plants, and minimizing standing water. If, however, your mosquito problem is minimal and infrequent, or you don't spend much time out in the yard, then the cost may not be worth it.
Is fogging or spraying better for mosquitoes?
In general, spraying or misting is better than fogging for mosquito control. Foggers use different, fast-acting but short-lived insecticides compared to sprayers and misters. Therefore, while fogging is effective for an immediate takedown of mosquitoes, it doesn't have much of a residual effect, so your mosquito problem will quickly return. Spray and misting insecticides are usually longer-lasting and micro-encapsulated, so their residual effects last longer, and the particles aren't as easily washed or blown away.
