Ultra Low Volume 

Fogging is one of the best methods of eliminating large infestations of pesky flying insects but have you ever wondered how fogging works?  Studies have shown that the droplets generated from ULV or Ultra-low volume technology are ideal for treating against pathogens and vector carriers such as mosquitoes.

Solutions Pest & Lawn carries a broad selection of professional ultra-low volume fogging equipment. On this page, we will briefly explain what the ultra-low volume technique is, the benefits of using ULV products and equipment and how to apply them properly.

What is Ultra-Low Volume?

Ultra-low volume fogging (also known as cold fogging) refers to a method of spray application where a small amount of chemical is used to treat a large area for pests. This is carried out by a special piece of equipment called a ULV fogger that releases a pesticide in the form of a water-based fog.

These special-purpose formulations can be used indoors, but are primarily used in outdoor applications, such as for agricultural, forestry, ornamental, and mosquito control programs.

To produce fog into small droplets, ULV foggers are equipped with motors that produce a high power, low-pressure air stream.The ULV fogging solution is stored into a tank and when the fogger is operating the fogging liquid gets pumped out of the tank. 

This ULV solution then gets pumped into a special nozzle that is designed in such a way to give the airflow a swirling motion. A high air pressure produced by the motor helps to spray the fogging liquid through the nozzle separating it into tiny particles. The liquid solution gets sprayed out of the nozzle in the form of a cold fog or a fine mist.

ULV foggers mostly work off of electricity, which is needed to power an electric motor. The particle sizes the ULV fogger produces can be adjusted to output a precisely sized particle, which allows the fogger to be used in different terrains and situations. 

Conditions for Using ULV Pesticides

ULV Fogging works by compressing pesticides or disinfectants through a specially designed nozzle, producing a fine cold mist or aerosol. Portable electric foggers are ideal for indoor applications as they don’t produce exhaust gases, high temperatures, and are less noisy. These machines can apply both oil and water-based solutions.

ULV formulations are best used when there is a significant insect issue that is needing to be addressed and eradicated quickly. ULV fogging machines are used in a variety of different industries. Some application examples include: mosquito control, bird control, agricultural applications such as grain storage, disinfectant purposes, such as hospitals and laboratories, mold control and surface decontamination.

Using a ULV solution and fogger is ideal for the following conditions: indoor cold fogging, to control odors or disinfect, to get rid of molds, on plants and greenhouses and indoor/outdoor pest control.

Benefits of Using ULV Pesticides

ULV formulations come ready to use with no mixing necessary. No mixing means also less exposure to chemicals: applicators simply just have to fill the tank. There is also less risk of spilling and splashing and of related soil contamination. This also further reduces insecticide evaporation which is already low because of the oil-based formulation.

ULV applications leave little to no residue on surfaces and there is little risk of the ULV concentrate damaging equipment or plugging up screens and nozzles.

ULV Pesticide Drawbacks

ULV spraying may be a more expensive option compared to other methods of pesticide applications because they require special ULV equipment to achieve the desired droplet rate in the air.

ULV fogging concentrates may be harder to clean than most other insecticide formulations since ULV concentrates are mainly oil-based.

Other disadvantages of using ULV formulations is that since you have to use special ULV machines which may include longer application times, wind drift, high concentrations of active ingredients causing environmental hazards, and the requirement of higher technical skills for operating the machines.

Our Recommendations

Flex 10-10 - Flex 10-10 is a multi-use insecticide containing permethrin and PBO. This product will kill and control bed bugs and eliminate any bed bug infestation when applied with our bed bug kit. Flex 10-10 can be applied inside and outside with compressed air sprayers, ULV machines, or automatic mosquito misting machines. It is the best chemical for mosquito misting systems and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This product can be found in our 100% Guaranteed Bed Bug Kit

Solo 451 Mist Blower Fogging Backpack - The Solo 451 Mist Blower Fogging Backpack is an easy to use ULV fogger that you place on your back for outdoor fogging treatments to treat large areas of annoying pests like mosquitoes. You get great control with this fogger and are easily able to point and direct it where you want for maximum results.

Tools Needed

To use a ULV Concentrate you will need a ULV fogger. It is also recommended to have on the necessary PPE prior to mixing and applying ULV concentrates.

User Guide

Step 1: Prepare your ULV Fogger

Gather your ULV fogger or ULV equipment. Make sure the fogger is connected to a power source

Step 2: Mix ULV Concentrate in Fogger

Pour ULV concentrate into the ULV fogger liquid tank according to the instruction manual and based on the insect and area size. You can do this either by opening the seal to the liquid tank or unscrewing the liquid tank depending on which model of ULV fogger you own.

Step 3: Apply ULV Application To Treatment Area

Turn the ULV equipment on and apply the formulation either outdoors or indoors with the liquid of your choice. Make sure you calibrate the fogger before you turn it ON because if you do it in reverse you are risking getting either sprayed in face or in an area you didn’t want to spray.

Key Takeaways

• ULV concentrates are a type of pesticide formulation that is to be applied in Ultra-low volume foggers and other special ULV equipment.
• Solutions Pest & Lawn sells both ULV concentrate products and ULV fogging equipment which can be used to apply and spray the concentrates.
• ULV foggers are the best pest control method for indoor areas, however, they are also used outdoors, for example, to control mosquitoes.