The Best Pesticide Foaming Machines

A foamer is a type of handheld sprayer unit specifically designed to produce a foam as it sprays. The uptake pipe has a series of holes that add air to the pesticide solution as it is taken up into the hose. Foamers are ideal for treating voids and crawl spaces or other tight, enclosed areas. Simply 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. Simply fill the reservoir with a pesticide solution, pump or activate the compressor to produce pressure, and point and foam. If you are unable to find the information you need below, please contact us, 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 with a price that simply can’t be beat.

User Guide

Step 1: Fill the Reservoir

Fill the reservoir about half full with water. Then add the appropriate amount of pesticide product as listed on your product's label. Please note, 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 handpump repeatedly until you feel the pressure increase (about 25-30 strokes). Once pressurized, depress the pump completely and turn clockwise 90 degrees to lock in place. On units with a compressor, simply 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. Simply 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, make sure to flush the system thoroughly to prevent any residue buildup which may cause malfunction.

If you experience a malfunction, remember 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 full working condition to permit tank pressurization. If parts are worn or damaged, we offer a full 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 greatly 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 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, pump or compressor, and spray tip.

The Pump or Compressor

Once the reservoir is filled and the lid is secured, the pump provides the air pressure needed to actually foam and spray the pesticide product. Simply raise and depress the pump a number of 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. Product travels through the hose on it’s 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 that 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 of time.

The Spray Tip

In the case of foamers, there is really no need for an adjustable spray tip as the solution will be foamed rather than sprayed. However, our recommended model does come with an optional plastic spray tip for making applications 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.