The Best Pesticide Foaming Machines

A foamer is a handheld sprayer unit specifically designed to produce foam as it sprays. The uptake pipe has a series of holes that add air to the pesticide solution as it is pumped into the hose. Foamers are ideal for treating voids, crawl spaces, or other tight, enclosed areas. Spray into a pre-drilled borehole, and the foaming action will do the rest. 

A foamer is operated in much the same way as any other handheld sprayer unit. Fill the reservoir with a pesticide solution, pump, or activate the compressor to produce pressure, point, and foam. Contact us if you cannot find the information below; we’re here to help.

Our Recommendation

At Solutions Pest & Lawn, we recommend the B&G Versafoamer HH. B&G is a trusted brand with a consistent history of quality and excellence. This unit provides professional-level foaming capabilities at a price that simply can’t be beaten.

User Guide

Step 1: Fill the Reservoir

Fill the reservoir about half complete with water. Then, add the appropriate amount of pesticide product listed on your label. Note that some products may require a foaming agent. Add this as well if needed. Then, close the reservoir and agitate to create a uniform mix. Continue filling the remaining space in the reservoir with water. Close the unit and agitate once again to ensure a uniform mix.

Step 2: Pump or Activate the Compressor

To create the necessary pressure for the unit to produce foam, actuate the handheld pump repeatedly until the pressure increases (about 25-30 strokes). Once pressurized, depress the pump entirely and turn clockwise 90 degrees to lock it in place. On units with a compressor, activate the compressor as instructed in the product’s user manual.

Step 3: Foam

Once the unit is filled and pressurized, you’re ready to foam. Deploy the spray tip to the area you wish to foam and press the activation switch on the applicator wand to begin foaming.

Inspection and Maintenance

It is recommended that you inspect all your equipment before use to ensure there is no damage or issues. After each use, flush the system thoroughly to prevent any residue buildup that may cause malfunction.

If you experience a malfunction, remember that B&G equipment is built to last, and in many cases, any malfunctions may be addressed with maintenance or a replacement part.

Inspection Before Use

Before filling the unit, inspect the hose, gaskets, and valves for any signs of damage. These parts must be in complete working condition to permit tank pressurization. If parts are worn or damaged, we offer an entire stock of official B&G replacement parts that will extend the operating life of your unit.

After Each Use and Cleaning

Flush the system with clean water after each use to prevent the harmful build-up of residue from pesticide products. This will significantly increase the life and efficiency of your unit. To flush the system, remove any unused pesticide mix and store or dispose of it appropriately as directed by product labels. Then rinse the reservoir out thoroughly and fill it with some water. Close the reservoir and foam the water to flush the hoses and valves. Regular cleaning will also keep your unit in shape. A cleaning kit is available from B&G, but, if cleaning without it, do NOT use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, these will damage the stainless steel and brass parts.

Parts

Much like a handheld sprayer unit, a handheld foamer consists of a wand, a hose, a reservoir, a pump or compressor, and a spray tip.

The Pump or Compressor

Once the reservoir is filled and the lid is secured, the pump provides the air pressure to foam and spray the pesticide product. Raise and depress the pump several times until a tight pressure is felt. Our recommended model comes with a standard hand pump, though other models may come with a compressor, which makes hand pumping unnecessary.

The Reservoir

The reservoir holds the mixed pesticide product until you’re ready to spray. Our recommended model has a 1-gallon reservoir, which is enough to treat up to 1,000 square feet.

The Hose

The hose connects the reservoir to the wand. The product travels through the hose on its way to the sprayer tip. In the case of foamers, the uptake hose is modified with a series of baffles that add air to create foam as the solution is taken up.

The Wand

The wand is the part the operator holds and uses to aim the chemical foam. Our recommended unit has a low-weight push control wand that allows for easy spraying even for long periods.

The Spray Tip

In the case of foamers, there is no need for an adjustable spray tip, as the solution will be foamed rather than sprayed. However, our recommended model has an optional plastic spray tip for applying to drains.

Key Takeaways

• Foamers are ideal for treating wall voids and other enclosed spaces without having to cause aesthetic damage.
• Remember, B&G equipment is built to last. Any malfunction or damage can likely be addressed with some maintenance or a replacement part, which could save you hundreds on a new unit.