Foggers

When there is a large infestation of insects in the home, one option which can be helpful in eliminating the pests are insecticide foggers. Insecticide foggers (also known as bug bombs or total release foggers) are a popular type of formulation used by professionals especially for use against mosquitoes, pantry pests and cockroach infestations. 

Insecticide foggers are also popular because they are easy to apply, since they often come ready to use and you merely have to just set the “bug bomb”. However, there are time where they may be ineffective so they should only be used under certain circumstances and for particular insects that are more susceptible compared to others.

At Solutions Pest & Lawn we carry a variety of professional grade total release insect foggers. On this page, you will learn more about total release foggers, discover the benefits of using them and we will teach you how to apply them properly.

What is a Total Release Insect Fogger?

Total release foggers (TRFs) are a pesticide formulation similar to aerosols and contain an insecticide which is delivered via fine mist which drifts and fills a space with the insecticide. Total release fogger products come under a variety of different names, such as total release aerosols, foggers, “bug bombs” or “bombs”.

Most TRFs contain pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and synergists and often all three classes of these chemicals. Pyrethrins are natural insecticides which have been extracted from chrysanthemum flowers (pyrethrum). Pyrethrins are known to be harmful to a large number of insects, so they can be an effective product against whatever pest problem you may have.

Conditions for Using Foggers

Foggers are best used in scenarios where there are large numbers of insects confined to a certain room of a home, such as flies, mosquitoes and even bed bugs. However they are most effective against flying pests over crawling pests.

The reason why is because once a bug bomb is set and the insecticide is released, the pests which detect the chemical in the room will begin to retreat further into their hiding places or leave the premises entirely only to come back once the fog has dissipated.

Flying insects are more vulnerable to the fogging mist and will drop dead with nowhere to escape. For crawling insects it is more of a repellent than it is a lethal killer.

Benefits of Using Foggers

Total release foggers come ready to use with no mixing required and are used at low concentrations. There is little labor necessary to utilize the product since you simply have to set the fogger in the room you wish to treat and leave the premises for some time.

Perhaps the biggest benefit is that that they are made with natural Pyrethrins which biologically breaks down in a couple of hours providing fast re-entry times to fumigated areas.

Because total release foggers are a type of fumigant, they can penetrate areas which regular bed bug sprays may not be able to get to like tight cracks and crevices where insects love to hide. Total release foggers are also cheap compared to buying professional insecticide concentrates.

Fogger Drawbacks

Depending on the type of insect issue you are dealing with, total release foggers can be hit or miss. Crawling insects like cockroaches and bed bugs can easily retreat to safer areas where the fogger will not be able to reach and then reinfest once the fogger has worn off.

Foggers are more effective against pantry moths, mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects so be sure you do your homework and weigh your options to see if fogging is the best method for your issue.

Another drawback is perhaps inconvenience. When fogging a home, you will first have to clear out items and belongings you don’t want damaged by the fogging such as food. You will then have to evacuate the home for several hours which can be problematic.

Used inappropriately, total release insect foggers can be dangerous. If you are planning to use a total release fogger in your home, do it safely. Read and follow the label directions to keep your family and property safe.

Our Recommendations

There are numerous fogger products available which have slight variations and features that make it more effective. Some have IGRs in the formula to control undeveloped insects. Here are what our Solutions specialists have compiled to be the best products which utilize attractants.

FMC Residual Fogger - The FMC PCO Insect Fogger is a total release aerosol that treats up to 5000 cubic feet. They are designed for use in homes, food handling establishments, schools, offices and commercial buildings to kill fleas, roaches, ants, weevils and flying insects. Excellent knockdown is provided with this product.

Precor Plus Fogger - Precor 2000 Plus Premise Spray is an insect growth regulator (IGR) and residual insecticide for controlling fleas, ticks, ants and cockroaches. Precor 2000 Plus Premise prevents reinfestation and flea build-up for 7 months. Only works as an adulticide when used for ticks. The Permethrin in Precor Plus Fogger immediately kills adult fleas, while Precor IGR prevents pre-adult fleas from creating new infestations of breeding, biting adults. Precor IGR molecules penetrate down to the hard-to-reach places where pre-adult fleas hide - especially carpet and upholstery fibers, rugs, drapes, pet bedding and floor cracks.

Pro Control Formula 2 Fogger - Pro-Control Fogger is a total Release Aerosol Insecticide. It contains the botanical insecticide Pyrethrin. It provides a quick knockdown and kill of crawling and flying insects. It is convenient and easy to use.

Tools Needed

Total Release Foggers come ready to use and do not require any additional tools. It is important though to have on a safety mask and gloves when applying it.

User Guide

Most foggers are designed to be placed in the center of a sealed room on a chair or table, and activated by depressing or removing a tab at the top of the can. The entire contents are released upwards, into the airspace, where the aerosol droplets remain suspended for a period of time and then gradually settle onto floors, counter tops and other surfaces. Prior to application, drawers, cabinets and closets are supposed to be opened to enhance coverage in areas where pests are likely to be living.

Step 1: Read The Label

Start by carefully reading the safety precautions and instructions on the label to decrease the chances of erroneously applying or setting the fogger product.

Step 2: Prep the room for Fogging

Seal children's toys and stash away food items or make sure they are completely covered if exposed. Also unplug refrigerators and air conditioners to be on the safeside to prevent any chances of a spark being caused by the mist. Shut off all open flames, hot water heaters, etc. Make sure that the room you will be setting the fogger is tightly sealed and there are no openings that will allow the fumes to escape.

Step 3: Activate

Activate the total release fogger and then vacate the home immediately. Stay away from the treated area for the time suggested on the label.

Step 4: Ventilate

Upon return, wipe down all surfaces and allow the home to ventilate well before reentry.

Key Takeaways

• Foggers are an effective formulation for flushing out large infestations of flying pests, roaches and pantry bugs in a home.
• Prior to setting off a total release fogger, make sure the room is sealed off and sensitive items are put away or covered.
• Letting the home ventilate upon re-entry is important for safety.