You may have seen pest control foggers at work, and maybe you’ve even used them in your own home. But do you know what they are and how they work?
Aside from the thick white fog that fills the area, having a general idea of what these are will help you better understand whether you need this as a pest control method.
Generally speaking, fogging is a pest control method targeted to kill insects and pests in a given area. It’s also known as space spraying. This method involves using a device that emits pesticides in the form of very fine droplets, or “fog.”
What is Fogging in Pest Control: An In-Depth Guide
As the term suggests, foggers release a dense mist that quickly and evenly covers a large surface area. A disinfectant or pesticide solution is loaded in the fogging machine, emitting a thick “fog-looking” substance that fills up the entire room or space.
They are also referred to as bug bombs because they are designed to kill a wide variety of flying and crawling insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, wasps, ants, roaches, and fleas.
The disinfectant found in the spray contains aerosol propellants and acts as a space spray. This quickly covers an entire area, reaching horizontal and difficult-to-see spaces.
While we understand you may have different questions about this method, here are some frequently asked questions to help you further understand the process.
Is Fogging in Pest Control Effective?
If you have ever tried to swat a fly, you know how quickly and deftly they can avoid your efforts. The same elusiveness that makes these pests so difficult to control also makes conventional pest control methods, such as spraying insecticide, largely ineffective.
Fogging is a pest control method that uses a fine spray to suspend insecticide in the air, making it more difficult for insects to avoid contact.
In addition, as mentioned earlier, this process allows the insecticide to reach places that are difficult to access with traditional methods.
As a result, this method has been widely accepted and recommended as an effective method of controlling flying and crawling insects.
It’s worth noting, however, that its effectiveness solely relies on the quality of the pesticides being used. Therefore, for this method to work, it’s important to use a high-quality insecticide that is designed specifically for fogging machines.
What is the Fog Spray Used by Pest Control Companies?
Although mainly used for cleaning pests, fogging machines also serve different purposes. Also known as a thermal fogger, this machine produces dense fog by using heat to vaporize the insecticide solution.
The most common type of thermal fogger uses electricity to heat the solution and propane to create the fog. However, there are also battery-operated and hand-pump models that use different heating methods.
The main advantage of using a thermal fogger is that it can be used indoors and outdoors. It’s also more effective in larger spaces because it can cover a greater area in a shorter period of time.
Aside from the thermal fogger, a cold fogger is another type of fogging machine that’s commonly used in pest control. As the name suggests, this machine uses a compressed gas, such as CO2, to create fog.
The main advantage of using a cold fogger is that it can be used in areas with sensitive materials, such as food storage areas. It’s also less likely to damage surfaces and materials because it doesn’t use heat to produce the fog.
As for the chemical used to load up these fogging machines, it can be either a combination of disinfectant sprays (for cleaning horizontal surfaces) or synthetic pyrethroids (for killing insects).
The most common type of insecticide used in fogging is pyrethrin, which is derived from the chrysanthemum flower. This natural compound is highly effective in killing a wide variety of flying and crawling insects.
In fact, pyrethrin is so potent that it’s often used in hospitals and food processing plants to control flying insects.
How Much is a Pest Control Fogger?
While commercial pest control companies use industrial-grade fogging machines, there are also smaller, portable units that can be purchased for home use.
The average cost of a thermal fogger for home use averagely costs around $25 to $200, while the cold fogger costs around $100 to $300. As for the chemicals used, they usually cost around $10 to $30 per gallon.
How is Fogging in Pest Control Done?
The entire process is pretty straightforward. The first and most important step begins with initially analyzing the area to be treated, as well as the pest problem that needs to be addressed. This will help determine the type of fogging machine and chemical that will be used.
Once the machine is all set up and loaded with the appropriate solution, the fogging can begin. The operator will then move through the area, ensuring that all surfaces are treated evenly. The fog needs to be dispersed in the air and has to stay in the air for a few minutes in order for it to be effective.
After the fogging is done, the area will need to be ventilated before people can enter. The entire process usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area.
Pest Control Fogging: What to Do With Books and Electronics
Fogging is an effective method of pest control, but it’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging your belongings.
Here are some tips on what to do with books and electronics:
Cover Books with a Plastic Sheet or Bag
Despite releasing fine mist particles, fogging can still cause damage to your books if they’re not properly protected. Some areas can still get wet, causing the pages to stick together.
To avoid this, it’s best to cover your books with a plastic sheet or bag before fogging begins. You can also put them in a sealed box or container.
Remove Any Electronic Devices
Fogging can also damage electronic devices, so it’s important to remove them from the area before starting the process. This includes computers, TVs, and other appliances. Alternatively, if you must, make sure that you don’t aim the fogger directly at them.
Clean Surfaces After Fogging
Once the fogging process is done, it’s important to clean all surfaces that may have been exposed to the insecticide. This includes countertops, tables, and floors.
You can do this by wiping down the surfaces with a damp cloth or mop. You should also vacuum any carpets or upholstered furniture to remove any residual particles.
Final Thoughts
Large mosquito or bug infestations can’t be easily controlled with a can of insecticide spray. If you’re dealing with a serious problem, then you might want to consider fogging as a solution.
An appropriate fogging machine with a designated and effective solution can help solve most insect problems as long as it’s used properly.
Fogging solutions can be dense and concentrated, so make sure that nobody is in the area during the fogging process. Once it’s done, ventilate the area and clean all surfaces that may have been exposed to the insecticide.
